CONTACT PERSON: Patrice Roche, Marketing & Communications Specialist Elmhurst Historical Museum (630) 833-1457

Home , Patty (Peanuts), Peanuts, Woodstock (Peanuts)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2015

Make way for the Peanuts gang

“Pigskin Peanuts” exhibit kicks off at Elmhurst Historical Museum June 12-August 9

ELMHURST, IL – Charles M. Schulz could arguably be called the world’s most beloved cartoonist. From his clever imagination sprang the likes of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Lucy, Linus and other memorable characters. With a combination of sarcasm and warmth, Schulz’s seemingly minimalist drawings and sharp wit kept the world smiling from 1950 until he retired in 1999. Schulz created nearly 18,000 comic strips during his prolific career, and his Classic Peanuts strips continue to provide intergenerational appeal to this day.

This summer the Elmhurst Historical Museum marks the 65th anniversary of the Peanuts gang with the opening of “Pigskin Peanuts,” a traveling exhibition organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California. The exhibit, which was last shown at the William J. Clinton Library in Arkansas, will be on display at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, located at 120 E. Park Ave. in Elmhurst, from June 12 through August 9, 2015.

While fans might associate Peanuts with the game of baseball, football also figured prominently in the comic strip. Schulz created over 250 football-themed Peanuts comic strips and his “Fall Classic”—Lucy pulling the ball away from Charlie Brown just as he runs up to kick it—became a rite of autumn in American pop culture. Who can forget the “Mad Punters’” exuberant capers, Woodstock’s valiant gridiron efforts, Marcie’s total ineptitude at the game, or the passion and ferocity which marked Peppermint Patty’s play?

The “Pigskin Peanuts” exhibit features 50 Sunday and daily strips that demonstrate the fun Schulz had with the sport and explore the wonderful world inhabited by the Peanuts gang. Visitors will also enjoy viewing football-themed Peanuts objects and memorabilia, dressing up in the team locker room, taking a photo-op on a football trading card, and reenacting Lucy’s infamous prank of pulling the football from Charlie Brown.

Peanuts Programs and Special Events The Elmhurst Historical Museum staff has planned a full summer schedule of programs and activities connected to the “Pigskin Peanuts” exhibit, including:

Third Thursdays After Hours, June 18/July 16/Aug. 20, 5:00-8:00 p.m. FREE Elmhurst Historical Museum is open late on Third Thursdays this summer to welcome families and working folks for a relaxing evening at the museum. Hop off the train and pick up a picnic dinner to enjoy on the museum lawn (weather permitting). Listen to live music, and tour the "Pigskin Peanuts" and "Beyond All Accounts" exhibits. BYO blanket or chairs; a limited number of picnic tables are available.

Touchdown Tailgate Party, June 28, 1:00-4:00 p.m. FREE Peanuts fans of all ages won’t want to miss our Touchdown Tailgate Party celebrating the “Pigskin Peanuts” exhibit. Join in an afternoon of football fun on the Elmhurst Historical Museum grounds with live music, comic strip craft activities, a touchdown dance-off contest, football- themed inflatables, an appearance by Snoopy – and lots more. Complimentary tailgate treats provided. A fun-filled summer event for the entire family.

Summer Fun & Games Programs, June 23-July 28, Noon-2:00 p.m. Kids and their caregivers can drop by on summer Tuesdays for a make-and-take Peanuts or vintage craft activity in the EHM Education Center. Kid-friendly tours of the exhibits will take place in the museum. Best for kids ages 3-12. PICNICS: Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and picnic lunch to enjoy on the lawn (11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) during Summer Fun & Games programs, complimentary juice boxes and a sweet treat provided (while supplies last). Cost–EHF Members: $2; Non-members: $4.

Elmhurst Travelers Football Club Reunion, July 25, 2:00-5:00 p.m. FREE Elmhurst had its own semi-pro football team from 1927 to 1967 called the Elmhurst Travelers. The public is invited to celebrate the team’s legacy with a reunion of former players and their families. Meet the players and hear their stories, enjoy refreshments, and view team photos and memorabilia.

New Summer Hours The Elmhurst Historical Museum has added special summer hours to make it more convenient to experience the “Pigskin Peanuts” exhibit and take part in museum activities. New summer hours from June 13 through August 30, 2015 are as follows: Sunday and Tuesday through Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Third Thursdays, 1:00-8:00 p.m. General admission and on-site parking is free.

Make the “Pigskin Peanuts” exhibit a part of your playbook for Summer 2015. For the latest exhibit and program information, please like the museum’s Facebook page, visit our web site at www.elmhursthistory.org, or call (630) 833-1457.

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The Elmhurst Historical Museum is located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst. General admission is free with nominal fees for special programs. For more information, call 630-833-1457 or visit our web site at www.elmhursthistory.org.

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