Fiber Arts Club
2026-01-04 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Welcome back to the Fiber Arts Club!
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, local fabric shop owner Rachael of MAD Fabric + Studio will present on the history of feed sacks and how they were repurposed. A staple in rural economic sewing, feed sacks are cotton bags used throughout the mid-19th century until the 1950s to transport dry goods such as grains, animal feed, soap, tobacco, and more. Rachael will bring reference examples of feed sacks and some materials for attendees to make a small quilt block with authentic feed sack pieces.
All skill levels are welcome to learn a new technique or bring your own project to work on. This club is an open format to try out different fiber arts and form a community of fiber friends! Enjoy tea or coffee and comforting background music. Intended for teens and adults. No registration is required.
For more information, please contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6106.

American-made Board Game Party
2026-01-09 14:30 - 16:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Did you know that most of the board games you love were created in the United States? Kick off a year-long celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary with games including Monopoly, Life, and Ticket to Ride. Drop in for a quick game or spend two hours exploring different games.
This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. All participants will receive a snack. No registration is required.
For more information, please contact Steven at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400 or at stevenm@dkpl.org.

Be a Part of History: Become a Citizen Archivist
2026-01-11 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Interested in the JFK assassination records? What about federal records about UFOs? The National Archives needs help transcribing original documents to make them easier for the public to access. Learn how to decipher cursive and create keyword tags in a short presentation before getting hands-on experience in contributing to the transcription process.
Creating a login using two-factor authentication for the National Archives will be required to contribute.
This program is limited in spaces and is first come, first served. Laptops will be provided. All ages are welcome.
For questions and more information, contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815)756-9568 ext. 6106.

February Brown Bag Lunch – “What are we celebrating?"
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
As 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center are proud to announce the monthly Brown Bag Lunch series will focus on commemorating this historic anniversary. The series will kick off on February 5 with Bill Nicklas who will lay a foundation for the rest of the year’s discussions.

Bill Nicklas, the City Manager for the City of DeKalb, also is a historian. In preparation of the City of DeKalb’s 250th plans, he wrote an essay asking, “What are we celebrating?” During the Brown Bag lunch program he will explore “What inspired our founders, how their principles sustained later generations here and abroad, and what meaning we can still draw from a rich history of a people with boundless creative energy, fundamental decency, and an inspired confidence in meeting challenges that threaten to rob us of our dignity and purpose.”

Burl Ives, Midwestern Minstrel
2026-02-07 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Burl Ives was and is an iconic figure in the annals of American Folk Music and he got his start in the little Illinois town of Newton.
Ives went on to become one of the world’s most well-known folk singers and actors, but never lost his hometown ‘folksie’ touch. He recorded more than 100 albums in his career and was called America’s Great Ballad Singer by none other than Carl Sandburg. In the 1930’s he was an “official hobo”, traveling the country in boxcars, but went on to become an internationally recognized star. A fixture of the nascent “folk scene” of the 40’s, 50’s & 60’s in New York City, Ives became an Oscar winning actor in 1958’s Big Country and many other films.
Award-Winning singer/songwriter Barry Cloyd portrays a friend of Ives, Gypsy Davey, who was a hobo and guitar-toting minstrel. Hear ‘Gypsy’ perform many of Burl Ives’ most well-known folk songs.
This event is free and open to all. No registration is required. It is sponsored by Gretchen Moore in memory of Charles Moore.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Jack Benny: An Illinois Original
2026-02-28 15:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Jack Benny is regarded as one of the top comedians in American history, shining in vaudeville, radio, television, and film, while making a huge impact upon the sitcom genre. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Jack Benny, as she discusses his career, legacy, and early years in Waukegan, IL, in a multimedia presentation.
This event is intended for adults. Registration is not required. This is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
For more information, contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Brown Bag Lunch Program: Dr. Letitia Westgate
2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
The DeKalb County History Center’s second Brown Bag Lunch program for 2026, scheduled for noon on Thursday, March 5, located at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 North Main Street, will offer a free presentation on Dr. Letitia Westgate, the first woman doctor, surgeon, chemist, and architect to design, build, and manage a hospital in the United States.

Denise Moran, author of Dr. Letitia Westgate: Medical Pioneer, will present information and vintage photographs of the physician who opened Sycamore Hospital at the corner of Somonauk and Elm Streets on May 1, 1900. The building, which now houses the DNA Holistic Center, is a contributing structure within the Sycamore Historic District that was established when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Copies of the book will be available for purchase during the lecture.

