On Tuesday, June 16, local historian Gayle Rein will portray 19th Century author and social reformer Catharine Maria Sedgwick, one of the original Grand Excursion riders. "The June 1854 Grand Excursion was a festive affair that carried hundreds of dignitaries on a combination rail and steamboat ride from Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois then on to St. Paul in Minnesota Territory," according to Grand Excursions on the Upper Mississippi River, edited by Curtis C. Roseman and Elizabeth M. Roseman (University of Iowa Press, 2004.)
In Catharine Maria Sedgwick Rides the Train to Rock Island, Rein presents Catharine's observations of her trip to the western frontier of Rock Island and the beauty of the Mississippi River. The free event begins at 6:00 pm in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.
On Thursday, June 18, residents can find out how much some of their family treasures may be worth with an Antique Appraisal Fair event. Certified Appraiser Terri Applegate, of LeClaire Antiques & Appraisals, will be available to offer free verbal appraisals of up to four items per person. Items must be able to be carried by hand. Assistance will not be available with large or bulky items. The free event takes place from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Main Library Community Room.
"Escape the Ordinary" free special events and reading contests for adults at the Rock Island Library continue through Saturday, July 18.
For more information, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.
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