Science looks a bit like child’s play at the new exhibition called “Fantastic Machines” at the Museum of Science and Industry, where whimsy wins the day.
“Some are technological dreams created by inventors who were seriously trying to create something that would serve a purpose,” says Arlene Jangaard, who coordinated the project. For example, the inventor of the nickelodeon in the exhibit created a new way of recording tunes on cyclinders that could be played back at the drop of a coin.
Other inventions didn’t quite hit the mark. “These are the fantastic schemes that were impossible or impractical,” says Jangaard. They include the “phrenology machine,” which was created to produce a personality profile by reading the bumps on a person’s head. Another contraption consists of large rings that were supposed to remove fat as they rolled over a person’s body.
Some of the machines were built just for the fun of it. These include a three-dimensional reproduction of a Rube Goldberg cartoon in which a complicated chain of events activates a self-operating napkin.
The exhibit also includes an area with all sorts of tubing, ramps and clamps so visitors can make their own contraptions. “We wanted to capture the spirit of playfulness that underlies science and technology,” says Jangaard, “and to show kids that they can make their own inventions by using their imaginations.”
“Fantastic Machines,” opens Friday and runs through Dec. 31, 1997, Museum of Science and Industry, West Pavilion, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, $6 adults, $2.50 children, free on Thursdays; 312-684-1414.
The Chicago Historical Society has two programs about people and places in America’s past. “Winter on the Prairie” will feature interpreters in the Pioneer Life Gallery showing how early settlers made candles, dyed cloth and wove rugs. Fiddler Paul Tyler will play some of the tunes of the day. “A lot of the traditional songs emphasized the tragedy of war and the hardships of pioneer life and helped people deal with the rougher parts of their existence,” says Tyler, “but others had silly lyrics to go along with some of the fiddle tunes that were used for square dancing.”
“Winter of the Prairie,” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday with performances by Paul Tyler at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Chicago Historical Society, Clark Street at North Avenue, $3 for adults, $2 for children; 312-642-4600.
As boys, Abraham Lincoln’s sons would come into cabinet meetings and curl up on his lap. “When someone would tell Lincoln that they thought that their behavior was inappropriate, Lincoln would remind them that he was attempting to preserve the nation for the future so it was, in fact, very important for the children to be involved in his work,” explains storyteller Dan LeMonnier, who will perform in conjunction with the exhibition, “The Last Best Hope of Earth: Abraham Lincoln and the Promise of America” at the Chicago Historical Society.
He will end the program with a song. “It was the day that Lee surrendered and people were standing around the White House waiting for the president to speak,” LeMonnier said. “Lincoln turned to the military band and said, `Would you please play my favorite song “Dixie” now that it’s our song again.’ His point was that it was time to celebrate because the nation was back together again and he was already working on healing the wounds.”
Presidents’ Day Celebration, featuring storytelling with Dan LeMonnier at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Monday, Chicago Historical Society, Clark Street at North Avenue, free; 312-642-4600.
Friday
“Aladdin,” 10 a.m. through May 18, Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre for Young Audiences, Milwaukee Ave. south of Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, $6; 847-634-0200.
Saturday
“African Adventures,” tour of African art collection and mask-making workshop for ages 4-6, 10:30 a.m. Kraft Education Center, Art Institute, Michigan Avenue at Adams, $7.50 adults, $3.50 children; 312-443-3600.
Sunday
Family Fun Day: Owl Pellets, 1:30 p.m. for ages 7 and up, North Part Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., free; 312-744-5472.
“A Really Good and Funny Show” presented by Child’s Play Touring Theater, 2 p.m., DuPage Children’s Museum, 1777 S. Blanchard Rd., Wheaton, $5; 708-260-9907.
