"Tattoo" at the Field Museum

Back in February, I was able to go to The Field Museum to see a special exhibition about tattoos. Tattoos have been used for many centuries and for various cultural reasons. Some indigenous cultures used certain patterns and motifs of tattoos that reflected their religious beliefs. Other forms of tattooing related to gang symbols, prison art, and military and naval iconography that held different meanings for various groups. The hardened notion of tattoos as being counter culture and prohibited only fueled the fascination and rebellious nature in breaking rules and as a way to react to older and stricter generations. Tattoos are more and more common and less stigmatized by society, the exhibit even included a working tattoo parlor where visitors could schedule their turn to getting a real tattoo. As for me, I still sometimes consider getting some ink, but choosing the right one and where to put it always seems to be the big road block.

The Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest

There is a lot happening right now at The Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest. Currently it's offices and a small exhibition space are located in the historic Pleasant Home in downtown Oak Park, but the Historical Society is working on its own home in a historical firehouse. In a push to get more community exposure the Historical Society has been hosting a series of weekend open houses to show and tell their big plans and current progress. The firehouse itself tells an interesting story of the volunteer firefighters who worked and maintained the fire brigade. The Historical Society hopes to develop a research center, exhibition space, event space, and will also have a geothermal heating system. It'll be exciting to watch the progress of the Historical Society.