OLLI Fall 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 10
Carol Davis is happy to try her hand as judge
during an OLLI visit to the Peoria City Courthouse.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Thursday, October 22
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Learn about the latest developments at The
Dirksen Congressional Center with Executive
Director Tiffany White and historian Chris
Kaergard. Named for Everett McKinley Dirksen
(1896–1969), the Pekin-based nonprofit,
nonpartisan organization promotes research and
scholarship about the U.S. Congress. We’ll learn
about Senator Dirksen’s legacy while marking the
60th anniversary of his work in passing the Voting
Rights Act of 1965 and the 50th anniversary of
The Dirksen Congressional Center. Our behindthe-scenes visit will include a presentation,
light refreshments, time to explore the Center’s
main exhibits, and a tour of the archive space.
Participants will have an opportunity to view
rarely seen artifacts, including a signed copy of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and correspondence
with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil
rights leaders. We’ll also learn about a new project
designed to make the Center’s archives more
accessible to the public.
$40 – includes guided presentation, exhibit and
archive tour, light refreshments, lunch, gratuities,
and shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
OLLI Member Tina Allen poses
with Alan Knobloch, owner of
Alamar Acres, which breeds some
of the world’s top Clydesdales..
10
LEARNING TRIPS
Mabuhay Leather Craft
Friday, October 23
9:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Delve into the world of handcrafted leather
during a visit to Mabuhay Leather Craft. Owner
and master leathersmith Abegail Alms will
guide us through the creative process and share
an insider’s look at the techniques, tools, and
business model behind her work. Mabuhay
Leather Craft creates a wide range of customized
pieces, including cosplay armor and accessories,
slings, vests, holsters, pouches, cases, wallets, bags,
belts, notebook covers, board games, flowers,
and more. During this hands-on experience,
participants will complete a leathercraft project
while learning how raw materials are transformed
into functional and artistic creations.
$65 – includes guided presentation, hands-on
leathercraft project, lunch, gratuities, and shuttle
transportation.
Seats available: 28
Whiskey Capital of the World Tour
Tuesday, November 17
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Discover why Peoria was once known as the
whiskey capital of the world, from the Civil War
through Prohibition. On this OLLI trip, led by
Bernie Drake, former Peoria Historical Society
President and expert on Peoria’s whiskey history,
we’ll explore the city’s fascinating whiskey history,
learn about the legendary whiskey barons, and
see their impressive mansions. During the tour
we’ll also learn more about Peoria’s economic
importance as the whiskey capital of the United
States and how that helped finance the U.S.
government during the Civil War.
$50 – includes guided presentation, lunch,
gratuities, and shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 27
