LOCKPORT, Illinois — The Illinois State Museum is celebrating the move of its beloved Growing Up X exhibition to the Lockport Gallery. This nostalgic exhibition, previously a hit in other locations, takes visitors on a journey through the formative years of Generation X.
Curator of History Erika Holst expressed enthusiasm about bringing this experience to the Chicagoland area, inviting both Gen Xers and younger generations to explore the cultural and technological milestones of the 1970s and 1980s.
The exhibition showcases a variety of artifacts that define the Gen X childhood, including corded telephones, cassette players, and an Apple IIe computer. It also reflects on how historical events like the Vietnam War and the Cold War influenced this generation. An interactive rec room adds a hands-on element, allowing visitors to engage with period-appropriate entertainment like VHS movies and video games.
The public is invited to the opening reception and gallery talk on December 2, from 2-4 p.m. at the Lockport Gallery. Growing Up X, which offers free admission, will be available for viewing through June 2024. For further details, contact the gallery at 815-838-7400 or visit the museum’s website at illinoisstatemuseum.org.
