Worth Park District's Historical Museum
Worth Park District's Historical Museum
Charles M. Christensen Terrace Center
11500 S. Beloit
Worth, Illinois 60482
The Village of Worth is surrounded by historical waterways. Its north border touches a 14,000 year old waterway known today as Stony Creek. This creek was also known as the Big Feeder during the I & M Canal era. Worth's south boarder is the Cal-Sag Channel which was completed in 1922 and is an intricate part the Illinois Waterway. Worth is also home to one of the Metropolitan Water District's waterfalls. Incorporated in 1914, Worth's colorful story actually begins as far back as the 1840's. A transitional period of time for canal workers, the Big Feeder being dug along with the I&M Canal created a transient population. It wasn't until 1858 when Worth's first permanent settler, John Crandall, built his home to stay. The family's descendents still reside here today. Since 1995 Worth's Park District's Historical Museum has been gathering and recording the information essential in preserving the village's rich history. The museum celebrates those who courageously endured the challenges of yesterday and to the people of Worth today, a hard working community striving to move Worth in a positive direction.
Worth Park District
Terrace Center 11500 S. Beloit - Three blocks west of Harlem at the intersection of 115th Street & Beloit.
Rooms 102 & 104
Worth, Illinois 60482
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday by appointment
Curator hours are Wednesday & Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday is Volunteer Day from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please join us!
From more information please contact Curator, Christine Brooks, at 708-448-7080, Ext. 7
Please Note: Because of the recent vandalism to the museum, all children, ages 14 and younger, must be accompanied by an adult. An adult is considered 18 years of age. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Worth Historical Society
We invite you to join us on a journey. A journey that offers you an opportunity to see the past, but extends an invitation to make your mark on the future. Come join us on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the museum where we are involved in many areas such as research, community relations, school programs, special events, display planning, and fellowship. Our door is always open.
The new Historical Museum is located in Rooms 102 & 104 at the Terrace Center. Funded by a grant from the Department of Natural Resources Illinois State Museum's Public Museum Capital Grants Program the larger room displays the the museum's growing collections along with a Research Center to accommodate students and genealogists. The Grand Re-Opening was held on August 4, 2004.
Under Construction:
1/6/04
1/13/04
1/15/04
1/27/04
1/29/04
2/3/04
3/10/04
3/10/04
3/10/04
3/11/04
4/6/04
4/14/04
4/14/04
4/20/04
4/20/04
5/5/04
5/20/04
5/20/04
6/2/04
6/2/04
Opening:
8/4/04
8/4/04
8/4/04
8/4/04
8/4/04
8/4/04
8/4/04
The first book about the history of Worth was released in 1995. The revised, second edition, is available at the Park District free of charge. Books can be found at the front office of the Terrace Center, in the museum, and at the Worth Public Library.
Every Tuesday morning volunteers gather in the museum's Resource Center to work on newspaper files. If you are looking to get involved in a fun project for your community please join us for some lively conversation and fellowship. This project does not require any physical labor. Volunteers clip, file & paste articles. For more information please call Christine Brooks at the museum.
In recent years there has been a growing interest in the study of local and regional history through the lives of community residents. Traditionally, professional historians focused on official documents and written records usually produced by society's leaders. However, a new generation of social historians have been making a special effort to include other people whose voices and views have been largely ignored. The histories of ordinary families often contain important new information that complements the scant written records available on topics of local interest. Even subjects that are well documented can be enhanced by family histories that often reveal the neglected human side of the past. If this is a project that interests you, and you would like to have the opportunity to tell your story, please contact Museum Curator, Christine Brooks, and she will send along additional information.
If you have not received the Second Edition of our Historical Buildings book, please stop by the museum for a free copy. Since there are only 40 homes featured in this book the museum is offering the opportunity for all homeowners in the village to have their home pictured in a book which is on display in the museum. Not only does this museum book provide an essential record of the community, it is an asset to the museum in order to keep history alive. If you would like to have your home in this book please call the museum at 448-7080 #7.
7030 Crandall 7127 111th Street(1) 7013 113th Street 6600 111th Street
7036 111th & Depot (1) 7036 111th & Depot(2) 6915 111th Street 6917 111th Street
7011 111th Street 7101 111th Street 7127 111th Street(2) 7240 107th Street
In August, 1984 Congress created the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. Stretching 100 miles from Chicago to LaSalle, the nation's first National Heritage Corridor covers a region that was essential to a growing nation. The below map signifies the eastern section of the 100-mile long I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor. Information pertaining to the I & M Canal, Stony Creek, and the Cal Sag Channel is available at the museum.
Through photos, artifacts, newspaper clippings, and old maps, the Worth Park District's Historical Museum recreates a moment in time very different from today. Fragments of past lives are pieced together to form the story of Worth's rich history. The museum welcomes novice historians and research students alike. The museum's Resource Center, which also holds hundreds of books, is open during Curator hours or by appointment. We have the necessary information needed by genealogists or for such projects as the Illinois History Fair. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in the History Fair please contact the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Educational Services, 1 Old State Capitol, Springfield, IL 62701.
