Upcoming events
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04.26.2025 1:00 pm - 04.26.2025 3:00 pm
Curious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Sign up for the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.
Club Meeting 1 p.m.
Program @ 2 p.m. – 60 minute
Teens to Adults Welcome
Regular Museum Admission
WSLC & Museum Members Free
Register here -
04.27.2025 2:00 pm - 04.27.2025 3:00 pm
Musical hunter-gatherer. Electrifying performer. Boundless bender of genres—folk music, classical, jazz, pop… you simply must hear him play. Midwest Records described Miles as “Chicago’s best-kept secret.” Michael joins us with banjo and guitar in hand, and stories to tell from decades of travel and collaborations, for an afternoon of musical splendor. The Chicago SunTimes said, “Give the banjo to Michael J. Miles and you’ll hear a mighty soul-stirring sound.” More at MilesMusic.org.
Performance – 2:00 p.m. – 60 minutes – Ages 10 years and Up
$20 per person – Museum Members $5
Limited Capacity - Register here -
05.03.2025 10:30 am - 05.03.2025 11:45 am
Join geologist Sara Kurth for a hands-on rock and mineral identification class. Learn to classify minerals using observation and hardness testing. Perfect for curious rock-hounds or scouts working on Earth Science badges, this class will deepen your understanding of earth science and teach you to identify rocks and minerals like a pro!
Class – 10:30 a.m – 75 minutes
Ages 8 yrs. and up
$10 per person – Museum Members Free
Reservations Required – Register here -
05.03.2025 1:30 pm - 05.03.2025 2:15 pm
Unleash your creativity in this fun, hands-on jewelry-making workshop! Design your own unique gemstone creations—including a necklace, a keychain, and a pin. All materials are provided. Afterward, explore the Museum and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt. This workshop is the perfect way to delve into the world of stone jewelry.
Activity – 1:30 p.m – 45 minutes
Ages 8 yrs. and up
$15 per person
Museum Members receive 10%
Discount with code
Reservations Required – Register here -
05.31.2025 2:00 pm - 05.31.2025 2:45 pm
This hands-on activity allows children and adults to search for gems and minerals among more common rocks on the Museum’s outdoor patio. Learn the difference between rocks and minerals and how to distinguish between them. Each rock or mineral found is identified and can be taken home. Rocks from home can be brought in for identification.
Ages 5 and up - Limited capacity
45-minutes outdoors (weather permitting) - $5.00 per child
Regular Museum Admission for Adults & Seniors - Museum Members Free
Reservations Required - Register here -
06.07.2025 1:00 pm - 06.07.2025 3:00 pm
In celebration of World Environment Day, the Museum is partnering with SCARCE of Addison to dive into the minerals hidden in our phones. Join us for hands-on activities, including exploring Natural Resources from around the world, playing an eco-themed Bingo game, and participating in a Trash to Treasures Matching Game, where you’ll learn how to repurpose old tech. Plus, SCARCE’s Executive Director, Kay McKeen, will lead a discussion filled with creative tips and practical ideas for reducing waste and conserving the materials found in your technology. This program is supported by the Smithsonian Institution, helping to inspire positive change for the environment, one gadget at a time.
Activities – 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.
Ages 8 years and older
Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members Free
Reservations Required
Sign up here -
06.14.2025 2:00 pm - 06.14.2025 3:00 pm
Join us in-person or on-line as Jean-Pierre Jutras, P.G., explores the past, present and potential future of nephrite jade as a gemstone. Nephrite Jade has one of the longest histories of any gemstone in the world, yet that history was always driven by sources, culture, technologies, and geopolitics. This presentation will focus on what it is, how it has been recognized throughout history, and what it looks like in today’s world. Mr. Jutras has over 35 years in the mineral exploration industry and is the President of Jade Leader Corporation based in Calgary, Alberta Canada. This lecture will be projected in the Museum’s Lecture Hall and will not be recorded. Attend in-person or via Zoom.
Live Zoom Lecture – 2:00 p.m – 60 minutes
Students & Adults
Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members Free
Reservations Recommended
Sign up here -
06.22.2025 1:00 pm - 06.22.2025 3:00 pm
Make your very own mosaic artwork! Each participant will create their own 4x4 tile using materials such as glass, stone, and millefiori. The instructor will discuss tools, techniques, and tips for the process of creating mosaics. All supplies are included in the workshop. The Chicago Mosaic School is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of mosaic education.
Workshop – 1:00 p.m – 120 minutes
Students & Adults
$60 per person
Museum Members receive 10% off with code
Reservations Required – Sign up here