Lansing Historical Society

On June 25, 2018, Paul Schulz will lead his annual Lansing Historical Walk along Ridge Rd.  We’ll meet at 6:00 p.m. behind Gayety’s, 3306 Ridge Rd. Paul, who was born and raised in Lansing, spent years as a mail carrier delivering mail to the businesses along Ridge Rd. His knowledge of the village goes deep.  Each year Paul thinks of some interesting tidbits to add; so the walk is never quite the same.  Also, participants are invited to add their own insights. For more information, contact Barb Dust, 708-474-7497.

The Lansing Historical Museum will honor Lansing’s Fallen Heroes Day, which is designated as April 8, by hosting a vigil at the museum on Monday, April 9^th, since the library is closed on Sundays.  Our display will tell the stories of Police Officer Kenneth Novak, Jr., End of Watch 4-8-1992 and LCPL Phillip J.  Martini, KIA 4-8-2006.  We invite the public to come and learn about these brave and dedicated young men who gave their lives to protect us.  The museum, located in the lower level of the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL, will hold special hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 9, 2018.

The display will remain in place for the next month.  For more information, call Barb Dust at 708-474-7497                                                   

Join us on Monday, April 23, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing, Illinois, for an evening with actor Terry Lynch.

On December 3, 2018, the great state of Illinois will be 200 years old! A birthday this monumental cannot go uncelebrated. This program will discuss everything from Illinois’ early years, historical happenings, famous Illinoisans, as well as supplemental online information on Illinois counties as the big date draws closer. It’s Gonna Be a Party!

Terry Lynch has been a professional actor and speaker in the Chicagoland area for more than 30 years,  Terry’s acting credits include stage, T.V. film and radio.  He has regularly appeared on the WGN Morning  Show in Chicago. He has spoken to groups of all ages using his years of theatrical and improvisational training at Northern Illinois University, Second City Training Center, and The iO Theater to create unique presentations that are humorous, informative and inspirational.

For more information, call Barb, 708-474-7497 

Did you know that Lansing once had a Grammy Award Winner living in town?  Did you know that Homer and Jethro were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame?

Homer and Jethro were the stage names of Henry D. “Homer” Haynes and Kenneth C. “Jethro” Burns, popular from the 1940s through the 1960s on radio and television for their satirical versions of popular songs. Known as the “Thinking Man’s Hillbillies”, they received a Grammy in 1959 and are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame

Come and learn the story of this amazing life from his daughter. Tracy Haynes Vrab will share the story of her father’s and mother’s country music and comedy careers, how they came to live in Lansing and the story of their courageous battle with kidney disease.

Monday, March 26, 2018. 6:00 p.m.

Lansing  Public Library, Community Room, 27150 Indiana Ave. Lansing, Il. 60438

For more information, call Barb Dust, 708-474-7497.

The Christmas trees are down and the museum is open again! Regular hours are Mondays, 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Lower level of Lansing Public Library.

Our first meeting of the year will feature a program show-casing the innovative methods for teaching social studies going on in town.  Ms. Mary DiGrispino will be bringing a sample from the production of the summer school Time Travelers on the American Revolution. Every summer this group tackles a different era in American history using hands on arts, crafts, foods, drama etc. to bring alive the events of the past.  Then the TF South social studies department will present some of the raps from the “Hamilton” Education program by Mr. Matt Tiffey’s students. The students researched different aspects of the American Revolution, created rap programs to display their learning and then attended the professional “Hamilton” production downtown.  Mr. Chris Robert’s students will fill us in on the latest happenings with the History Club and Mock Trial program. It should be a fun evening for all! For more info, call 708-474-7497

The “Festival of Lights, Christmas Trees Around” the World exhibit will open on Nov. 27, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. with a program featuring holiday music by the TF South Choir.  After the performance, the public will be invited to view the 35 trees and displays from 28 countries.  This year’s theme will be “Christmas Visitors.” Come and learn about how the different countries are visited by the likes of Santa, Le Befana, the Tomte, Nisse and the Three Kings. Holiday recipes from different cultures will also be available.   Hours are Monday and Tuesday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Tours can be arranged at other times by calling 708-474-7497.

Children are invited to make an ornament at home or school and bring it to add to the “Children’s Tree.”  Families are invited to visit and learn about holiday customs by playing our “Holiday Treasure Hunt Game.”

On Monday, October 23, 2017, Lansing Historical Society will host Les Marszalek of the Chicago Archaeology Services Network.  Les will talk about recent archaeology finds in the Lansing area and describe the daily life of those who lived here before us. He will have many examples of artifacts found in this region. The public is invited and there is no charge.  The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL 60438.  For more information call 708-474-7497.

Monday, September 25, 2017

The Lansing Historical Society will hold its first meeting of the new season with a talk by Tom Luberda, the past President and Founder of the Lansing Veterans’ Memorial.  The presentation will be held at the Historic Ford Hangar which is adjacent to the Memorial. It is located at the Lansing Municipal Airport at the corner of Burnham Ave. and Glenwood-Lansing Rd., in Lansing, IL. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Come and learn about the start of the project, the acquisition of the Uh-118 Huey Helicopter, the people honored on the wall, the etched mural by Anna Carroll, and much more.

Unfortunately, no washrooms are available at the Hangar.

For more information, call Barb Dust, 708-474-7497, barbd728@aol.com

Come take a walk back in time! 

On Monday, June 26, 2017, Paul Schulz will lead the Lansing Historical Walk on Ridge Rd.  We’ll meet at 6:00 p.m. behind Gayety’s, 3306 Ridge Rd. Paul, who was born and raised in Lansing, spent years as a mail carrier delivering mail to the businesses along Ridge Rd. His knowledge of the village goes deep.  Each year Paul thinks of some interesting tidbits to add; so the walk is never quite the same.  Also, participants are invited to add their own insights.

There is no fee for this event.  All are welcome!  For more information, call Barb Dust, 708-474-7497, barbd728@aol.com