What was life like before, during, and after the American Revolution? Join us for an interactive program that begins with a screening reel from The American Revolution, a documentary by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, offering a compelling overview of the nation’s founding and its global impact.

Then step into history as a virtual volunteer transcriber for the Library of Congress through the By the People program. Work directly with real historical documents from colonial America through the early Republic and help bring to light the everyday experiences and voices of those who lived through this transformative era. Your contributions will make these materials more accessible to researchers and the public, joining a nationwide effort that has already surpassed one million transcribed pages.

This program is free and open to the public. Recommended for youth ages 13 and up and adults. Participants should bring a laptop or tablet with a charging cord. The program will run approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Nurture is a mixed media art exhibit that focuses on artists' perspective of the concept of Nurture. Join us to experience the inspiration and expressive interpretation of Nurture though art.

Take Root: A Farm Business Class Farmers Rising - The Land Connection - Food Works

January 13 – June 6, 2026
Tuesday and Thursdays
6-8pm
Four quarters · Four weeks each · One-week break between sections
Final presentations on June 6
(Last official class day: May 21, followed by a two-week break)

Mentorships to follow (optional)

About the Program

Take Root is a comprehensive virtual training program designed for people exploring farm business ownership and farmers in their first 1–5 years. This guided, step-by-step course helps participants build the confidence, clarity, and practical skills needed to launch or strengthen a farm enterprise.

The course follows a structured 4-section curriculum, each lasting four weeks. Between each section, participants take a one-week pause to reflect, catch up, and prepare for the next phase. After the final session on May 21, students will have two weeks to finalize their plans before returning on June 6 for peer presentations. Once presentations are complete, students will have the opportunity to join a mentorship program specialized to each person.

What are the benefits of Take Root?

✔ Build a complete farm business plan

✔ Join a supportive community

✔ Learn from experienced farmers

✔ Strengthen your business knowledge

Course Sections:

Quarter 1: The Dream: Foundations of Farm Life

Quarter 2: Enterprise: The Business of Farming

Quarter 3: Operations: Building it Out

Quarter 4: Finance: Keeping and Maintaining the Farm

Tuition & Accessibility

Total cost: $500 (not including mentorship)
Enrollment fee: $25 (applied toward tuition)

To ensure the program is accessible to all, we offer:

Payment plan

Need-based scholarships (based on current grant-supported scholarship fund availability)

Mentorships to follow

We can not wait for a great year with Take Root!

Jillae- Farmer Training Program Facilitator at Farmers Rising

Let’s play ball! Women have been part of baseball’s story since the 1800s, especially in the Midwest. During World War II, Philip K. Wrigley launched the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League to keep America’s pastime alive while showcasing women’s athletic talent. Illinois played a central role in the league, producing 125 players, including All-Star Dorothy Schroeder, the only woman to play all twelve seasons.

Join us for a lively look at the evolution of women’s baseball, from its early roots to the rise of the AAGPBL. Learn about the league’s unique rules, its memorable teams, including the Rockford Peaches, Springfield Sallies, Peoria Redwings, and Chicago Colleens, and the culture surrounding the game, from uniforms to “Charm School” and wartime publicity.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be offered as a blended program with in-person and virtual options. To register virtually, go to: t.ly/vbcFw.

Almost two dozen original paintings of flowers and trees by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. This exhibit is in cooperation with Klehm Arboretums event - Garden Fair.

Lowden Gallery: Oregon High School Seniors Art Exhibit

​May 1 - June 30

Reception, May 8, 5pm – 7pm

This exhibit features artwork by Oregon High School graduating seniors, including Delila S, Sam S, Marin S, Sophia O, Merit N, Daleana K, Cristen M, Abbie L, Evelyn M, Daeshiap, and Ahren H.