Jacob Haish: Immigrant and Philanthropist
2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The story of Jacob Haish, widely known for his role in the early innovation of barbed wire, reaches far beyond this achievement.
An immigrant from Germany who arrived in the United States as a young boy, Haish built a successful career through barbed wire and other manufacturing ventures, including gasoline engines. His success allowed him to become one of DeKalb’s most generous early philanthropists. In his will, Haish specified that he desired his funds to provide a library and a hospital for his beloved DeKalb. His legacy includes establishing the Haish Memorial Library, supporting the DeKalb Hospital and what is now Kishwaukee Hospital, and offering substantial donations to local churches, schools, and civic causes. He also funded the library at the Northern Illinois State Normal School, known today as Northern Illinois University (NIU).
Glidden Homestead representatives—and Haish’s descendants—Jessi Haish LaRue and Jeff Marshall will share these lesser-known stories about Haish’s life, community impact, and enduring influence. Following the presentation, Emily Faulkner, Director of the DeKalb Public Library, will guide attendees on a tour of the historic Haish Memorial Library. To mark the bicentennial celebration, birthday treats will be served.
This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Emily at emilyf@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1000.

Free Breakfasts for Veterans
2026-03-15 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-04-19 07:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-17 07:30 - 11:30 | DeKalb Moose Lodge, 1231 E Lincoln Hwy.,, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Continuing through 2026, the DeKalb Moose Lodge will be offering all veterans a free breakfast on the third Sunday of each month.

Regional Candy Tasting for Teens
2026-03-20 13:30 - 14:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
There are different types of regional candies across the US. Learn about certain candies; and more importantly taste them! At the end of the tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to vote and decide which candy you liked the best.
This program is for tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Registration is not required, but the tasting is first come, first served as supplies are limited.
This program is part of the America 250 initiative, celebrating our nation’s anniversary throughout the year.
For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or 815-756-9568 ext. 3400.

Rockford Peaches and the AAGPBL
2026-03-21 11:00 - 12:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
During the 1940s, male professional baseball players left the field to lend a hand in WW2 war efforts. To keep the game alive, Chicago Cubs’ owner Philip K. Wrigley and others started the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) which lasted from 1943-1954. Rockford’s own team, The Peaches, were one of the best teams in the league, winning the championship four times, more than any other team. Today many people know of the Peaches through the 1992 Hollywood film, A League of Their Own.
Provided by Midway Village Museum, this presentation is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is open to all ages and sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Registration is not required.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Hits of the Ragtime Era
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Pop music comes and goes, but some songs from over 100 years ago are just as fresh in the mind as the day they were written. The Entertainer, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, St. Louis Blues, and Ballin’ the Jack are still familiar, but even when they first hit the scene, these songs were recognized as having something special.
Look at some of the songs that captivated the public and how their popularity continued into the present and also discover some songs and rags that were hits back in their day. So, to quote Irving Berlin, “come on along” for a great hour of ragtime and some early jazz and blues!
“Cherry & Jerry” is Isaac Cherry on percussion and Jerry Rabushka on piano. Based in St. Louis, the duo is also part of the larger “Ragged Blade Band,” and has toured music of the ragtime era throughout a several state areas. They’ve found this music is great for good times – brewpubs, wineries, markets, festivals, and more! They’ve appeared in the Big River Steampunk Festival in Hannibal, MO, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Chicago and Tulsa, the RAGBRAI bicycle event in Iowa, and the St. Louis World’s Fare in their hometown.
This free event is open to all. No registration is required. It is sponsored by Gretchen and Charles Moore.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year.
For more information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

The Spirit of America through Coins & Currency
2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Enjoy a presentation about how the indomitable American spirit not only survived 250 years of history, but helped shape it; as told through our money!
Ben Franklin made a coin? Coins helped win WW2? What the heck is a paper coin and how did it win the civil war? Wait, they made a $500 bill? Would an American give free silver back to the government? Find answers to all these questions and more with Dann from JP Coins & Collectibles in Sycamore.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
For more information, please contact Emily K at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6106.

Let “The Good Tymes” Roll: Free Showing
2026-03-27 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-28 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Sycamore State Theater, 420 W State St., Sycamore, Illinois, United States
Running from the 1970s-1980s this annual event attracted thousands of people each year. Held in different places throughout the county, including an annual t-shirt, music, and lots of good food! And yes, the Sycamore Park District’s “Good Tymes” shelter is part of the story.

