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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 relocated from Massachusetts to northern Illinois. Shortly after wedding Jerusha Shurtleff in 1843, the newlyweds built this prairie farmstead.
Purchasing the property in the 1880s, Godfrey and Chrisitina Petersen added a modern Victorian kitchen to the home. Their addition it the 1-story wing still present and open for tours.
The Durant- Peterson House was rescued in the early 1970s after decades of neglect. Visionary members of a local Questers antique study group recognized the homestead's infinite value as a vital component of our shared history and have since restored it with "authenticity" as their motto.
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 throughout the years designed to highlight a prairie family's routines of work and play. From October's Heirloom Apple Frolic to Hearth Cooking's glowing embrace in February- every season exerts a unique charm.
Costumed docents and Prairie Children bring the past to life and interpret our pioneer heritage in this nationally recognized historic site.The Durant House Museum beckons visitors of all ages and interests to enjoy an unforgettable"hands-on" experience.
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If your scout or school group is looking for a hands-on experience with history look no further!
Have an elementary age child that loves history? Looking for a unique experience for him or her? Click here to learn about our Prairie Children junior docent program.
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Visit the Durant House Museum
...experience pioneer life on the prairie
All summer we have fun programs and interesting demonstrations! The Durant House will be open from June till October 2nd, Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. as well as Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. June through August. All ages can explore what 1840's pioneer life was like. With costumed docents and authentic furnishings, history comes alive at Durant House!
Suggested Donation: $2 per adult, $1 per child
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School Groups
Tours are designed to meet local curriculum and course guidelines. Available throughout the year, by appointment. Visits to the Durant House Museum can be coordinated with tours of the one-room Pioneer Sholes School.
Fee: $4 per student; $25.00 minimum per class
For more information or to schedule your tour,
call 630.377.6424 or email duranthouse1843@yahoo.com |
Scout Programs
Brownies and Scouts troops can choose from 4 badge programs at the Durant House Museum. Programs can be specifically tailored to fullfill unlisted badge guidelines; in addition the visit can be enhanced with a trip to Pioneer Sholes School.
Cub Scout programs are also available.
Availability: September through May, by appointment.
Fee: $4-$8 per Scout, depending on the program.
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Durant House Museum
2012 Calendar
of Special Events
see calendar page for details |
~Fireside Sunday~
February 19, 2012
1-4pm
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Photo courtesy of Jay King |
Volunteer Opportunities
~ make a difference in your community, help preserve our communities' past ~
Volunteers are always sought to serve as docents for regular Living-History tours, helping out with special events. Our docents are key to communicating and preserving the Durant House Museum's legacy.
Prior experience is not necessary. Full training is provided at the museum and arranged to work with volunteers’ schedules as much as possible. We offer a diverse and flexible schedule, ranging from afternoons in the summer to school groups throughout the year.
To learn more or volunteer at the 1843 Durant House Museum,
call 630.377.6424 or email duranthouse1843@yahoo.com
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Junior Docent Program
An enthusiastic corps of junior docents bring the Durant House to life with lively spirits, authentic dress, and expertise in games and chores of the 19th-century. Unofficially known as "Durant Prairie Children", these young people serve as adjunct staff during public hours and special events, helping share the Durant legacy and 1840's prairie life with the community.
For information, contact Alice Maupin
call 630.377.6424 or email duranthouse1843@yahoo.com
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Photo courtesy of Jay King |
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Museum Location
The Durant House is situated on its original site within the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. The Preserve is located on Dean Street, 1/4 mile west of Randall Rd. Dean Street is 1/4 mile north of Route 64.
After entering LeRoy Oakes, continue on 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.
Click here to print directions
Note: MapQuest directs you to the Preserve's entrance- from there, follow the above instructions
to locate the Museum.
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Durant House Address:
37W370 Dean Street, Saint Charles, IL 60175
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