Discover Lake Forest History Through Amazing Race Test

Join the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society for the family program, The Amazing Race Through History, from 10 a.m. to noon June 16.

Loosely based on the popular CBS television show, teams will race through the Lake Forest of today, uncovering clues and completing challenges, to discover the Lake Forest of 150 years ago — a new city in a country embroiled in the Civil War.

The race will begin at the . The registration fee is $20 for teams of 2 and $30 for teams of three or more. Tickets may be purchased at www.lflbhistory.org or by calling (847) 234-5253. Pre-registration is encouraged.

The theme for this year’s race is 1861: A City Started, A Country Parted. The focus of the program will be on the early 1860’s, when the Civil War divided the country and the was brand new.

Among the historical activities teams will complete are the following:

• Join the military drill team of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, just as the boys from did in 1860.

• Recite the oath of office taken by the newly elected mayor and aldermen in 1861.  What special activity did the oath prohibit elected officials from doing?

• Solve the puzzle of a local building’s connection to one of the most important books of the era.

• Participate in a special fair to support the Union soldiers; similar to one sponsored by City founder .

• Learn what it was like to travel by train in the 1860’s.

All activities are within walking distance of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society museum. The winners will receive prizes and all participants will receive a goody bag.

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