DeKalb County Volunteer Fair
2026-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the first-ever
DeKalb County Volunteer Fair:Thursday, April 9, 20265:00pm – 7:00pm
The best local nonprofits are gathering under one roof, so individuals looking for ways to support can find the cause that needs their unique talents. A strong volunteer program is vital to the success of so many nonprofits, including those which serve DeKalb County. This event is designed to do two things: connect local causes with people who power them and empower individuals to find meaningful ways to give back.
This event is open to the public and free to attend. It has been planned by the following members of the 2025-2026 DeKalb Chamber Leadership Academy class:
Casey Bachochin, DeKalb TownshipRobin Borgione, Egyptian TheatreMegann Horstead, Shaw MediaEmily Kvasnicka, DeKalb Park DistrictNicole Ruffin, Safe PassageCharles Schmitt, DeKalb MechanicalMenelek Shah, NIU Police Department
If you represent a nonprofit that might be interested in participating or have any questions about this event, please email robin@egyptiantheatre.org or call (815) 758-1215, ext. 8.

A Sound Healing Experience with the Poetry of Walt Whitman
2026-04-11 11:00 - 12:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Experience a session of restorative Sound Healing interspersed with the transformative words of Walt Whitman. His unrivaled optimism and surprising insight into the potential of America is as relevant today as ever.
You will experience many tones and frequencies that pull us to a peaceful place within. The poetry inspires and deepens the experience.
Sven is a certified sound healer who incorporates a variety of instruments and poetry. He has performed this program of words and sound throughout the United States and in Europe.
This program is open to all ages. Due to the nature of this program, we will be closing the doors at 11:00 a.m., so please arrive on time if you wish to be admitted.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Yes, And...The History of Improv in the American Experience
2026-04-11 13:00 - 14:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Improv didn’t just change comedy—it reflected how Americans learn to collaborate, adapt, and create. Drawing on the history uncovered in Improv Nation by Sam Wasson, this talk explores the overlooked history of improvisation, from Chicago classrooms and counterculture stages to television and film, revealing how “yes, and” became a distinctly American way of thinking about art, community, and possibility.
This event is intended for adults and is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. Registration is not required.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Past Times at Glidden: Knitting the Nation
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host a program on the history and operation of circular knitting machines at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, as part of its “Past Times at Glidden” series.

Presenter Dona Walzer will demonstrate a working circular knitting machine while sharing the story of how this remarkable invention helped transform textile production during the Industrial Age. The demonstration will be held at the Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway. The demonstration and program are included with the museum’s $5 admission fee. Children under 14 years of age are free. Tours of the Homestead and blacksmithing demonstrations will also be available that day.

The circular knitting machine allowed factories to quickly produce knitted items such as hats, mittens, socks, and scarves—goods that were in high demand and far more time-consuming to make by hand. As home knitters adopted these machines, they played a significant role in wartime production and small home businesses, bringing industrial innovation into everyday life.

Visitors will be able to watch the machine in action during a continuous demonstration by Walzer and view samples of knitted items created using the device. Walzer is experienced in early 1800s interpretation and demonstrations of various trades for historic sites including quilting, knitting, shoemaking, spinning and weaving.

The presentation is part of the Homestead’s “Past Times at Glidden” series, the museum’s America250 programming, which celebrates the time-honored trades and crafts that helped build America. The series connects with the site’s own history as the home of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented and first manufactured “The Winner” barbed wire on the property in the 1870s.

Arbor Day Week Community Tree Planting - America 250
2026-04-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Illinois
DeKalb Township is celebrating Arbor Day week by launching our “250 Trees for Tomorrow” initiative with a community tree planting event at Elder Care Services. Volunteers are needed to plant, mulch, & water roughly a dozen trees. Volunteers are needed!

Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome. Coffee and donuts will be provided to volunteers.
For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282.

