April 26, 2024
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McHenry County Historical Society’s Sampler Lecture Series returns virtually

Topics include heirloom recipes, postcards, instruments and 19th century clothing

By Northwest Herald staff report

Back in the 1970s, Harvard’s Roxanne Sward captured first place with her Swedish pecan cookies at the McHenry County Fair. (McHenry County Historical Society Archives' Don Peasley Collection)

The McHenry County Historical Society’s storied Sampler Lecture Series is back this spring – albeit from a distance.

After COVID-19 health concerns cut short last year’s offerings, the series is set to return in a virtual format this month.

While all four lectures are free, attendees must register in advance on the McHenry County Historical Society’s website at www.gothistory.org to receive the access code.

The programs include:

  • 7 p.m. March 8: Highland Park’s Catherine Lambrecht, who was instrumental in founding the Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance and the Chicago Foodways Roundtable, will kick off the four lectures with a presentation called “Heirloom Recipes from the Illinois State Fair.”
  • 7 p.m. March 22: “Picture Postcards: The Happy Invention” presented by Katherine Hamilton-Smith, director of public affairs and development for the Lake County Forest Preserves.
  • 7 p.m. April 5: “Historic Instruments of Illinois” by Chris Vallillo, a singer/songwriter and folklorist from Moline who has restored and collected Illinois stringed instruments for more than 30 years.
  • 7 p.m. April 19: “The Life Cycle of Clothing in the 19th Century” presented by Erika Holst, curator of history at the Illinois State Museum.

For information, call 815-923-2267.