Hobbies & Home   

Thanksgiving stands as one of the most American of holidays, honoring the harvest feasts of the earliest arrivals during the colonial days. Yet, Thanksgiving as an American holiday was influenced and created out of efforts during the American Civil War. This class examines the first Thanksgiving harvest feasts, its origins in the Civil War, Lincoln’s efforts to federalize the holiday, and how politicians still struggling economically with the Great Depression altered Thanksgiving forever.

Zoom Class. Participants will need a computer with Internet access, webcam, and microphone to join the Zoom meeting. Zoom meeting information will be sent via email before the class starts.

Unleash your inner entertainer in this hands-on class where you'll learn the art of balloon twisting! Whether you're looking to add a fun skill to your party toolkit or just want to try something new and creative, this course is the perfect place to start. No experience necessary—just bring your sense of fun and a willingness to get a little twisted!

By the time the American Civil War began, the whole concept of Christmas and the majority of our present day Christmas customs and traditions were already established. Through letters, diaries, stories, drawings, manuscripts, and books, this class reconstructs how soldiers and civilians celebrated the holiday during a period of battle and bloodshed. We will also follow Lincoln's holidays through his time in the White House.

Zoom Class. Participants will need a computer with Internet access, webcam, and microphone to join the Zoom meeting. Zoom meeting information will be sent via email before the class starts.

On April 16, 1846, nine covered wagons left Springfield, Illinois on the 2,500 mile journey to California in a caravan that would become one of the greatest tragedies in the history of westward migration. Facing starvation, harsh weather conditions and conflicting personalities, the Donner Party became delayed in their course and lost some 40 members. This class discusses how the Donner Party story has been told differently over time and how the Donner Party has been portrayed throughout history and in literature.

The American Civil War was one of the 1st wars that ushered in the advent of the industrial revolution and its application to the battlefield. Nineteenth century technological marvels resulted in advances in the fields of industrial production, transportation and communications. These technologies shifted from civilian everyday life to waging war. This class examines those technological advancements and how they were used by both the Union and Confederate armies.

The President of the Confederate States of America along with many of his Cabinet members fled Richmond after Lee evacuated Petersburg. Jefferson Davis was on the run from the evening of April 2 until May 10. After his capture by Union cavalry, Davis was transported to Fortress Monroe being held prisoner for two years. This class examines the escape from Richmond, the capture, the imprisonment as well as the treason trial that never happened. We will also discuss Jefferson Davis's post-war life.

Lincoln’s Tomb sits inside Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. It is not only the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln and his family but also many of his associates, friends, and acquaintances from his time in Springfield. This class explores those individuals as we learn the relationships that Lincoln and his family had with the many people who are laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Animals played very important roles during the American Civil War. Some animals were pets, such as dogs, that provided soldiers with a feeling of calm and a connection to home; while other pets, such as hens, provided soldiers with fresh eggs. Animals, such as mules and horses, also played an instrumental role in military operations. Without these animals, cavalry soldiers and artillery regiments would not have been successful in their duties.

This class examines the role that animals played during battlefield campaigns, in camps, and on the long march to battle. Explore the regimental mascots, the horses of famous Generals, and learn more about these courageous animals and the soldiers who cared for them by attending this class.

Step into the wild and wonderful Spring Creek Preserve for a morning of discovery, exploration, and connection with nature! This guided adventure invites participants to explore part of the preserve’s 262 acres of diverse habitats—grasslands, woodlands, bottomlands, and creek beds. Together we’ll search for wildflowers, insects, birds, trees, moss, rocks, and maybe even fossils!

Designed for nature enthusiasts ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger adventurers (ages 7–9) with an accompanying adult. Nature exploration helps build stronger family bonds, promotes physical and mental well-being, sparks curiosity, and encourages environmental stewardship—all while having fun in the great outdoors.

Get ready to breathe fresh air, splash through shallow waters, spot buzzing insects, hear birdsong, and maybe find a small aquatic creature in the stream. This is a hands-on, feet-wet kind of day!

Where to Go: Spring Creek Preserve - located at the bottom of the hill across from Thornton's gas station on Rt. 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes that can get wet or muddy
• A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket (just in case!)
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be April 25.

Join us for an unforgettable morning that blends outdoor fun with discovery and learning!

Get ready for a hands-on outdoor adventure through woodlands, boardwalks, and riverbanks! This Nature Explorations event begins at Cooper Park South, where we’ll explore a sandy beach and wade into the river in search of mussels, fish, and macroinvertebrates. As we identify the organisms we find, we’ll also learn about water quality and how these small creatures help tell the story of a healthy ecosystem.

Ideal for curious minds ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger children (ages 7–9) when accompanied by an adult. Exploring nature together not only strengthens family bonds but also supports physical and mental health, sparks curiosity, and builds a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Whether you’re watching insects flutter by, hearing the call of a bird in the trees, or gently uncovering aquatic life in the shallows, this is a morning full of discovery and connection to the natural world.

Where to Go: Cooper Park South - Park behind Jonah’s Seafood, near the playground off Route 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes and shoes that can get wet or muddy
• Water shoes or rain boots for wading (optional but encouraged)
• Hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket if there’s light rain in the forecast
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be May 16.

Join us for a refreshing morning outdoors—where the river meets the forest, and every step is a chance to learn something new!