Docent training this week at Rockton Township Historical Society

One of the key ways the Rockton Township Historical Society (RTHS) keeps Rockton's rich history alive is through public tours of their RTHS Green Street Museum, led by dedicated docents.

The RTHS Board of Directors is hosting a docent workshop on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 539 Green St. in Rockton, to help train current docents and anyone else interested in educating the public about Rockton's rich history. With doors opening at 8:30 a.m., the workshop will run from 9 until 9:30 a.m.

RTHS Vice President Sherre Faulkner will lead this brief educational session.

"We are introducing new things in the museum, courtesy of Dean McMakin. Docents will have the chance to expand on their knowledge of what the museum has and exactly where related information, or items can be more readily found," Faulkner said.

“This workshop will give docents a chance to become acquainted with other docents, and refreshments will be served. What is learned in the workshop will be of a greater benefit to visitors of the museum.”

The museum contains a large area devoted to Walt Williamson's Wagon Wheel Resort. Photos and news clippings of figure skater Janet Lynn fill one section. Lynn trained at the Wagon Wheel, becoming a five time U.S. national champion, bronze medal winner in the 1972 Olympics and two time championship medalist.

In addition to the original “grout house” furnished in period style, other areas in the museum include a farm room, an old settlers bedroom and kitchen, Mack family and Native American displays, military items and uniforms, and a display dedicated to Civil War Brigadier General Elon Farnsworth.

Information and eye-catching displays about early settlers, local business and industry are also featured in the museum.

Since the formation of the society, the museum has been open to the public one weekend day throughout the summer months. Now they are open on Saturdays from 10 a.m, until 2 p.m., April through September, and by appointment for tours. Docent shifts can last anywhere from two to four hours.

Call Sherre for more information at 815-629-2200.

Rockton Township Historical Society holds a rich history. It was formed in 1952 as a result of community interest in saving the Stephen Mack house from demolition, in the Macktown Forest Preserve.

This effort was spearheaded by the women of the Rockton Women's Club. After successfully meeting the goal, the society maintained a museum in the Mack house for over fifty years.

There were 100 charter members in 1952. In 2002 a special 50th anniversary program was held to honor several of those charter members of the group.

In 1993 the society purchased the 1850 Fassett-Ellingson home at 529 Green Street in Rockton for additional space. It is a one and a half story hip-roof style Greek Revival house constructed with limestone and grout.

Adding the Carriage House in 1999 as the main exhibit space, with expansion and connection of the two buildings in 2003, have allowed RTHS to bring in a complete collection into one area.

On Dec. 15, 2015, the Rockton Township Carriage House Museum received its landmark status.

In 2022 RTHS celebrated their 75th Anniversary while also commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Rockton Woman's Club.

Currently there are 40 members in the RTHS.

Each month, educational, and historically accurate programs are held along with special events or occasional fundraisers.

Last summer RTHS President Marilyn Mohring, board members and volunteers welcomed the Talcott family to the museum to honor a family whose history has a long reach in the community.

Upcoming programs are certain to draw and capture great interest. On Monday evening, March 24, 2024, guest speaker Chris Kissinger will give insights into the Civil War.

Every year Wagon Wheel historian Gary Glaser gives a detailed presentation on the once famed Wagon Wheel Resort. Relive memories on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 1 p.m., with former employees, or anyone who fondly remembers the resort.

Santa's Attic continues to increase in popularity every winter.

In the spring and summer months, RTHS has held plant sales.

Find bargains at the Trash to Treasure sale on May 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. Shoppers can also purchase potted geraniums, and seek out a special food at the mini Rhubarb Fest sale of baked goods.

Geranium plants can be reserved and are guaranteed to be available for Mother's Day. Call Sherre to place orders at 815-629-2200.

You can buy raffle tickets in an attempt to win a hand piece quilt of vintage fabrics, discovered and quilted specifically for the RTHS.

On May 19 members are invited to take a tour of the Old Stone Church and to learn details about the history of the church.

The history of Macktown State Bank (now First National Bank) will be presented on June 23.

In July, RTHS member Jim McAffee will be the guest speaker. His topic takes attendees on a journey to the the early pubs and taverns in Rockton.

RTHS is an all volunteer organization and relies on donations and successful fundraisers to help cover necessary expenses. Memberships are only $10 per person.

Docents will present uncovered “Mysteries in the Museum” on Oct. 27.

All  meetings and programs are at 7 p.m unless otherwise noted for special events.

RTHS has partnered with Macktown Living History to bring different events to the community. Last summer both organizations welcomed the Mack Family to a reunion.

All are invited to find out all of the valuable treasures that lie behind the museum doors, or to come to any program.