Summer Frolic!

An afternoon of old-fashioned fun... Festivities include: Petting Zoo, "1840s Surveyor" Program, Children's Corner with 19th Century Toys, Skilled Artisans Demonstrating their Crafts, a Cake Walk, Live Music, and plenty of Frolicking!

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful LeRoy Oakes Forest preserve. Homemade cookies, scones, lemonade and other refreshments will be sold.

Admission: $3.00 Adults     $1.00 Children (ages 3-12)

Pickling Party

In an era without the benefit of modern grocery stores or refrigeration, 19th century cooks faced the daunting task of preserving food throughout long winters. A part of the late summer's kitchen work was the making of cucumber pickles. In addition to being quite tasty, pickling is a natural method that safely kills bacteria and preserves food. Historic Durant House docents explain and demonstrate the art of pickling produce from an antique kitchen garden. Examples of the task are presented in both the original 1840s Durant Hearth Room and the 1880s Victorian Kitchen added by Godfrey and Christina Peterson. Learn the process of this delicious aspect of history and enjoy an authentic day in the countryside!

Admission: $3.00 Adults     $1.00 Children (ages 3-12)

Bread and Butter

The basics of 19th century bread making and butter churning will be demonstrated with plenty of hands-on participation from children and visitors. The aroma of freshly baked bread will relentlessly draw you into the homestead. For Jerusha Durant, the first matriarch of the Durant House, churning cream into butter was a weekly task. Homemade butter was also put into molds and used for barter at local stores. Don't miss this scrumptious event!

Admission: $3.00 Adults     $1.00 Children (ages 3-12)

Annual Fall Frolic

Durant House Museum visitors can sample a variety of heirloom apples and hearth-cooked apple treats. The Fall Frolic encourages the whole family to delve into both the work and play routies of a 19th century farm family.

Admission: $3.00 Adults     $1.00 Children (ages 3-12)

Our old-fashioned Cake Walk, accompanied by live period music, is a delicious way to enjoy the afternoon!

June 12- October 5
Sundays - 1 - 4 PM
Costumed docents explain and demonstrate life on the prairie in the 1840's.  Laundry, food preparation, and tools are regular features.  Children's games of the time period are demonstrated also. 

June 12 - August 28
Thursdays 1 -4 PM -- A special focus on children's "Passport to Adventure" activities

Suggested donation:

$2 per adult

$1 per child over age 3

Private tours - Throughout the year by appointment

• Fee: $3 per adult, $ 1 per child; $25 minimum

Contact: (630) 377-6424 to schedule all tours

School Tours -Throughout the year by appointment. These tours are coordinated with visits to the nearby one-room Sholes School.

• Fee: $4 per student; $20.00 minimum per class

Girl Scout Programs - September through May, by appointment.
Brownies and Scouts can earn 4 badges at Durant House programs.  For more information click here:WORKSHOPS FOR GIRL SCOUTS

• Fee: $4-6 per Scout, depending on the program selected - brochure available

Contact: (630) 377-6424 to schedule all tours.

Girl scouts enjoy making corn husk dolls as part of a badge program at the Durant House.

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.  Known unofficially as the "Durant Prairie Children", these young people are invited to workshops specific aspects of 19th century life.  They also serve as adjunct staff during museum open hours.  This extremely popular volunteer program has a waiting list;  for information, please contact Alice Maupin at 630-377-6424.