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Culture

DeKalb County is full of cultural outlets—several of which lie within the greater Sycamore area. History enthusiasts enjoy perusing through local museums, while eager audiences pack into local venues to enjoy first run movies, live musical performances, theatrical presentations and more, all without having to travel far from home.

The Midwest Museum of Natural History

The Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore, IL, opened its doors to the community in 2005 and was recognized as the Illinois Association of Museum’s Small Museum of the Year in 2007. Housed in a former church turned community center, the MMNH is a place where visitors of all ages can explore, learn and discover the natural world.

A hidden treasure, the museum houses a variety of exhibits, including The Schelkopf Collection. This stunning assembly of mounted animals from North America and Africa includes lions, bears, an elephant, giraffe and more. The Discovery Den offers a hands-on experience, while the Rotary Nature Theater presents several audiovisual productions on Illinois nature. Additionally, the museum’s Urban Wildlife Observation Center invites guests to view wildlife in their urban habitat. Live animals abound at the museum, too, including a unique collection of reptiles and invertebrates.

Educational programming and outreach opportunities are available for everyone. Young minds enjoy the museum’s classroom programs during school field trips, as well as its scout programs, birthday parties and youth tour groups. Adults relish in events welcoming prominent scientists to discuss current research in a variety of disciplines, and seniors are invited to participate in the Museum Pride program—designed just for those 62 and better.

For more information, visit the Midwest Museum of Natural History Web site at www.mmnh.org.

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

The 75-member Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years through its annual series of concerts at NIU’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in DeKalb. This non-profit community orchestra is comprised of a mix of professional and amateur musicians with a passion for orchestral music. Through the KSO scholarship program, several NIU music students are invited to participate in the orchestra’s performances as a way to gain valuable experience for future endeavors.

KSO performs several concerts throughout the year, including a fall concert, holiday pops concert, spring concert, a children’s concert and other special events and competitions. In 2009, the Illinois Council of Orchestras named the KSO Community Orchestra of the Year, and its music director, Linc Smelser, was named Conductor of the Year (Small Orchestra).

More information is available on the KSO Web site, www.kishorchestra.org.

Egyptian Theatre

Nearby DeKalb is home to the fully restored Egyptian Theatre, a unique, circa 1929 movie house featuring Art Deco-style architecture and an aesthetic Egyptian theme. The theatre’s history is full of ups and downs, with bouts of neglect and brushes with demolition. The dedication of concerned citizens saved the dilapidated structure when they organized the Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre (P.E.T.) group in the late 1970s. P.E.T. oversaw a $2.125 million renovation in 1982 and reopened the thoughtfully restored theatre 1983. This volunteer-run organization still operates the theatre today and is working to raise funds for future updates and renovations.

Today, the Egyptian Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a point of local pride. More than 25 local performing arts groups call the theatre “home,” presenting more than 100 events each year (typically September through June). In addition to live entertainment, the Egyptian Theatre shows classic film titles, provides haunted tours and hosts an art gallery, which exhibits the works of various community groups and artists. The gallery is located on the mezzanine level and is open during all events at the theatre. Learn more by visiting the Egyptian Theatre’s Web site, www.egyptiantheatre.org, or calling 815-758-1215.

Children’s Community Theatre

Founded in 1955, Children’s Community Theatre (CCT) is an invaluable resource for area children and young adults interested in pursuing the theatre arts. For more than five decades, CCT has presented a long list of excellent musicals, including Annie, The Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Miracle on 34th Street and Willy Wonka, to name a few. In addition, the organization sponsors a variety of professional troupes from across the U.S., who present everything from dance and music productions to puppet shows and storytelling.

Since 2005, CCT has provided the Imagination Camp, a summer theater camp for young actors. Campers learn about the various aspects of theater and participate in an end of the summer production. The camp offers two sessions, a Beginner’s Camp for younger actors and a more intense Advanced Camp for young adults.

Further information on upcoming shows and the next Imagination Camp is available by calling 815-757-1874 or going online at www.cctonstage.com.