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Staffordshire on the Prairie

Sunday, February 22, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Presenter: Patricia Reaves

This presentation addresses the English Staffordshire Ironstone tableware that was imported to the United States throughout the Victorian era. It was widely available for purchase and would have been at home in our early community of Franzosenbusch. The focus will be on transfer ware Ironstone, makers and markings, and how these historic relics are still collectible today.

More State and Provincial Parks

Sunday, January 25, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


In part two of a continuing series, photographer and naturalist Jim Rowan will present more of his favorite images from decades traveling to State Parks in the United States and Provincial Parks in Canada.

His focus is on the unique travel opportunities to visit unusual sights that help us stay in touch with native landscapes and the wildlife they support. After showing local favorites like the Indiana Dunes and Castle Rock, Jim will share memories from parks out west, way up north and all the way to the islands of Hawaii.

Holiday Ornaments: History and Traditions

Sunday, December 14, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Presenter: Patricia Reaves

Come learn about the origin and practices of decorating trees for the holidays, where the ornamentations of today were traditionally made, how holiday markets grew to spread the cheer and how it all evolved with trends throughout the decades.

Dressed for History: Antique Clothing Exhibit 1820s – 1920s

Every Sunday in November, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Join us for a historic fashion exhibit going back in time from 1920 to 1820. Authentic clothing from the different periods will be on display accompanied by brief explanations of the items’ sources, materials and what made them representative for their periods. Judge for yourself how they compare to what we wear today and wonder at the artistry, workmanship and resourcefulness of their creators.

Insect Safari

Sunday, September 14, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Join us for our late summer Insect Safari with naturalist guides Michael Rush and Larry Godson.

Using nets provided by Save The Prairie Society, participants will be able to catch, identify and study a variety of insects. In the end, we will release them back onto the prairie. Note: please wear sturdy shoes and long pants!

The Annual Old Fashioned Prairie Fest

Saturday, September 6, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Save the Prairie Society’s invites you to a free community event: The Annual Old Fashioned Prairie Fest! at the parkway of the Prairie House. Rain date September 13.

FREE Event! Something for everyone:

  • Vendors will offer Arts and Crafts
  • Prairie Society experts will offer Prairie Walking Tours
  • STPS local historian will give tours of the 1870s farmhouse and the historic 1853 Schoolhouse Museum within
  • Ledo’s Pizza will offer Food and Beverages
  • Dulcimer Players will perform music on the front porch
  • Our Information Booth will have more details on Prairie Events, Restoration Efforts and other Save the Prairie Society Volunteer Opportunities
  • JG’s Reptile Roadshow will introduce you to a variety of interesting animals
  • A Cook County Forest Preserve Ecologist will explain a new program involving research on bats
  • Historical reenactors will be available to talk about the time periods they interpret

Birds of Belize

Sunday, August 10, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Experience the country of Belize, located on the northeastern coast of Central America, through the lens of Wolf Road Prairie volunteer and photographer Fidencio Marbella as he shares images and impressions he gathered on a recent journey there.

Learn about the wide array of tropical birds and other characteristics of Belize’s diverse landscape as Fidencio focuses on the jungles and rain forests of the interior of this unique land.

State and Provincial Parks

Sunday, August 3, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


In part one of a continuing series, photographer and naturalist Jim Rowan will present some of his favorite images from decades of travelling to State Parks in the United States and Provincial Parks in Canada. His focus is on the unique travel opportunities to visit unusual sights that help us stay in touch with native landscapes and the wildlife they support.

Chicago: Highlights of the Last 20,000 Years

Sunday, July 27, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Learn all about the long history of the Chicago Portage at our next talk with STPS naturalist E.J. Neafsey!

Topics covered will include: Glaciers, Lake Chicago, Native Americans, Marquette & Jolliet, Fort Dearborn and the Sanitary & Shipping Canal.

Insect Safari

Sunday, July 13, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Join us for our summer Insect Safari with naturalist guides Michael Rush, Jim Rowan and Larry Godson.

Using nets provided by Save The Prairie Society, participants will be able to catch, identify and study a variety of insects. In the end, we will release them back onto the prairie. Note: please wear sturdy shoes and long pants!

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Weekly Open House

Sundays, 3:00-5:00pm
@ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester


Visit Westchester's oldest house! Tours of the 1853 School and Teacherage Museum are available.

Upcoming Events

Feb
22
Sun
1:00 pm Staffordshire on the Prairie @ The Historic Prairie House
Staffordshire on the Prairie @ The Historic Prairie House
Feb 22 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Staffordshire on the Prairie @ The Historic Prairie House
Sunday, February 22, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester Presenter: Patricia Reaves This presentation addresses the English Staffordshire Ironstone tableware that was imported to the United States[...]

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