Explore the history, art, traditions, and cultural perspectives surrounding death and dying through this fascinating series of thought-provoking presentations.
What The Heck is a Death Doula?
Join Erica from Waxwing Journeys to learn about death doula services. Death doulas offer non-medical support regarding all things death and dying. This includes death acceptance work, facilitating family conversations when there are communication challenges, obituary writing, and more.
Thursday, October 8 • 5:30-6:30 pm
Meeting Room 2 & 3
Morbid History
Join devoted taphophile (cemetery enthusiast) Lorrisa for a lighthearted yet fascinating presentation exploring bizarre true stories from history that you probably never learned in history class. Discover tales of the Great Corpse Larceny, how St. Mark’s remains were smuggled into Venice, and the Smithsonian’s mysterious origins and its extensive collection of human remains.
Monday, October 12 • 7-8 pm
Meeting Room 1
Silent City: A History of Elgin’s Cemeteries
Learn the history of Elgin’s cemeteries, from the city’s original burial grounds on Division Street to today’s Bluff City Cemetery. Along the way, hear the stories of notable local figures and former Elgin residents buried there. Presented by Rebecca Miller, Museum Director at the Elgin History Museum.
Wednesday, October 14 • 7-8 pm
Meeting Room 1
Property After Death & Property Fraud Prevention
The Cook County Clerk’s Office will discuss how to transfer your home, car, and bank accounts to heirs upon your passing. Protecting your home from property fraud will also be discussed. Licensed Attorneys will be available to answer your questions.
Tuesday, October 20 • 6-8 pm
Meeting Room 1
Dark Art: Haunting Imagery Across Time
Prepare yourself to experience themes of horror, gore, and the supernatural in art. Denise Laurin, M.A. in Art History, will lead the discussion that includes the work of a diverse range of artists and cultures such as Caravaggio, Fuseli, and Redon, as well as the contextual circumstances that led these artists to create “dark art.”
Tuesday, October 20 • 7-8 pm
Meeting Room 2 & 3
Funeral Traditions, Cemetery Clues, and Death Records
Discover how funeral traditions, cemeteries, obituaries, and death records can uncover valuable clues about your ancestors and bring their stories to life.
Monday, October 26 • 7-8 pm
Meeting Room 2