Educational Programs

The Gaylord Building endeavors to provide beneficial information in an educational yet entertaining setting. The historic site periodically scheduled workshops / classes / lectures on topics of interest to guests that relate to the site's mission.

Details for the current schedule of programs are provided below. Most programs require registration. Guests may register either by stopping by The Gaylord Building (200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL) during office hours (9am-5pm weekdays) or by calling (815) 838-9400. Program registration requires pre-payment of participation fee.

America’s Historic Highways – A Three-Part Series
	Take a road trip through Illinois without getting on the road! Join David Clark, the Windy City Road Warrior, as he presents a three-part series of America’s Historic Highways and their connections to state and local histories. March 25, 2013 - Lincoln Highway Across Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa explores the "Good Roads Movement;” the changes to the Midwest that began when cars became the primary mode of travel; and the Lincoln Highway, which was the first road that traversed the entire length of America, from New York to San Francisco. April 8, 2013 - Route 66 On a Tank of Gas - The Mother Road of Illinois provides an overview of the road building projects in Illinois in the early part of the 20th century, as well as a tour of the many wonderful, iconic, and sometimes bizarre roadside attractions along the drive from Chicago to St. Louis that give the Route 66 its place in history. April 15, 2013 - The Roads that Lead to Lincoln - Honest Abe on the Highway centers on the effect that President Abraham Lincoln has had on the culture of Illinois. The presentation also delves into the historic places along Route 66 that Lincoln inspired and the monuments that preserve his legacy.	DAY: Mondays
		Dates: Part 1 - March 25, 2013 Part 2 - April 8, 2013 Part 3 - April 15, 2013
		TIME: 6:00 to 7:30pm
		MINIMUM/MAXIMUM: 20/100
		AGES: Open
		FEE: Free
		REGISTRATION: Required by contacting the White Oak Library at 1.815.886.2030.

Community Conversations
	Explore current events and issues of local or national importance. Community Conversations offers a relaxing evening to socialize, learn something new and share perspectives. Each session encourages polite discussion among the presenters and the guests. Community Conversations are held quarterly on Thursdays of selected months. Doors open at 6:30pm with a cash bar reception. A brief presentation begins at 7:00pm followed by an open discussion lead by a moderator. Each session includes a dessert and beverage (non-alcoholic) to enjoy during the presentation. April 25, 2013 - *The Benefits of Local Historic Districts* will detail the economic and cultural advantages of historic districts in America. Presenters include Catherine O’Connor, Local Government Services Manager, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and Dr. Eileen McMahon, Professor of History, Lewis University July 11, 2013 – *The Future of Libraries in America* will examine the role of public libraries in the United States with a “paperless society” that continues to evolve in our age of electronic media. Presenters include Scott Pointon, Executive Director of the White Oak Library District; Paul Mills, Director of Fountaindale Public Library District; and Jennie Mills, Director of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District. October 10, 2013 - The Challenges for Local Schools will review federal and state requirements on local school districts and the challenges that unfunded mandates create. Presenters include Dr. Todd Wernet, Superintendent Lockport Township High School Distict 205; and Dr. D.J. Skogberg, Superintendent of Taft School District 90.	DAY: Thursdays
		Dates: April 25, 2013 July 11, 2013 October 10, 2013
		TIME: 6:30 to 8:30pm
		MINIMUM/MAXIMUM: 20/100
		AGES: Adults (18 and over)
		FEE: $10 per person
		REGISTRATION: Required by calling The Gaylord Building at 1.815.838.9400 or emailing info@gaylordbuilding.org

Historic Homeowner Workshop
	The Will County Historic Preservation Commission, The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency are co-hosting this full-day workshop. Sessions will focus on practical how-to historic preservation maintenance for property owners and tips to learn the story of your home. The event is open to all Historic Preservation enthusiasts! Whether you own a historically significant home, have thought about purchasing a historically significant home or just have an interest in historic preservation, please join us! Specific details on presenters and registration is forthcoming. Contact Eileen Franz at 815-774-7902 or efranz@willcountylanduse.com if you have questions.	DAY: Friday
		DATE: April 26, 2013
		TIME: 9:00am to 3:00pm
		MINIMUM/MAXIMUM: 20/100
		FEE: TBA
		AGES: Adults (18 and up)
		REGISTRATION: Required by calling The Will County Land Use, Prevention Office at 1.815.774.7902

Discovery Dinners
	Come discover the world or a little part of it without leaving Lockport! Guests will enjoy sumptuous meals catered by the Public Landing Restaurant that will be followed by lectures on fascinating subjects by renowned experts, who have authored new works in the arts, humanities and sciences. Discovery Dinners are held periodically on the 2nd Thursday of selected months in The Gaylord Building. Doors open at 5:45pm with a cash bar reception. The full service dinner begins at 6:15pm with the lecture following at 7:00pm. Each session includes a full service dinner - choice of entrees with salad, sides, dessert and beverages (non-alcoholic) - all before the lecture. Discovery Dinners conclude with book signings, providing guests with a chance to get up-close and personal with presenters. May 9, 2013 - Dr. Ann Keating, Professor of History at North Central College, will examine her new book, Rising Up From Indian Country: The Battle of Fort Dearborn and the Birth of Chicago. September 12, 2013 - Dr. Dennis Cremin, Associate Professor of History at Lewis University, will present his new historical work, Grant Park: The Evolution of Chicago’s Front Yard. November 14, 2013 - Dr. Theodore Karamanski, Professor of History at Loyola University, will discuss his newest publication, Blackbird's Song: Andrew J. Blackbird and the Odawa People	DAY: Thursdays
		Dates: May 9, 2013 September 12, 2013 November 14, 2013
		TIME: 6:00 to 7:30pm
		MINIMUM/MAXIMUM: 20/100
		AGES: Open
		FEE: $30 per person
		REGISTRATION: Required by calling The Gaylord Building at 1.815.838.9400 or emailing info@gaylordbuilding.org

Arts & Crafts Show
	The historic site is hosting the Arts & Crafts Show during the 41st annual Old Canal Days Festival. The event will be held in the heart of Lockport’s historic downtown. Festival organizers are anticipating 20,000 to 25,000 people in 2013. Public admission is FREE! Quality and creative artisans and crafters are encouraged to apply for the juried show by submitting a completed Vendor Agreement.	DAY: Saturday & Sunday
		DATE: June 15-16, 2013
		DAYS: Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday, 10:00am to 4:00pm
		MINIMUM/MAXIMUM: 10/150
		VENDOR FEES: $80 per regular booth or $100 per corner booth
		REGISTRATION: Required by calling The Gaylord Building at 1.815.838.9400 or emailing info@gaylordbuilding.org

Canal Days Festival

2012