New season for Exploring La Salle County History series

Learn how Illinois Valley residents fought, worked, played and farmed the land during a series of presentations offered through Illinois Valley Community College’s Continuing Education Center.

The 2025 edition of Exploring La Salle County History is an eight-session journey offered in- person and online from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3. Sessions explore topics ranging from the Civil War, early pioneers and indigenous communities, industry, agriculture, and early leisure pursuits.

Programs are scheduled at IVCC on Monday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room CTC-124. Participants can attend all eight sessions in-person or via Zoom, or select to attend individual sessions. Tuition for the full program is $119; individual sessions are $19 each. Advance registration is required. Call (815) 224-0427 or enroll online ivcc.edu/enroll.

The sessions are as follows:

Sept. 8: Early LaSalle County History
Sept. 15: Early Pioneers of La Salle County
Sept. 22: Beginning of the Civil War
Sept. 29: End of the Civil War
Oct. 6: Early Industrial Giants
Oct. 13: No class
Oct. 20:  Sand, Glass, Bricks & Tiles & Westclox
Oct. 27: Breaking the Prairie – Agriculture in La Salle County
Nov. 3: Pastimes, Entertainment & Leisure - Before the Intrenet in La Salle County

Participating organizations include: Hegeler Carus Foundation, La Salle County Genealogy Guild, La Salle County Historical Society, Mendota Museum & Historical Society, Ottawa Scouting Heritage and Historical Museum, Reddick Mansion Association, Seneca Historical Guild & Museum, Streatorland Museum and Westclox Museum.