Events held at Chaplin

Historic reenactments, including Revolutionary War and World War II events, bring the past to life with encampments, demonstrations, and interactive learning experiences.

LIBERATION OF ROME
BREAKOUT FROM ANZIO
WWII PUBLIC BATTLE REENACTMENT
AND ENCAMPMENT
MAY 15, 16, 17, 2026

“Thank you” to  WWII sponsors: Franklin Grove Winifred Knox Memorial Library, Crest Foods, 1st National Bank in Amboy, Martin Trucking, Atkinson Trucking, Rooney’s, Shaw Media, A & W Heating & Cooling, and Pacer Tree Service, Donations are still being accepted and remember the event is May 16th and 17th 2026, Chaplin Creek Village, Franklin Grove.

We welcome you to attend our Event that will be held at the Chaplin Creek Historic Village site located at 1715 Whitney Road in Franklin Grove, Illinois 61031.

The Village will be turned into the Italian town of Castelli Romani.

The Battles will reenact the many small actions that occurred as part of Operation Diadem which started on May 11, 1944 resulting in the breaking of the German Gustav Line in the Liri Valley resulting in the Liberation of Rome on June 4-5 1944.

All Western Theatre Allied, Commonwealth and Axis and Civilian impressions are welcome. The event will be hosted by 5th Kompanie GrossDeutschland and will be a WWII HRS event.

The event is open to all recognized national umbrella organization members including The

LHRA and Northwoods Living History.

German and Italian Reenacting units will garrison the historic Village buildings, Allied and Commonwealth will be encamped in the surrounding woods and fields.

We are looking for civilian reenactors to portray the Italian Civilians. There is a blacksmith, undertaker, cafe, jail, schoolhouse/mayor’s office and general store that will be used for the village.

All period historic vehicles are welcome and a limited amount of free transportation is available for armored vehicles.

The event will open to reenactors on:

Thursday May 14, 2026 for encampment and display setup.

Friday May 15, 2026 will be a Junior High School children’s tour for local students starting at 10:30 am to 1:30 p.m.

No reenactor personal vehicles will be allowed in the village between 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.

There will be two public battle reenactments on both Saturday and Sunday.

Amenities include Potable water, firewood, flush toilets and shower facilities.

Reenactor Registration LINK HERE:

The Liberation of Rome 2026 Public Reenactment – Reenactor Registration

For Questions Contact Event P.O.C.

Richard A. Russo 5th Kompanie GrossDeutschland

1-847-254-8826 Vizsla25@sbcglobal.net

Seasonal events like the Summer Harvest Festival and patriotic celebrations, including the Reading of the Declaration of Independence, offer food, entertainment, family-friendly fun, and popular attractions such as the Big Rig Show.

Upcoming plans include rebuilding the wooden fence, restoring the Kelly House interior and upstairs, reconstructing a building into a nondenominational church, and hosting future events such as a WWII reenactment, music festivals, and a community 5K run.

Local artisans and vendors showcase their goods, creating lively marketplaces for the community while helping fund restoration projects.

Hands-on learning experiences, school tours, and interactive demonstrations provide opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore history, nature, and early life on the Illinois prairie.

The Scott Barn and select areas of the property are available for weddings, anniversaries, and private gatherings. Members can enjoy discounted rates, and each event supports the preservation of our historic site.