Colonel Palmer House Opens Two New Exhibits on Th, July 16

Mon August 3, 2020

On Thursday, July 16, two new exhibits will open to the public at Colonel Palmer House.

Faces of Education Exhibit features the history, teachers and administrators of the elementary and high school districts of Crystal Lake, from their combined beginning as Union School, eventual separation into Community High School and Union Grade School, and ultimate formation of Districts 47 and 155.  Relive your Crystal Lake school days by visiting the District 47 and District 155 exhibits.  We have lots of memories and memorabilia on display – see how many faces you can remember!  Special exhibits on the Country School Houses of McHenry County and Nature Education in Crystal Lake.

A Peek at the 20s Exhibit features Crystal Lake life from 100 years ago.  Learn about local transportation, religion, entertainment, recreation, politics, fashion in the era of prohibition and women’s rights to vote.  You might be surprised how far we have come in one short century! Journey back 100 years in Crystal Lake history!  What was life like when our town was young and growing?  Visit our displays on Automobile Dealers, Filling Stations, A Day at the Beach, That’s Entertainment, Fashion and Flappers, Law and Order and more.

Colonel Palmer House: 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake

Contact: 815.477.5873, palmerhouse@crystallakeparks.org

Hours: Thursdays 1 – 4 PM, Saturdays 11 AM – 4 PM

To arrange for a special visit or tour of the Colonel Palmer House (non-research), call 815/477-5873. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

The Colonel Palmer House was built c.1858 by settlers Gustavus and Henrietta Palmer. Located on its original site, the home was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Currently the home is maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District and is home to the Crystal Lake Historical Society.