Families invited for artistic activities, open house and more; free parking all day!
Cantigny Park will commemorate the birthday of its benefactor, Colonel Robert R. McCormick, on Thursday, July 27. Art activities, a living history performance, golf games and a “pop-up” First Division Museum are planned from 12 to 5 p.m.
McCormick Day is Cantigny’s annual gift to the community—parking, activities and birthday treats (while supplies last) are complimentary!
McCormick, former editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, was born on July 30, 1880. He lived on the 500-acre country estate from 1920 until his passing in 1955. His will designated Cantigny as a public park for education and recreation. On McCormick Day, Cantigny remembers the Colonel’s remarkable life as a gentleman farmer, First Division soldier, public servant and media industry innovator.
This year’s celebration will appeal in particular to those who appreciate art—and kids who enjoy craft projects. Amy McCormick, Robert’s first wife, was a talented artist and visitors to McCormick House can see her work. On McCormick Day, the museum will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Scheduled activities beginning at noon include:
• Rock Art Creations
• Arts in Bartlett: Japanese Doll Making
• 3D Art
• ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center hands-on activity
• SCARCE: Recycled Paper Making
• Water Color & Tempera Art
• Monster Mural 1 – 4 p.m.
• Cantigny Golf – until 4 p.m.
• Amy McCormick living history performance by Ellie Carlson 2:30 p.m.
• Wreath laying ceremony honoring Robert R. McCormick by American Legion Cantigny
Post 556 = 3 p.m.
• Birthday cake cutting with Amy McCormick – 3:30 p.m.
The Grand Reopening of the First Division Museum is not until August 26, but on McCormick Day the staff invites visitors to participate in a “pop up museum.” The temporary exhibit in the Cantigny Visitors Center will consist of items donated for the day by the community. The theme 2 is “Your Military History.” Veterans and civilians alike are asked to bring a photograph, object or story for the display. For more details, visit fdmuseum.org.
Cantigny Park is open every day during the summer from 7 a.m. to dusk. A complete schedule of concerts, workshops and special events is posted online at Cantigny.org.
About Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park, part of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundations, is the 500-acre Wheaton estate of Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955). It is home to the McCormick Museum, First Division Museum (reopening August 26, 2017), formal gardens, picnic grounds, walking trails and a Visitor Center with banquet and dining facilities. More information, including hours, directions and upcoming events is online at Cantigny.org. Cantigny Golf, adjacent to the park, features a 27-hole championship golf course, full-service clubhouse, Cantigny Golf Academy and the 9-hole Cantigny Youth Links. For more information, visit CantignyGolf.com.
