Programs & Events

Our robust and eclectic roster of programs and events brings people of all ages and walks of life into the History Center to experience a local, national and world view of why history matters.

There's something for everyone; from our annual Trivia Night and genealogy series to expert panel discussions, stories shared by local historians, family programs, music, walking tours and more!

Check out our upcoming programs and events below and join us.

Marshall Field’s and Chicago

MF and Chicago

Thursday, April 2, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Free—Suggested donation of $10.00

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Land to Real Estate: Northeastern Illinois During the Treaty Era, 1795-1833

Thursday, April 9, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Free—Suggested donation of $10.00

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Mystery Photo Workshop

Mystery Photo

Saturday, April 11, 2026 - 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

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Both Prayed to the Same God: Religion and Faith in the American Civil War By: Robert J. Miller

Father Miller, Both Prayed to the Same God

Thursday, April 16, 2026 - 6:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Free—Suggested donation of $10.00

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1:00 PM | Crab Tree Farm Walking Tour

Crab Tree Farm 1PM

Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:00 PM

975 Sheridan Road, Lake Bluff

$25 per member, $35 per non-member

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10:00 AM | Crab Tree Farm Walking Tour

Crab Tree Farm 10AM

Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 10:00 AM

975 Sheridan Road, Lake Bluff

$25 per member, $35 per non-member

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Making Lake County Home: From Homestead to Hometown

Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Free—Suggested donation of $10.00

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Lake County in the Civil War: Home Front to Front Line

Home front to front line

Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

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Big Shoulders & Big Business: Chicago Comes of Age in the Industrial Era

Bid Shoulders

Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

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1893 Columbian Exposition

Columbian Expo

Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

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Over There and Close to Home: Lake Forest Faces War and Pandemic

War & Pandemic

Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

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Frances Perkins & the Social Safety Net of the 1930s-40s

FPerkins

Thursday, October 8, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

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Shaping The Next Fifty Years: A Community Conversation

Shaping next fifty

Thursday, December 3, 2026 - 7:00 PM

History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

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Programs & Events

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Keep up to date on upcoming programs, events, and tours with our newsletter, Here's What's Happening.

Walking & biking tours are sponsored by the generous support of

Virtual programming is made possible by the generous support of

Madeleine B. Dugan & Mark Saran

If you are interested in viewing our past programs, recordings can be found on our YouTube channel HERE.