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

Head Coach Mike Fitzgerald addresses the 2023 football squad.

DUKES Get Ready Again

market_69_EDIT

Elmhurst Farmers Market Growing the right way

HIL_2038_EDIT

Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Interactive play between preschool students encourages language exposure.

Hearing a Child’s Voice: Wood Dale school helps deaf children find their voices

Ok Go: Konopka, drummer; Tim Norwind, bassist; Andy Ross, guitarist, keyboard and vocals; Damian Kulash, lead vocals and guitarist. Photo by Nikolay Ivanov

Ready, Set, OK Go! Dan Konopka, OK Go drummer and former Elmhurst resident

The Spring Inn Proprietor Pete Harmon

The Spring Inn: The oldest bar in Elmhurst

BOTW-Pic-04

Crafting a Unique Business in Elmhurst

Shirley, Willis and Chris Johnson

Making History: A new documentary captures the story of the Tivoli Theatre, Classic Cinemas, and the family behind the scenes

Seussical, an entire production in song, November, 2022.

Curtain Call: Elmhurst Children’s Theatre encourages young actors to put themselves out there

IMG_3554

Above Par: Oak Brook Golf Club remains a favorite for many after 40 years

Crusaders-Panthers-Panthers_0414

Crusaders & Panthers

Tivoli_18_EDITED

Focus on the Filmmaker