To learn more about the Township’s 250 Trees for Tomorrow (free tree and shrub) initiative, visit: https://dekalbtownship.org/residental-services/

Nellie Bly: Around the World in 72 Days
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran (1864-1922), this pioneer of investigative journalism is better known by her nom de plume, “Nellie Bly”. She became famous for her exposé of the New York City Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
On November 14, 1889, Cochrane began a solo trip around the world in emulation of the fictional character Phileas Fogg from the 1873 Jules Verne novel “Around the World in Eighty Days” – completing her trip on January 25, 1890, in the record-breaking time of 72 days, six hours, 11 minutes, & 14 seconds.
During this presentation, you’ll meet Nellie Bly in the US Embassy in Paris in February of 1919. The Great War has ended, and Nellie recounts her adventures as a reporter, in the US, Mexico and as a war correspondent, as she awaits permission to return to the US.
The presentation is followed by a Q&A and photo opportunities.
This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Library and is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome.
For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

Dessert & Dialogue
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Sycamore Park District, 480 S. Airport Road, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
The DeKalb County History Center, Ellwood House Museum, and Sycamore Park District will host Dessert & Dialogue on Thursday, April 30. This session’s theme, “Exploring How Place, Identity, and Shared Stories Shape Us,” invites participants to engage in meaningful dialogue about the experiences that define DeKalb County.

Sycamore Park District Executive Director Jonelle Bailey will facilitate the discussion, creating space for thoughtful conversation and a stronger sense of belonging.

The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on April 30 at the Sycamore Park District, 480 Airport Rd. in Sycamore. Childcare will be available.

While the event is free, advance registration is recommended at dekalbcountyhistory.org. For more information, call (815) 895-5762.

Turn of the Century Tea Party @ Ellwood House
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
You and your little one are cordially invited to a charming, turn-of-the-century tea party where imagination meets elegance! Take a delightful step back in time and enjoy a “proper” afternoon of tea, treats, and games with Dekalb Public Library at the historical Ellwood House Museum. Start by making fancy hats and accessories to complete party attire before gathering for tea, juice, treats, and etiquette games. Afterwards, retire to the courtyard lawn (weather permitting; otherwise, inside) for old-fashioned party games and end the party with a visit to Ellwood Dollhouse.
Patrons are encouraged to “play dress up” for the occasion!
Teatime starts promptly at 2:00 p.m. and families will be seated first come, first served. Please arrive early for seating. No registration is required.
This program is intended for families with children ages 6-11. Younger children may need additional assistance with crafts and activities.
For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.

The History of The Beach Boys
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The soundtrack for an American summer wouldn’t be complete without The Beach Boys…surf, sun and California dreaming. This presentation will focus on The Beach Boys “sunniest” years from 1962-1967. With the use of performance and interview clips, we’ll trace the arc of the Beach Boys’ early career from “Surfin’ U.S.A”., “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “California Girls” to the more mature Pet Sounds, “Good Vibrations” and the abandoned Smile project. Surf’s Up!
After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Departments of College of DuPage and Oakton Community College. He has lectured at over 80 Chicago area libraries.
This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. This event is free and open to all. No registration is required.
This program is open to all ages, but please note that the presentation may include discussion of mature subjects.
For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Veteran's Breakfast - 250 Birthday Celebration
2026-05-20 06:00 - 10:30 | Hy-Vee, 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Join Hy-Vee Sycamore for a free breakfast honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists!
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we want to say thank you to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. This meal is a small token of our gratitude for your sacrifice, dedication, and service to the United States.
We are proud to honor you. ❤️🤍💙

Stars and Stripes Bikes, Boards and Rollerblades
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Rotary Park, 1701 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
DeKalb Park District, DeKalb Rotary, and the DeKalb Public Library invite you to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country with a red, white, and blue bikes, skateboards, and rollerblades parade. (No electric scooters, please.)

Listen to a patriotic story read by DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes.
Decorate your bikes, boards, and rollerblades in a star-spangled way! Decorations & light refreshments will be available.
Ride, board, or rollerblade in a parade around the park to commemorate our country’s 250th anniversary!
Enter the prize drawing to win: $150, $100, or a $50 gift card!

Ages 10 and UnderNo pre-registration is required.

Beeswax Candles Workshop
2026-05-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Step back in time and experience the warm glow of history at the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center. As part of the Past Times at Glidden series, this hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the art and function of beeswax candle making in the 19th century.

Begin with a brief look at how candlelight shaped daily life in early American homes—long before the flip of a switch. Then, guided by instructor Courtney Sliga, create your own set of beautiful, functional candles. Each participant will make and take home four handcrafted beeswax candles.

This workshop takes place on Sunday, May 24 from 1-4 pm at the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. The cost is $55 per person, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Homestead’s mission. Pre-registration is required and tickets can be purchased at GliddenHomestead.org.

The Past Times at Glidden series is part of the site’s America250 programming, celebrating traditional trades and crafts that helped shape the nation. These programs connect historic practices to the site’s own story as the home of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented and first manufactured “The Winner” barbed wire on this property in the 1870s.
