Breaking News

Classes meet on the driveway outside of the Dolores Haugh Education Center. (located behind the museum at 101 S. Maple Street)

Each program costs $25 and is open to kids ages 7 and up. Space is limited. Registration is non-refundable.

Registration is now closed.

Have you ever seen a beautiful, unique craft or piece of needlework and wondered how you could ever learn to make something like that?

For the past two years Mount Prospect Historical Society volunteers Martha Nelson and Nancy Corry have been teaching crafts from around the world once a month to enthusiastic adult students and have developed quite a following. In fact, they are now offering their classes both in the morning, from 10 a.m. to noon, and in the evening, from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second Wednesday of each month in Central School, 103 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect.

Participants have created fleece blankets for Project Linus, a non-profit organization that provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need; woven rugs, trivets and small baskets for themselves from old t-shirts; made coasters using the Japanese sashiko stitchery technique; and much more.

All experience levels are welcome to attend and try each month’s spotlight project for $10. Advance registration is recommended.

For instance, on Feb. 14 they will be learning to “Knit Like a Viking.” Trichinopoly or Viking knitting makes a filigree cord out of metal!  Early examples of this ancient technique were found in 8th-century Scandinavian burial sites, and the design is still fashionable today.  They will make a bracelet using simple tools and wire.

In March, the group will be making wool hook “mug rugs” (like coasters). In the 19th century, women used every bit of fabric to make something useful. They made quilts, rugs for the floor and hangings for the walls. Learn how to take recycled wool strips and make something useful!

Then, on April 10 they will be making a bookmark using a bargello pattern. Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello Palace in Florence that have a “flame stitch” pattern.

Traditionally, Bargello was stitched in wool on canvas. Embroidery done this way is remarkably durable. It is well suited for use on pillows, upholstery and even carpets, but not for clothing. In most traditional pieces, all stitches are vertical with stitches going over two or more threads. Traditional designs are very colorful, and use many hues of one color, which produces intricate shading effects. The patterns are naturally geometric.

Punch needle coasters, candlewicking, ribbon embroidery, quilling and Temari balls are also in the plans.

To peruse the craft offerings and register, visit www.mtphist.org/bessies-workbasket/.  Registration is limited.

The MPHS Book Club delves into historical works and meets on designated dates at 7:00 pm in Central School (103 S. Maple St.). Free to attend, donations always welcome!

Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7 pm – County: Life, Death, and Politics at Chicago’s Public Hospital
Dive into a powerful conversation about County by David A. Ansell at our next book club meeting!   The now-historic Cook County Hospital has, from its start, been an important teaching hospital, a political lightning rod, and the center of health access for the poor.  This eye-opening memoir sheds light on the health disparities faced by underserved communities, offering a compelling mix of personal stories and social justice insights. As Ansell takes us through his experiences as a physician in the heart of America’s rural healthcare system, the book raises thought-provoking questions about inequality, access, and the power of community. If you’re eager to explore these crucial issues and share your thoughts with others, we’d love for you to join us!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

This book is available at the Mount Prospect Public Library as a book and audiobook.

Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7pm – Pick Your Favorite of Mike Royko’s work!
Mike Royko wrote over 7500 columns in various Chicago newspapers, and for over 30 years, was lovingly discussed (or shredded apart) over the breakfast table.  Read columns starring his mythical friend Slats Grobnik, and remind yourself what a Chicago accent really sounded like.  Read “Boss” to dig into Mayor Daley’s Chicago machine.  Enjoy not-politically correct humor with his columns on dwarf tossing, or take on the politically and economically important people with his incisive wit and courage.  

Select one or more excerpts that you find hilarious, horrifying, still relevant, or didn’t age well.  Revisiting an old friend (or enemy) is an interesting way to understand how our tastes have changed (or not).

If you’re looking for a place to start, the Mount Prospect Public Library carries many of his books.  The Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune have some of his columns as well.

• The Mount Prospect Public Library carries many of his books.
• Go to the Sun-Times or the Chicago Tribune websites and read a few of his columns  

*REGISTRATION AVAILABLE SOON*

Join us for a new and exciting quarterly evening craft series for adults 18+ with instructor Laurie Roubitchek! Check out our 2025 schedule – detailed class information to come!

Limit 15 attendees per class; no refunds.

Flower Arrangement “Frog”
Arranging cut flowers can be a challenge! But that difficulty can be largely alleviated by the use of a “flower frog” which gives you places to insert stems for a stunning arrangement. Flower “frogs” keep your flowers in place and can be used repeatedly. In this class, you will learn how to make your own “frog.” Bring to the class the vase you would like your “frog” to fit. (Please note this class is just the preparation of the frog and does not involve flower arranging.)
• Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm
• Location: Central School (103 S. Maple Street)
• Fee: $10
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Dried Flower Candle
• Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 7:00pm
• Location: Central School (103 S. Maple Street)
• Fee: $10
Registration available soon

Yarn Christmas Tree
• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7:00pm
• Location: Central School (103 S. Maple Street)
• Fee: $10
Registration available soon

Join us for a delightful afternoon tea and a history-themed presentation at the Mount Prospect Historical Society. We are offering three exciting programs in 2025!

All teas will begin at 1:00 p.m. in Central School (103 S. Maple Street). Doors will open at 12:45 pm.
Cost of each tea is $25 for MPHS members and $30 for non-members.

No refunds.  Must register in advance – no walk-ins.
Adults 18+, Limit 36 attendees

May 31, 2025
Zelda Fitzgerald
Presented by Lynn Rymarz
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

November 1, 2025
Cleopatra
Presented by Martina Mathisen
*Registration not yet available*