Outreach Programs
Milk Wars: Money, Mobsters and Mayhem – In the early decades of the 20th century, the Grayslake area was rich in dairy farms. In November, 1917, 16,000 members of the Milk Producer’s Association began a strike that cut milk deliveries to Chicago by 90%. Learn about the milk wars that surrounded Grayslake when Chicago’s mayor and Al Capone’s gang get involved with this presentation by Jane Trump. Contact the Society at 847-223-7663 for more information..
Traveling Basket – The Historical Society has a basket of artifacts, such as a stereopticon, box camera, rug beater, pea sheller and more, which a volunteer will take to a classroom or other group to show and explain to the students. Students may touch items. There is no fee. To arrange to have the traveling basket come to your school or group, call 847-223-7663.
Grayslake History Presentations – Historical Society volunteers are available to talk to clubs and other groups about various subjects in Grayslakeʼs history. A donation is appreciated. For more information call 847-223-7663.
Museum Tours – All areas of the Heritage Center and Museum are available for tours. Groups may request that the tour be subject related: History of Farming, History of Grayslake, Life One Hundred Years Ago, Maps, Archives. Special tours can be created. There is no fee but donations are appreciated. For more information call Michelle at 847-543-1745 or Charlotte at 847-223-7663.
Creative Writing through History – A former English teacher will go to schools and use historical artifacts and local events as a starting point for all types of creative writing, including poetry, drama, and short stories. Students will be exposed to museum artifacts and local history as well as writing techniques and ideas. There is no fee. For more information call 847-223-7663.
Genealogy – A genealogy search and share group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2:00 PM in the Grayslake Historical Society Archives. It is an open group where participants tell about their latest find or ask for suggestions on how to get past a brick wall. There is no fee. For more information call Charlotte at 847-987-5509 or email ChaRenehan@aol.com
Matrimony, Murder and Mayhem: The Joseph Schlosser Story – Grayslake had a matrimonial agency in the first half of the twentieth century. This is an intriguing story not known by many and is told by Society member Linda Willhite. Contact the Society at 847-223-7663 for more information.
History of the U.S. Post Office – Nancy Plotz Reed and Lisa Plotz Androus, daughters of former Grayslake postmaster Ernie Plotz, present a history of the U.S. Post Office and local postal history. They will also discuss philately (stamp collecting). Contact the Society at 847-223-7663 for more information.
World War 1 Letters to the Home Front – The Grayslake Historical Society has published over fifty letters written by Grayslake soldiers of the Great War. The letters were compiled by LInda Willhite and Charlotte Renehan with Willhite available to give programs featuring these first-hand experience letters. Contact the Society at 847-223-7663 for more information.
The Postmistress and the Preacher: A Grayslake Scandal – The Chicago papers in 1908 declared this story was “the biggest sensation ever pulled off in Grayslake”. Much is learned about the workings of a small town in this presentation by Linda Willhite. Contact the Society at 847-223-7663 for more information.