The Dunn Museum will honor the birthday and legacy of Lake County’s first official historian with free admission, special programs and a taste of local history from 10 am–4:30 pm Sunday, August 23.

Bess Bower Dunn (1877–1959) was a trailblazing public servant, genealogist and preservationist. Around 1896, local inventor Edward Amet filmed Dunn and her friend Isabelle Spoor playfully boxing in long skirts. The short silent film, titled “Morning Exercise,” made them two of the first women to appear in motion pictures.

Dunn worked for the County of Lake for 60 years and traveled throughout the area photographing historic sites and recording residents’ stories. She also collected artifacts and documents that are now part of the Museum’s collection.

The GlenRock Promotional Event Trailer will also be on-site from 10 am–4:30 pm, offering a variety of GlenRock Pop flavors for purchase. The iconic local soft drink brings back fond memories for generations of Lake County residents.

Bess Bower Dunn Day Plan Your Visit

Two FREE programs available during the event:

The GlenRock Story: Noon–12:30 pm

Learn about the soft drink that became part of the region’s identity and the community that brought it back. GlenRock Pop owner Keith Michalek will discuss the company’s past, present and future. Registration is required.

Register

Being Bess Bower Dunn: 2–3 pm

Learn about Dunn through a lecture, discussion and close examination of primary sources and other materials connected to her life and work. The adult program will explore the role of historians and the continued importance of preserving history. Registration is required. 

Register

Bess Bower Dunn (1877–1959)

Back