WORTH HISTORY DAY
NARRATED BUS TOURS OF WORTH
SUNDAY, MAY 4TH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH
Where was the Worth Dairy, Chi Chi's Goat
Farm, and the Calumet Feeder Canal? Was there a Horse Race Track in Worth
and what is there now? All these questions and more will be answered as
you spend the afternoon exploring village history. The program includes a
narrated bus tour with time afterwards to socialize with our very one
"living history" residents. Refreshments will also be served.
Day:
Sunday
Dates: May 4 & September 28
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Fee:
$3.00
Location: Terrace Centre
Min/Max: 15/25
HISTORIC INVESTIGATION
"BEYOND THE VEIL"
SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH
Join Ursula Bielski, Chicago's acclaimed ghost
hunter and paranormal researcher, and Edward L. Shananhan, Gatekeeper of the
Unexplained World, as they share their thoughts about the power of spiritual
connections and of intuitive paranormal investigations at one of Orland Park's
oldest historical locations. Guests will learn the shadowy history, hear
the legends, and participate in a number of exercises designed to heighten
paranormal activity. Guests are also welcomed to bring items of loved ones
for psychometry readings. For more information go to www.chicagohauntings.com.
Day: Saturday
Date: April
26 Time:
5:30 (6-10) p.m.
Fee:
30:00
Max:
14
Bus will depart from: Terrace Centre
STARVED ROCK STATE PARK TOUR
&
LASALLE CANAL BOAT RIDE
FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH
After lunch at Starved Rock restaurant's
famous soup and salad bar we will continue our day on a trolley learning the
history of the area through a narrated tour. Then we'll step back in time
as we take a ride on a horse-pulled replica of a 19-century canal boat down the
Illinois & Michigan Canal. With horses led by a horse-tender dressed
in period clothing walking along the canal towpath, it will be an experience
that you will soon not forget. This is the only attraction of its kind in
Illinois. Lunch is included.
Day:
Friday
Date: June
6 Time:
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fee:
$50.00
Min/Max: 15/20 Reg. Deadline: May
21
Transportation: Coach Bus
CLASSIC CAR CRUISE
PEAK'S PARK
107TH & OAK PARK AVE.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Weather Permitting
Bring your classic car to Peak's Park starting at 5:00. The first 50 cars will be given goody bags. All participants will be included in the door prizes. At 8:00 the cars will begin to line up for a Cruise through town. The Cruise will begin north on Oak Park to 107th St. They will proceed east on 107th to south on Ridgeland and then turn west onto 111th St. From there they will turn south on Oak Park to 115th St. The cars will continue west on 115th to Harlem where they will turn north to 111th St. Then back on 111th, this time going east to Oak Park. From there the cars will head north on Oak Park to Peak's Park where they are welcome to re-park or head on down the road. So if you're a participant, a car enthusiast visiting the park, or just watching from your front yard you're sure to be pleased by the sight.
WORTH PARK DISTRICT OPEN HOUSE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
The museum will be open during the Park District's Open House. Please stop in and see what's new in history.
EXPLORING ILLINOIS...
JOHN LYNN'S PRESENTATION
"THE PRAIRIE STATE PRIMER"
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH
7:00 P.M.
This is a free lecture
Pre-registration is not required
Come explore our state's past and present through John Lynn's colorful slide & lecture presentation. John has walked the 400-mile length of Illinois, walked over 6000 miles of parks and nature trails within the state, canoed the length of the Illinois River, and is the only person to have visited and photographed all of the Prairie State's 2400 cities, towns, and villages. John's presentation of his experiences, adventures, and discoveries have been hosted by over 3000 audiences in three countries.
GHOST HUNTER
RICHARD CROWE'S
"DESPLAINES VALLEY TOUR"
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
The DesPlaines Valley Ghost Tour is one
of Richard Crowe's most fascinating trips, which covers the north suburbs down
to the south suburbs, including parts of Chicago along the way. Lunch is
not included in the price but we will be taking a break half-way through the
tour for refreshments.
Day:
Sunday
Date: October
12 Time:
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Fee:
$30.00
Min/Max:
68
Bus will depart from: Terrace Center
ROCHELLE M. PENNINGTON'S
"AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS"
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH
7:00 P.M.
This is a free lecture
Pre-registration is not required
Join us for a cup of hot chocolate and cookies as we go back to the 1930's, 40's and 50's Listeners will enjoy author, Rochelle Pennington's presentation along with her antique collectables that bring us back to a time when the essence of family and holiday tradition could be felt in every home and on every street corner. Feel, once again, the true spirit and magic of Christmas. After the presentation Rochelle's book, "An Old Fashioned Christmas - Tinsel, Gingerbread Men & Billie-the-Brownie" will be raffled. Autographed books will also be available for purchase. More information is available at: www.ChristmasTreeShipBooks.com.
TO REGISTER FOR TRIPS PLEASE CALL THE PARK
DISTRICT AT
708-448-7080
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Programming Available
The museum does offer programs for both adult and children's groups. All programs are free to Worth residents and can be designed to fit each group's criteria. Please contact Curator, Christine Brooks at the Park District (708- 448-7080) for more information.
Canallers in the Corridor
Canallers in the Corridor is a volunteer group who promote the story of the Illinois & Michigan Canal era. The Canallers portray real and composite characters of the 1800's. They share stories that reflect the daily lives and extraordinary adventures of a pivotal chapter in the story of the westward expansion. Programs are available. For more information please contact Jim Carr (630-325-1528). http://canallersinthecorridor.org/
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