June 21st & 22nd: The Battle of Chaplin Creek - Civil War Reenactment and Living History Weekend
The first Annual Battle of Chaplin Creek - Civil War Reenactment and Living History Weekend at Chaplin Creek Village takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 21st and 22nd. Hours of operation are 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday June 21st and 9:00am - 3:00pm Sunday June 22nd.
This family friendly event is sponsored by the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society and hosted by Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery, Civil War Reenactment Unit of Rockford, IL. The battlefield will feature Chaplin Creek Village in Franklin Grove, Illinois amongst 1800’s period buildings and other historical artifacts.
To learn more about Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery, Civil War Reenactment Unit, please visit their web site at: www.batteryg.org.
For Admission and ticket information please see the Civil War Reenactment section of our web site.
To see a schedule of other reenactment events in the area and across the country, please visit these web site dedicated to Civil War history and reenacting:
Civil War Reenactment Headquarters at: www.reenactmenthq.com.
Civil War Traveler at: www.civilwartraveler.com.
July 4th: The Independence Day Celebration
The 7th Annual Independence Day Celebration features reenactors who depict the reading and represent the delegates who sign of the Declaration of Independence. This event which takes place on July 4th and starts at 9:00am at Chaplin Creek Village and celebrates the founding of the United States of America.
Our historic buildings will be open and available for visiting and refreshments being served following the ceremony. Admission to this event is free, however your donations to the Historical Society to support our ongoing operations to support special events of this nature will be welcomed.
For information concerning The Independence Day Celebration, Chaplin Creek Village and the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, including becoming a member and our other special events, please write to us at info@chaplincreek.com or call 815-990-5090.
July 8th: Meet Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln
On Tuesday, July 8th please join the Historical Society in welcoming Max and Donna Daniels who portray Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Weather permitting, the event happens at Chaplin Creek Village at the historic Scott Barn at 7:00pm, Tuesday July 8th. This event is free of charge, however, donations to the sponsor, Franklin Grove Area Historical Society will be welcomed.
To learn more about Max and Donna Daniels, please visit their web site at: www.abeandthebabe.com.
For information concerning "Meet Mr. and Mrs. Linocln, please write to us at info@chaplincreek.com or call 815-990-5090.
August 2nd & 3rd: The Franklin Grove "Summer Harvest Festival"
The 29th Annual Franklin Grove "Summer Harvest Festival" is a city-wide celebration of the area’s heritage with a wide variety of activities and events for all to enjoy. The event occurs Saturday August 2nd and Sunday August 3rd from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at in Franklin Grove, IL. A two-day event which is a perfect place to take the family!
In addition, the festival includes a Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion building, village-wide yard sales, tours of the H.I. Lincoln Building in downtown Franklin Grove, the Franklin Grove Art Festival, the Living History Antique Equipment Show and parade, tours of the Franklin Creek Grist Mill, Nachusa Grasslands – Self-Guided Tours and other events in and around the Village of Franklin Grove.
The Franklin Grove Area Historical Society hosts many of the Summer Harvest Festival activities and events at Chaplin Creek Village. See Chaplin Creek Village come alive featuring:
-> Live Blue Grass and Folk music featuring local musicians
-> The Draft Horse and Mule Jamboree presented by the Chaplin Creek Drafters
-> The Chaplin Creek Muzzle Loaders - Camp and Demonstrations
-> Spear Throwing Demonstrations by the Illinois Atlatl Association
-> 19th Century Prairie Village Demonstrations, including Blacksmiths, Spinners, Basketmakers, Quilters, Carvers displaying their skills
-> Tours of the historic buildings at Chaplin Creek Village
For information concerning The Summer Harvest Festival, Chaplin Creek Village and the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, including becoming a member and our other special events, please write to us at info@chaplincreek.com or call 815-990-5090.
September 20th: "Autumn in the Village" - Fall Festival
The 3rd Annual "Autumn in the Village" is day long adventure providing tours of Franklin Grove’s scenic and historic destinations. The event occurs Saturday, September 20th, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Franklin Grove, IL.
Autumn in the Village offers numerous displays of historical significance to those interested in our heritage during the mid-1800’s.
Nachusa Grasslands - "Autumn on the Prairie" - Tour prairie and savanna on foot or by wagon to enjoy the flowers and wildlife.
Franklin Creek Grist Mill - "The A-Maiz-ing Corn Exposition" - See 1500 pound powered mill stones in actions.
H.I. Lincoln Building - The historic structure was built by the cousin of Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and is the national headquarters of the Lincoln Highway Association.
Chaplin Creek Village - An evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a prairie settlement village typical of the middle 19th century.
At Chaplin Creek Village, see The Chaplin Creek Muzzle Loaders in action, participate in an apple peeling and drying party, try your hand at doing the laundry 1800’s style, participate in period games, sample barley vegetable soup prepared with fresh vegetables from the heirloom kitchen garden and tour the historic buildings at Chaplin Creek Village.
For information concerning The Autumn in the Village - Fall Festival, Chaplin Creek Village and the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, including becoming a member and our other special events, please write to us at info@chaplincreek.com or call 815-990-5090.
