The new school year means the beginning of two programs at the History Center: School Day Off Adventures and the Home-School Program. The first Home-School program will be held on September 19th from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the History Center. Kids will have the chance to illustrate a bug's life cycle using paper tubes. Children can choose to make a butterfly or a cicada. Some preserved cicadas from the summer's 17 year cicada emergence will be on display for children to observe. The program is free of charge, and reservations are required: 847-391-5399.

The first School Day Off Adventure of the school year will be held on Monday, October 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm or 2:00 - 3:00 pm. Children will make their own personalized cat's cradle string and learn how to make a witch's hat, Eiffel Tower, net and tea cup using the string. The cost for the program is $1.00/child members, $2.00/child non-members. Registration is required: 847-391-5399.

Both the Home-School and School Day Off Adventures programs are geared toward children ages 5-12. An adult must accompany children to programs.

Supported by the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, and the Des Plaines Historical Society, the Des Plaines History Center consists of three facilities, the Visitor Center, the Kinder House, and the Fisher-Wright House. For more information about the program, call 847-391-5399.