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The Boys School of St. Charles Exhibit Opening

  • St Charles History Museum 215 East Main Street St. Charles, IL, 60174 United States (map)

The St. Charles History Museum will host their next temporary exhibit opening reception on October 25. The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: The Boys School of St. Charles will focus on the history of the school and the impact it had on the boys sent there. Established in 1902, the Illinois State Home for Delinquent Boys focused on a friendly homelike setting for the boys instead of locking them in a cell. For most boys, the school held a positive effect, encouraging them to lead better lives. Others, however, took nothing away from their time at the school. Lester Gillis, more commonly known as Baby Face Nelson, was a resident of the Boys School during his teen years, but Gillis remained unchanged. Baby Face Nelson continued to live a life of crime, which led to his demise at an early age. Though it has gone through changes, the Illinois Youth Center still operates today as a Level 2 medium-security facility.

Join us at this special opening reception and enjoy drinks and appetizers with our Museum staff and researchers.

Earlier Event: October 19
Investigating St. Charles’ Civil War Connections Through Forensic Science: Field Demonstration
Later Event: November 8
Music at the Museum: Ryan Carney Cello Trio

HOURS

Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

monday* closed 

*Special tours may be scheduled ahead of time for any day of the week, including Monday

Your City. Your History. Your Sense of Community.

The Museum welcomes participation in all activities by individuals with disabilities and special needs by working cooperatively with the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. The Museum is committed to inclusion by providing public programs in the most integrated setting, providing to the maximum extent feasible for interaction between people with and without disabilities.
If you or a household member has a special need or request for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, please contact us at least one week in advance of an activity, program, or visit date. For more details, call 630-584-6967.