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.
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.
"Fred Machesney" - Mike Frederiksen
June 27, 2021 2:00 pm
Tinker Swiss Cottage is excited to invite historian Mike Frederiksen to present his research on Fred Machesney!
The name Machesney is very familiar to those who live in the Northern Illinois region due to the the Village of Machesney Park and the Machesney Park Mall. However, before there was a village and a mall, the name Machesney was synonymous with aviation. Fred Machesney founded the first official Airport in Rockford and operated it for 47 years. Machesney was an innovator, a businessman, and a catalyst for the aviation industry our region is now known for. Join us as we we explore Machesney’s life from barnstormer in Kewanee to the closure and conversion of his airport into a mall. We will also talk about early Rockford aviation themes and the formation of Chicago Rockford International Airport.
Mike Frederiksen graduated from Carleton University with a degree in psychology and history. His love of history developed at a young age under the guidance of his adventurous parents. No family vacation growing up was complete without a visit to a historic site or famous museum. Mike has a passion for local history and preservation.
During his years studying history Mike has developed a soft spot for people who have not received the recognition they deserve. Fred Machesney is a perfect example of this.
Mike currently serves as the curator, collections manager, and education director for the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum. He is also a board member for the Rockford Historical Society and The Boone County Arts Council. He has spoken extensively on Fred Machesney and early aviation in the Rockford Area.
Mike was a co-writer for “Images of America: Belvidere and Boone County,” (Arcadia Publishing, 2014).
This lecture will take place on Sunday June 22nd 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!
The name Machesney is very familiar to those who live in the Northern Illinois region due to the the Village of Machesney Park and the Machesney Park Mall. However, before there was a village and a mall, the name Machesney was synonymous with aviation. Fred Machesney founded the first official Airport in Rockford and operated it for 47 years. Machesney was an innovator, a businessman, and a catalyst for the aviation industry our region is now known for. Join us as we we explore Machesney’s life from barnstormer in Kewanee to the closure and conversion of his airport into a mall. We will also talk about early Rockford aviation themes and the formation of Chicago Rockford International Airport.
Mike Frederiksen graduated from Carleton University with a degree in psychology and history. His love of history developed at a young age under the guidance of his adventurous parents. No family vacation growing up was complete without a visit to a historic site or famous museum. Mike has a passion for local history and preservation.
During his years studying history Mike has developed a soft spot for people who have not received the recognition they deserve. Fred Machesney is a perfect example of this.
Mike currently serves as the curator, collections manager, and education director for the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum. He is also a board member for the Rockford Historical Society and The Boone County Arts Council. He has spoken extensively on Fred Machesney and early aviation in the Rockford Area.
Mike was a co-writer for “Images of America: Belvidere and Boone County,” (Arcadia Publishing, 2014).
This lecture will take place on Sunday June 22nd 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!
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