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The 1843 Durant House Museum is operated by P.P.F.V. and maintained by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. |
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A Brief History...
In 1837, Bryant Durant moved from Massachusetts to northern Illinois. Shortly thereafter, he married Jerusha Shurtleff. The newlyweds built this prairie farmstead in 1843. Purchasing the property in the 1880s, Godfrey and Chrisitina Petersen added a Victorian kitchen to the home. After decades of neglect, it was rescued in the early 1970's by visionary members of a local Questers antique study group who recognized its value as a vital link to our common heritage.
Today, the Durant House is fondly recognized as Kane County's own "Little House on the Prairie." The Museum functions as a "house for all seasons," with special programs designed to highlight a prairie family's routines of work and play throughout the year. Each season exerts its unique charm; with heirloom apples offered in October, and the comforting aromas of hearth cooking a February attraction.
Costumed docents and Prairie Children interpret our rich heritage in this lovingly restored prairie house and enliven the atmosphere at all Durant House events making the Museum a Must-See.The Museum beckons visitors of all ages and interests to enjoy a delightful "hands-on" experience.
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Public Hours
June- October: Open Sundays from 1-4 pm
Our dynamic approach is designed to breathe new life into history and highlight the realities and unique charms of 1840’s life by presenting visitors with a truly unforgettable experience. Join us this season for the very utmost in 19th-Century hospitality and a plethora of innovative programs! Expert staff and docents offer guided Living-History tours that reveal the reality of 1840's prairie life. Pastimes, laundry, food preparation, and tools are just a few of the regular features. Our hands-on approach to heirloom arts and crafts, period games, and children's toys add to the extraordinary experience.
Complete you visit with a tour of Sholes School next-door.
June-August: Open Thursday 1-4 pm
Hands-on, children's "Passport to Adventure" activities
Suggested Donation: $2 per adult * $1 per child |
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School Tours
Available throughout the year, by appointment.
Tours are designed to meet local curriculum and course guidelines. Visits to the Durant House Museum can be coordinated with visits to the one-room Pioneer Sholes School.
Fee: $4 per student; $25.00 minimum per class
For more information or to schedule your tour, contact Alice Maupin at 630.377.6424 or email duranthouse1843@yahoo.com
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Scout Programs
Brownies and Scouts can earn 4 badges at the Durant House Museum. Programs can be specifically tailored to fullfill unlisted badge guidelines; in addition the experience can be enhanced with a trip to Pioneer Sholes School. For more information read our Scout Program Brochure
Programs are offered September through May, by appointment.
Fee: $4-$8 per Scout, depending on the program selected.
**Cub Scout programs are also available.** |
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Photo courtesy of Jay King |
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you want to make a meaningful contribution to the community?
Visitors to the Durant House are greeted with the utmost in pioneer hospitality by authentically-costumed docents. Volunteers help muesum guests discover the Durant-Peterson story by leading the journey through this handsomely restored prairie farmstead and exploring local history and culture.
New docents are always welcomed and given a thorough background on the Durant family, their home, and the lifestyle of a typical farm family of the 1840's. Training is on-going throughout the year. Time committment is minimal and based solely on whatever fits the volunteer's schedule best.
Help us save history- volunteer at Durant House Museum. To learn more about becoming a docent, contact us.
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Junior Docent Program
A devoted corps of junior docents brings the house to life with their lively spirit, authentic dress, and fondness for games- and chores! -of the 19th century. Unofficially known as the"Durant Prairie Children", these young people participate in workshops on specific aspects of 19th century life. They also serve as adjunct staff during museum open hours, helping us share local history and culture with the community.
For information, please call Alice Maupin at 630.377.6424 or email duranthouse1843@yahoo.com
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Interested in the many benefits of Preservation Partners membership? Find out how you can save our community's heritage on our Advocacy and Resources page. |
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Durant's Location
The Museum is situated on its original site within the tranquil confines of the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve- just west of Randall Road in St. Charles. The Preserve is located on Dean Street; one mile west of Randall Rd. Dean Street is 1/4 mile north of Route 64 at Randall Road.
Once entering the Preserve, continue for approximately ½ mile until you see the one-room Pioneer Sholes School on your right. As you pass the school, you will see a reddish-brown brick building on your left- this is the Durant House Museum.
*Note: MapQuest will direct you to the entrance of LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. From there, follow the above instructions to the Durant House
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Durant House Address:
37W370 Dean Street, Saint Charles, IL 60175
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