Event calendar

Living History Encounter: Penning the Past

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fee: Free!

Age: All ages.

Contact: 815-722-9301

Location: Isle a la Cache Museum

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An old-style quill pen next to a paper scroll on a table lit by candle.
(Photo via Shutterstock)

Event details

With no phones, apps or computers, how did people keep in touch? Old-fashioned letters! Try your hand at writing 1750-style with feathered quills and walnut ink. Discover ink recipes and how to fletch a quill to take home while supplies last. Don’t forget to close your letter with a wax seal and perhaps some other techniques to keep your message away from prying eyes! Learn all about historic correspondence and writing. During Living History Encounters, you may find cooks, seamstresses, voyageurs, soldiers or craftsmen sharing their talents in the Trader’s Cabin. 

Event requirements

No registration required. 

Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.