Latest news with #livinghistory
CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin is a living history museum
The Fox River Trolley Museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience, a ride by the river enjoying a piece of history. It doesn't look like your usual museum because it's not. There's no building, just 27 vintage rail cars built as far back as 1887. "We're a living history museum," said Jeff Bennett, chief car officer and conductor. "[In the 1890s] you had to walk to work. There weren't cars, horses were for farming. With the advent of trolleys, you could live in Geneva but work in Elgin. That was a huge game-changer. I would say it invented commuting." You'll find amazing craftsmanship on these rail cars, but there's one thing you won't find. "We're out in the beautiful summer weather and these don't have air conditioning," Bennett said. "We can use 40 windows as our cooling device." Train rides take you by the Fox River, and back in time. "When the railroad was being laid out, this was all farm land. And we go over several bridges [built] so farm animals could get to the river to get water," he explained. "You take one of these cars down the line, you ride next to the river, it's a feeling you're not going to get anywhere else." People visiting the museum the day we were there said they liked the ambiance of the train, the wind through the windows and the history that was shared. Jay Kellner said he had never had the opportunity to cruise down the Fox River in that way. "It was a nice perspective," he said. There are even vintage CTA cars, like ones used to carry commuters on Chicago's Northwest Side, on the museum train. "It served 50 years on the Chicago Elevated, the same tracks that are in use today," said Bennett. "It's been here at the museum coming up just as long as it was in regular service." But the train's snazzy looks didn't come easy. It underwent a major renovation several years ago that took 13,000 hours of work done almost completely by volunteers. "The roof, floor, window, paint, pretty much everything," Bennett said. "When we do them, we don't spare any details. The labor of love that has gone into that train, every time I look at it I smile." And no vintage CTA car would be complete without a sign that warns "No smoking. No spitting." The heyday of the trolley came to an end when the automobile era began. "When it started changing was when Henry Ford took off with his model T and Model A, and as more people could afford an automobile, fewer people needed a public mode of transportation," Bennett said. "The final demise was the onset of expressways. Now all of a sudden everybody could just go where they wanted, didn't have to wait for the next train." That's where the Fox River Trolly Museum comes in. "A huge part of what we do is interpreting history, demonstrating history," Bennett said. "Here in South Elgin we just love that we can keep this alive, keep history alive." And he has his own history there. "I can remember every summer, my grandparents bringing me out. My first visit was when I was four years old. So for, 40 years later, to be in charge of their wellbeing, to be able to operate them, be able to pass on the history to the next generation, it's just amazing," he said. "I love every part of what I do. Do you know someone a person or place that brings you joy? We want to share your story. Send us your "Eye on Chicago" ideas using the form below (or clicking here):
BBC News
01-07-2025
- BBC News
Man seriously injured after battle re-enactment
A man from West Sussex has been seriously injured following an incident during a living history demonstration at Bodiam Castle on Sunday. Sussex Police said the man, from Horsham, was wearing body armour when his opponent re-enactor's sword entered his visor during a combat re-enactment just before 15:00 BST. The 37-year-old suffered a head injury and is currently in a serious condition at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Det Insp Barry Chandler said the force is treating the incident as an "accident."
BBC News
30-06-2025
- BBC News
Police appeal after man injured at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex
A man from West Sussex has been seriously injured following an incident during a living history demonstration at Bodiam Castle on Police said the man, from Horsham, was wearing body armour when his opponent re-enactor's sword entered his visor during a combat re-enactment just before 15:00 BST. The 37-year-old suffered a head injury and is currently in a serious condition at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Insp Barry Chandler said the force is treating the incident as an "accident." He said: "We are offering support to his family. His opponent, a 36-year-old man also from Horsham, and the organisers are helping us with our enquiries."We know the re-enactment had drawn a large crowd and understand that anyone who witnessed the scene could have found this distressing."Anyone with photographs or videos of the interaction has been asked to contact police.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
What you need to know for Chalke History Festival
Bringing everything from living history exhibits to traditional crafts and a soldier's march, the week-long Chalke History Festival kicks off again from 23 to 29 June it incorporates more than 175 experts, including big names like Kevin McCloud, Al Murray, Michael Palin and Ian exhibits and displays increase as the week goes on, including the chance to see armoured combat, all from a working farm in Broad Chalke, deep in the Wiltshire countryside near open at 16:15 BST on Monday and Tuesday, and 09:15 BST the rest of the week. What's on? From talks, living history and hands-on experiences to live music, children's activities and vivacious historians - organisers say there is something for everyone. There are also some new features this year, including a speakers tent that hosts 900 people and a new After Dark programme in a tent appropriately named 'The Henge' for its Wiltshire visitors will find music, but also speakers on monsters and are 158 events in the main programme four places for talks, they often happen simultaneously and range from ancient to modern history. Followers of history podcasts will recognise Tom Holland, while avid readers of historical fiction will recognise names like Kate Mosse and Tracy will also be Romans meeting World War Two soldiers in the living history, where people can see anything from smelting to cooking and are also numerous food and shopping stalls. How do I get there? The site is along Bury Lane in Broad Chalke near Salisbury, and its narrow roads means there is a one-way system in recommend allowing extra time for those driving and following the signs to the festival rather than a nearest railway station is Salisbury and it is about a 45 minute drive from number 29 bus has the nearest stop - at the church - leaving a third of a mile walk to the festival. It does not run on the Sunday however. How do I get tickets? Previous visitors will notice a change in the way tickets are issued this year. Instead of being for individual talks or just for going onto the site itself, they include everything except some extras like the wild west are day, evening, weekend and full week tickets, with the weekend usually the a whole week pass is £200, evening tickets (for after 16:15 BST on weekdays) are £29 and full day tickets are £58. There are discounts for students and children can get in are available online with some available on the day subject to availability, with camping and glamping an option too.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Yahoo
Pony Express Re-Ride to arrive in St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One annual cross-country tradition will make its historic stop at the Patee House Museum this weekend. Each year, the National Pony Express Association recreates the legendary mail route that once connected St. Joseph to Sacramento, California. Riders relay a mochila carrying commemorative letters across eight states, traveling more than 1,900 miles on horseback, just like they did in 1860. The Pony Express is one of the most iconic stories of American grit and determination," said Gary Chilcote, the museum director a the Patee House Museum. "We're proud to honor that spirit and invite the community to witness this living history event firsthand. The St. Joseph community is invited to witness the arrival of the rider, explore the museum's rich history exhibits and learn more about the tradition. The Patee House Museum is open until 4 p.m. and is located at 1202 Penn St. The rider is expected to arrive at the museum by 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. For more information about the event, visit or contact the Patee House Museum at (816) 232-8206.
