The History Center begins 2008 with three programs in January.

Thursday, January 10 begins the first Coffee Talk program of the new year. At 1:30 pm in the Visitor Center (781 Pearson Street), author of the book Chicago Aviation: an Illustrated History, David M. Young, will talk about the interesting history of O'Hare Airport. The program is free of charge and no reservation is required. Free coffee, tea and cookies will be served following the program.

On January 16, home-schooled children are invited to make Batik art from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Batik is a style of dying that uses wax to create colorful designs. The program is free of charge, but reservations are required. Call the History Center to make a reservation: 847-391-5399.

For the school holiday on January 21, children ages 5-12 are invited to participate in making a historic toy. Myriorama is an old fashioned toy that uses three or more cards that can be arranged and rearranged to create an endlessly changing landscape design. Children can choose to attend the 1:00 - 2:00 pm or 2:00 - 3:00 pm session. The program costs $1/child for members and $2/child for non-members. Reservations are required: 847-391-5399.

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.