Tinker Swiss Cottage strives to promote education through many methods including tours, exhibits, workshops, and lectures.
This summer, we hope to offer you lectures that explore different historical and cultural themes. 
​All lectures will take place in the lower level of the Barn and are open to the public.  

**Please note: There are no physical tickets. Once you purchase your seat, you will be placed onto a reservation form and will need to check in at the Barn upon arrival. ​

"Bert 'Fish' Hassell - Aviation Pioneer, Whiskey Bootlegger, & Rockford Legend" - Mike Frederiksen
    May 18th       2:00pm

5/18 Lecture
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is excited to kick off our 2025 Summer Lecture Series with local historian, Mike Frederiksen! 

While Rockford is rich with aviation history, there were few characters as colorful as Bert "Fish" Hassell. Many in the Northern Illinois area are familiar with Bert Hassell's Rockford to Sweden pioneer flight attempt in 1929; however, did you know that famed aviator Glenn Curtiss Personally recruited him for flight training? Or that Hassell worked as a Canadian whisky bootlegger for the Chicago mob? Please join me as we take a dive in the eccentric and entertaining life of Rockford's own Bert "Fish" Hassell.

​This lecture will take place on Sunday, May 18th in the lower level of the Tinker Barn from 2-4pm. 

The cost for this lecture is $10 for non-members and $5 for Tinker members. 
 
*Space is limited, so reserve today!