In celebration of Wheaton’s history, the Wheaton Historic Commission has organized events during Preservation Month. From May 14 to May 22, the Historic Commission will place purple “Pride in Preservation” lawn signs throughout Wheaton at designated Wheaton Historic Landmarks. Many sites include a plaque with the estimated date of construction and additional information about the location. Cantigny Park will also provide free parking days for Wheaton residents from May 14-20. Wheaton residents can show proof of residency at the parking booth for admittance. A valid driver’s license is preferred.
On May 17, the Wheaton Public Library will host Historian Bob Goldsborough at 7 p.m., who will discuss the 145 years’ worth of fires in Wheaton’s history. Wheaton Fire Chief Bill Schultz will also be in attendance to provide additional information and answer any questions. Free smoke detectors will be raffled off to attendees. This event is free to the public but registration is required on the Wheaton Library website.
The DuPage County Historical Museum will host a guided walking tour through historic Downtown Wheaton on Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m. The tour will cover one and-one half miles of Downtown Wheaton’s rich history and architecture. The tour will start at the DuPage County Historical Museum. The tour is a free event for all participants age seven and older. Attendees should dress for the weather. To register, call 630-510-4941, email dupagemuseum@wheatonparks.org or visit the DuPage Historical Museum website.
On Tuesday, June 7, at 7 p.m., the Wheaton Public Library and the Historic Commission will host a lecture on the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Railway that was based in Wheaton during the 1900s. Brian and Joyce Ostberg, creators of the BeHistoric YouTube channel, will talk about the railway’s history and the former route of the Roarin’ Elgin which is now known as the Illinois Prairie Path. This event is free and open to the public. Please register on the Wheaton Library website.
The Historic Commission and the City of Wheaton are also pleased to present a new interactive map showing Wheaton’s historic landmarks. Broken up by four quadrants, historical sites are portrayed with a picture of the site as well as the year the building was constructed. Additional information, if known, is also provided. Viewers can scroll through the different areas of Historic Wheaton and virtually move through the city while learning about historical sites.
For additional information regarding the Wheaton Historic Commission or the events during Preservation Month, visit the City of Wheaton website.