Brown Bag Lunch: Baron de Kalb & America’s Revolution

FREE Brown Bag Lecture at the Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center

Have you ever wondered why our community is named after a Revolutionary War hero who never actually set foot in DeKalb County?

Baron Johann de Kalb has a fascinating story that may surprise you. Born the son of a peasant in Germany, de Kalb rose to become one of the most highly respected military figures in France. At George Washington’s request, he spent the winter at Valley Forge helping train American troops. And when Benjamin Franklin traveled to France seeking French support for the American Revolution, Baron de Kalb was sent to the colonies to assess the American cause and gather intelligence on the British.

From his unlikely beginnings to his service alongside American patriots, Baron de Kalb played a remarkable role in the story of the American Revolution.

Join us as we explore the life, legacy, and many reasons this brave and fascinating man became the namesake of our community!

The Brown Bag Lunch series is held on the first Thursday of each month as a partnership between the DeKalb County History Center and the Ellwood House Museum. The series is funded in part by Illinois Arts Council.