The Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the fundraising arm for the museum, recently honored long-time volunteer and former staff member Nancy Wilson with the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award.

Established in 2007, the award is given to individuals or businesses which have made a significant and lasting contribution to the Elmhurst History Museum or Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.

Wilson joined the staff at the Elmhurst History Museum in 1973 supporting the museum’s educational initiatives and went on to become the museum’s full-time Curator of Collections until her retirement in June of 2017. Over her 42-year career at the Elmhurst History Museum, Wilson played a vital role in professionalizing, organizing, and growing the museum’s collection of artifacts and archives.

Since retiring, Wilson has continued her work with the museum as a valued volunteer, assisting with research projects, collections care and records, and special curatorial projects to this day. Wilson was presented with the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award at an Elmhurst Heritage Foundation reception celebrating the opening of the Elmhurst History Museum’s latest exhibit, “Victory at Home: 1941-1945” on February 29, 2024.

“Nancy Wilson couldn’t be more deserving of the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award. The institutional knowledge she has of our organization is priceless, and her vast command of Elmhurst history is unsurpassed. We are so grateful for Nancy’s commitment and her steadfast support of our heritage,” said Dave Oberg, Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director.

The Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award was named in honor of beloved Elmhurst resident Alben F. “Pete” Bates, a long-time supporter of the good works of the Elmhurst History Museum and Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, as well as numerous charitable causes in the community and beyond.

Wilson joins a distinguished group of recipients, including Feze Roofing, former Elmhurst Mayor Tom Marcucci, Pints Elmhurst, Pete Cruger, Tony Gambino, Mae Pearson, Ted Kross and Frank Catalano, Jr.

For additional information on the Elmhurst History Museum, please visit elmhursthistory.org. ■