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Image for event: Pre-Civil War Quilts:

Register 100 Seats Remaining

Pre-Civil War Quilts:

Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
2025-06-18 19:00:00 2025-06-18 20:00:00 America/Chicago Pre-Civil War Quilts: Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Wednesday, June 18
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-06-18 19:00:00 2025-06-18 20:00:00 America/Chicago Pre-Civil War Quilts: Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

Sometimes a quilt is not just a quilt. 


Join Connie Martin for a multi-media historical presentation. Discover the hidden codes and secret messages within family stories of 18 colorful, beautifully hand-crafted quilts that tell the significance to helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad. Replicas of actual quilts that slaves used on their journey will be on display and discussed. 

Connie Martin has a Master of Arts degree from Aurora University with a thesis in Interpreting African-American History Lessons in educational curriculums. This presentation was created by Connie's mother Dr. Clarice Boswell author of the book Lizzie's Story: A Slave Family's Journey to Freedom. 


This program is presented in honor of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19th to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. 

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |

TAGS: | History | Cultural |

Des Plaines Public Library
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About

The 1501 Ellinwood Street library building is the realization of a longheld dream of the library board, staff and community partners. Located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, the four story, 82,000 square foot building represents the community's commitment to reading, lifelong learning, and a center for family activities. A grand central staircase and large windows provide a wealth of natural light and illuminate the building at night.

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Des Plaines Public Library
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, May 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
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Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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Fri, May 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
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Fri, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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Tue, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
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New date Saturday, May 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
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Yin Yoga
Sat, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
This event is full
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Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
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Yin Yoga
Wed, Jun 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New date Saturday, June 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
Pre-Civil War Quilts: - Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
Wed, Jun 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Connie Martin presents a slide program about Pre-Civil War quilts and their significance to the freedom of slaves through the Underground Railroad.
See all events