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Snoopy and the Red Baron took to the skies in 1965, and an exhibit about the popular World War I comic strip story line has landed at the Elmhurst History Museum for a 12-week run.
The museum, 120 E. Park Ave., is the first in the country to host the traveling exhibition, which tells the full story of the "charismatic and beloved character, from the origin of the story line, to how [creator Charles M.] Schulz researched all aspects of World War I to bring authenticity to the strips," according to the Charles M. Schulz Museum.
“We were looking for a family-friendly exhibit,” said Patrice Roche, marketing and communications specialist for the Elmhurst History Museum. "We were very fortunate."
The timing of the exhibit, which runs through June 17, is especially poignant because 2018 is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, she said.
Roche added the goal of the museum is to combine displays that focus on local history with ones that broach broader topics.
"We want to talk about all types of history," she said.
The Snoopy and Red Baron story line played out for decades as Snoopy participated in dogfights against the infamous Red Baron, who was based on a real German flying ace named Manfred von Richthofen.
Snoopy, clad in a leather flying cap, goggles and scarf, took to the skies atop his doghouse, which was transformed in his imagination into a Sopwith Camel biplane.
"[The exhibit] is focused on the Snoppy and the Red Baron story line," Roche said. "Schulz was a genius in so many ways. Charles Schulz isn't with us anymore, but we're still looking at his comics. People just go nuts for Snoopy."
The exhibit features reproductions of Schulz’s original comic strip artwork, photographs, film clips, toys, collectibles and books. Children can try on aviator caps and goggles for a photo op next to Snoopy’s doghouse.
Roche said she expects the exhibit to appeal to a multigenerational audience including older individuals who recall the comic strip to young children who are fascinated with Snoopy.
The museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free, and limited free parking is available.
There are several events being held in connection with the exhibit:
• The Snoopy Scavenger Hunt runs through March 31. Children can pick up a clue sheet at the Elmhurst History Museum and use detective skills to track down Snoopy at hidden locations throughout Elmhurst City Centre. Collect stamps at each location and return them at the museum to claim a prize.
• Children can make their own aviator goggles and red scarf during Snoopy Craft Time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30. Check out the exhibit and pose for photos at Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center. The cost is $3, payable at the door. Registration is required by calling 630-530-6879 or emailing jess.sekiya@elmhurst.org.
• Children can celebrate the art of Charles M. Schulz by picking up a Snoopy coloring sheet at the Elmhurst History Museum or Elmhurst Public Library to participate in the Snoopy Coloring Contest. There is a limit of one entry per week through April 29, and entries may be returned to either location. They will be sorted by age, and winners will be chosen at random. They will receive a Snoopy and the Red Baron book courtesy of the Elmhurst Public Library.
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If you go
WHAT: Snoopy and the Red Baron exhibit
WHEN: March 23 through June 17
WHERE: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
COST: Free
INFO: elmhursthistory.org, 630-833-1457