Travel expert Rick Steves, host of the acclaimed public television program Rick Steves’ Europe and author of several best-selling guidebooks, will talk about the transformational power of international travel at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Elmhurst College, Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

Feb. 9

Rick Steves: Travel as a Political Act
7 p.m.
Elmhurst College, Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
$10

Travel expert Rick Steves, host of the acclaimed public television program Rick Steves’ Europe and author of several best-selling guidebooks, will talk about the transformational power of international travel. In a slideshow lecture drawing on lessons learned while exploring Europe, Central America, Asia and the Middle East, Steves will explain how to travel thoughtfully and gain a broader perspective. Go to elmhurst.edu for tickets.

Feb. 9-March 3

“On Golden Pond”
7:30 p.m. Feb. 9-10, 15-17, 22-24, and March 1-3
2 p.m. matinees on Feb. 17, Feb. 24 and March 3
Medinah Baptist Church, 900 Foster Ave., Medinah
$14-$20

Summer has returned again to Golden Pond, and so has Norman Thayer and his wife, Ethel, who are back for the 48th year at their idyllic summer cottage. In their golden years, the elderly couple provide a perfect contrast to each other. As Norman approaches his 80th birthday, they are visited by their estranged daughter, Chelsea, and her fiancé, who go off to Europe and leave his teenage son behind for the summer. The boy quickly becomes the “grandchild” they have longed for, and as Norman revels in taking his ward fishing and thrusting good books at him, he also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness in return. While their bond strengthens, intimations of mortality are in the air with a growing sense of urgency for Norman to make peace with his daughter. Purchase tickets online at ticketpeak.com or by calling (630) 634-2100.

Feb. 10

Happy Illinois Birthday Bash
Noon-2 p.m.
Addison Public Library, 4 Friendship Plaza, Addison
Free

The Addison Historical Society and Addison Public Library are co-sponsoring a program for children kindergarten through third grade to celebrate Illinois’ 200th birthday and learn about the state’s history and famous residents. The program includes a pizza lunch, photo and craft activities. Register at the library and by calling (630) 543-3617.

Feb. 10-Feb. 11

Victorian Valentines
1-3 p.m.
DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton
Free, suggested donation of $3 per participant

Valentines of the Victorian era were treasured keepsakes, incorporating feathers, beads and bits of fabric. Create your own Victorian-style valentines in fun afternoon workshops. For children ages 3 and older. Register at dupagemuseum.org or by calling (630) 510-4941.

Feb. 11

Sunday Music Matinee
2 p.m.
Warrenville Public Library District, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville
Free

Musician Tom Sharpe, of Mannheim Steamroller, blends his orchestral background with world music instrumentation and cinematic imagery in his performances. Advance registration welcome, but not required. Register online at warrenville.evanced.info to get a reminder email or text. For more information, call (630) 393-1171, ext. 121.

The Genesis of the Gettysburg Address
2 p.m.
Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
$5 general admission, free for museum members

Join President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln on the eve of his birthday to hear about the genesis of his most famous speech, “The Gettysburg Address.” Brought to life by first-person history presenters Max and Donna Daniels, the context of the address and the couple’s time in the White House will be explained. The audience can participate in a Q&A session and take a photo with the President and First Lady. Children can test their 19th-century penmanship skills using a steel-tipped pen and ink. All ages are welcome. Registration is required. Go to eventbrite.com or call (630) 530-6879.

Feb. 15

Mrs. Lincoln in Love
7 p.m.
Warrenville Public Library District, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville
Free

Go back to January 1862, when Mrs. Lincoln and her family are settled comfortably in the Executive Mansion. Actress and historic researcher Laura Keyes puts on a one-woman show as Mrs. Lincoln, reflecting on the loves of her life – her children, her husband and her country. She even shares some of Mr. Lincoln’s love letters. This program is presented in association with the Warrenville Historical Society. Registration required. Go to warrenville.com.

–DuPage County Calendar of Events Feb. 9 – Feb. 15–