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Image for event: Elizabeth Packard:

Registration now closed

Elizabeth Packard:

The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced
2024-03-24 14:00:00 2024-03-24 15:00:00 America/Chicago Elizabeth Packard: Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Sunday, March 24
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-03-24 14:00:00 2024-03-24 15:00:00 America/Chicago Elizabeth Packard: Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

What would you do if your spouse committed you to an Insane Asylum for no other reason than he disliked your opinions? What would you do if you learned that the law allowed that to happen, and you had no legal recourse? What would you do if you wanted to speak out, prove your sanity, and change the world you live in?

 

Elizabeth Packard was committed to the Illinois State Hospital in 1860 and was kept under lock and key for three years, all the while protesting her sanity. While her husband insisted to everyone that she was insane, Elizabeth was able to obtain her release. Realizing that current law allowed married women to be placed in asylums by their husbands, Elizabeth started a campaign to change that unjust law. Through her perseverance, her voice was heard.

 

This timely living history portrayal by Laura F. Keyes shows how, throughout history and even up to the present day, women’s voices are silenced and marginalized when they dare to express opinions contrary to those of the men in power.

Cosponsored with AAUW Northwest Suburban (IL) in recognition of Women's History Month

Credit: Photography by Dallas

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |

TAGS: | Performance | History |

Des Plaines Public Library
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About

The 1501 Ellinwood Street library building is the realization of a longheld dream of the library board, staff and community partners. Located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, the four story, 82,000 square foot building represents the community's commitment to reading, lifelong learning, and a center for family activities. A grand central staircase and large windows provide a wealth of natural light and illuminate the building at night.

Upcoming events

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Virtual
View a recording of the Park Theatre production of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women.
A Christmas Story Christmas
Sat, Dec 21, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
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Registration is now closed
Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!
Sun, Dec 22, All day
Virtual
View a recording of the Park Theatre production of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women.
Teen Take & Make - Layered Candle
Mon, Dec 23, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Teen Take & Make - Layered Candle
Mon, Dec 30, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Life Drawing at the Library 2025
Sat, Jan 04, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Learn to draw the human body with a clothed model, located in the 3rd Floor Commons. Drop in with no registration required; open to adults, seniors, and teens.  
Teen Take & Make - New Year Journal
Mon, Jan 06, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Happy Notes
Wed, Jan 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Earn service hours by making uplifting cards for hospitalized kids! Materials will be provided. For teens in grades 7-12.
The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Jan 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
Chicago Pizza - Past, Present & Future with Steve Dolinsky
Thu, Jan 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join Steve Dolinsky, author of The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City.
Film Screening - Twisters
Sat, Jan 11, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
This entertaining film follows competing teams of storm chasers investigating a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. A fun ride.
Teen Take & Make - New Year Journal
Mon, Jan 13, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Adult Board Game Night
Wed, Jan 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room C
Meet fellow board gamers and play our games or bring your own!
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, Jan 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Join us for our Teen Advisory Board Meeting where teens plan programs and participate in library events while making new friends.
The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Jan 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
Friday Night Films - The Persian Version
Fri, Jan 17, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the independent film The Persian Version.
Teen Take & Make - New Year Journal
Mon, Jan 20, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Happy Tails
Wed, Jan 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
All furry pets deserve to play in style! Join us as we make a posh no-sew fleece tug toy for a pup or feline in need and earn service hours. For teens in grades 7-12.
Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
Wed, Jan 22, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Your Chinese zodiac animal may have hidden qualities you previously were not aware of. The Chinese use the twelve zodiac animals to inspire and encourage positive qualities in ourselves.
The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Jan 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau
Thu, Jan 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join comedian, actress, and producer Michelle Buteau in conversation with interviewer and podcast host Greta Johnsen.
Postmortem - What Survives the John Wayne Gacy Murders
Fri, Jan 24, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Author Courtney Lund O'Neil discusses her book Postmortem.
Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament
Sat, Jan 25, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
No experience necessary! Come celebrate National Puzzle Day with us by competing to solve the same mystery jigsaw puzzle in a team of your own - or we will add you to one!
Teen Take & Make - New Year Journal
Mon, Jan 27, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Civic Awareness - Post Election Update with Paul Lisnek
Tue, Jan 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
WGN-TV's Paul Lisnek will speak about the election results and what we can expect from the upcoming four years.
The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Jan 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
ACT Practice Test
Sat, Feb 01, 9:00am - 1:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
Find out your starting score and identify your strengths and weaknesses by taking the SAT Practice Test presented by iAchieve Learning.
Life Drawing at the Library 2025
Sat, Feb 01, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Learn to draw the human body with a clothed model, located in the 3rd Floor Commons. Drop in with no registration required; open to adults, seniors, and teens.  
An Evening with James McBride - In Conversation with Heather-Marie Montilla
Tue, Feb 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Illinois Libraries Present James McBride, an award-winning author, musician, and screenwriter.
The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Feb 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
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