HISTORY & TRADITIONS (July 7 – 13) 🏛️

🇺🇸 Moments That Made America: Turning Points in 250 Years (Park Ridge) | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Free | Join historian Valerie Gugala for a fascinating look back at the pivotal, celebrated, and overlooked milestones that forged our modern nation. | Park Ridge Public Library (Link)

🕊️ Peace Vigil (Park Ridge) | 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM | Free | A public, community gathering open to all featuring silent reflection, readings, and music. | First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge (Link)

📚 Aspen Drive Book Club: "Remarkably Bright Creatures" (Vernon Hills) | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Free | Participate in a thoughtful community literary discussion exploring the heartwarming themes of Shelby Van Pelt's celebrated novel. | Aspen Drive Library (Link)

📖 Cover to Cover: Kakigori Summer (Barrington) | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Free | A cozy book discussion group digging into this summer-themed novel pick. | Barrington Area Library (Link)

🗺️ Exceptional Explorer US Map (Barrington) | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Free | Dive into history and geography while mapping your way across a giant interactive layout of the United States. | Barrington Area Library (Link)

📜 Declaration of Independence Reading (Elgin) | 4:30 PM | Free | Join local historical groups on the museum lawn to participate in a simultaneous community reading taking place across the nation. | Elgin History Museum (Link)

🏛️ Influential Illinois Exhibit (Schaumburg) | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Free | Explore a historical exhibit on the second floor showcasing the legacies of presidents and first ladies from Illinois. | Central Library (Link)

📚 MPHS Book Club: One Summer: America, 1927 (Mount Prospect) | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Free | Join local history enthusiasts at the schoolhouse to discuss Bill Bryson's hit book detailing a monumental American summer. | Central School (Link)

🎨 Arlington Heights Art Guild Exhibition (Arlington Heights) | 8:30 AM | Free | Peruse a curated regional gallery showcase spotlighting local canvas artists and historical traveling art displays. | Arlington Heights Senior Center Lobby (Link)

🎮 “8 Bit Life” Gallery Exhibition Closing Reception (Elgin) | 11:00 AM | Free | Celebrate the finale of this video game–inspired showcase featuring diverse mixed media works and paintings from regional creators. | Elgin Artspace Lofts (Link)

🐮 Dairy Day (Elk Grove Village) | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Free | Discover the fascinating agricultural roots of Elk Grove Village by churning butter, listening to music, and trying your hand at milking a "dairy cow." | Elk Grove Historical Museum (Link)

🍺 Tales from the Trails (Skokie) | 11:00 AM | Free | Settle into a local taproom to listen to engaging historical anecdotes and outdoor preservation stories over local craft brews. | Sketchbook Brewing Co. (Link)

💼 SCORE Small Business Mentoring (Park Ridge) | All day | Free | Take advantage of highly customized, completely confidential business strategy coaching sessions delivered virtually or by phone with seasoned experts. | Park Ridge Public Library (Link)