The Elmhurst History Museum and Elmhurst Heritage Foundation honor Nancy Wilson’s 42 years of service and dedication

image001-2-e1715541022667

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. ■

Author

Lifelong musician, KC Congdon, has directed the Agape Ringers for four years.

Ringing in the Season

DGJWC

Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

To-Dos-jonny-caspari-TQGpLw48VsU-unsplash

Let it Snow: A festive and fun-filled end to 2023

An organized layout helps volunteers to work efficiently.

Assisting As Needed: Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry helps families make healthy eating a reality

92 students and three nuns perished in one of America's deadliest school fires.

Out of the ashes: Six and a half decades later, Chicagoans still commemorate Our Lady of the Angels school fire

Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens 
Photo by Victor Hilitski

Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

Oakbrook-Center-fountain-at-night

Comfort & Joy: Shopping This Holiday Season In Oak Brook, and elsewhere in DuPage

Readerlink Presenting Sponsor Table including Kristen & Jon Anderson, Mike & Tanya Nolan (front row), Dr. Allen & Christine Bloom, Toni & Mike Havala, Dionne Miller, Kathy & Dennis Abboud (back row)

Loaves and Fishes Night to End Hunger Gala

IMG_8855

West Suburban Humane Society Barkapalooza

IMG_8342

Downers Grove Oktoberfest

IMG_4025

Lego Art Installation

United Real Estate Chicago celebrated its grand opening in Oak Brook with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Oak Brook Village President, Larry Herman was in attendance among special guests.

United Real Estate Grand Opening