Preservation Month Events

The Wheaton Historic Commission organizes events celebrating Wheaton's history during Preservation Month in May.

2022 EVENTS

Pride in Preservation Signs

Dates: May 14-22
Location: City of Wheaton
As part of Preservation Month 2022, from Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 22, the Historic Commission will place “Pride in Preservation” purple lawn signs throughout Wheaton at designated Wheaton Historic Landmarks and locations listed on the Wheaton Register of Historic Places. Many of these sites include a plaque with the estimated date of construction or a permanent interpretive sign with more additional information. For an online tour of Wheaton's Landmarks, go to the Wheaton Register of Historic Places Program and select "View Wheaton Register of Historic Places."

Cantigny Park offers free parking to Wheaton residents

Dates: May 14-20
Location: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
From May 14-20, Cantigny Park will provide free parking days for Wheaton residents in honor of Preservation Month. Just show proof of Wheaton residency at the parking booth for admittance. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Museums, gardens, and other attractions inside the park are always free admission.

Cantigny Park, part of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundations, is the 500-acre estate of Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955), longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. It is home to 30 acres of spectacular gardens, the McCormick House, the First Division Museum, and a spectacular 27-hole golf course. All are open to the public. The Robert R. McCormick Museum was listed on the Wheaton Register of Historic Places in 2011 by the City of Wheaton Historic Commission. For more information, visit www.Cantigny.org or call 630-668-5161.

The Great Fires of Wheaton

Date: Tuesday, May 17
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Wheaton Public Library
Historian Bob Goldsborough discusses 145 years’ worth of fires in Wheaton's history, including the fire that destroyed half of downtown Wheaton in 1885, the Metra commuter station fire in 2017, and everything in between. Wheaton Fire Chief Bill Schultz will introduce Bob Goldsborough and be available to answer any questions about fire safety. Free smoke detectors will be raffled off to attendees. Co-sponsored by the City of Wheaton Historic Commission and the Wheaton Public Library. The event is free and open to the public, although registration is required at wheatonlibrary.org/events/great-fires-wheaton.

DuPage County Historical Museum Architectural Walking Tour

Date: Saturday, May 21
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Starts from DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St.
This exciting guided walking tour through historic Downtown Wheaton will be hosted by the DuPage County Historical Museum on Saturday, May 21. Learn about Downtown Wheaton’s rich history and exquisite architecture. The tour covers 1.5 miles long and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Dress for the weather. There is a fee for this event for all participants age 7 and older. To register, call 630-510-4941, email dupagemuseum@wheatonparks.org or visit https://dupagemuseum.org/events/5-21-architectural-walking-tour/.

History of the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railway

Date: Tuesday, June 7
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Wheaton Public Library
Lecture by Brian and Joyce Ostberg, co-sponsored by the City of Wheaton Historic Commission and the Wheaton Public Library. During the early 1900s, communities from Chicago to the Fox River were linked together by one of the first and fastest electric interurban railways in the United States - the Chicago, Aurora, & Elgin Railway, headquartered in Wheaton! The former route of the Roarin’ Elgin has been transformed into the scenic and popular Illinois Prairie Path. Join Brian and Joyce Ostberg, creators of the BeHistoric YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/c/BeHistoric, to learn about the railway’s history and its traces, still discoverable along the former trackway. The event is free and open to the public, although registration is required at wheatonlibrary.org/event/history-chicago-aurora-elgin-railway.