| Mission Statement | |
| The Mission of the Sycamore Historical Society in operating its museum and archives is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit significant materials relating to Sycamore and the surrounding area, and to provide related educational services for the purpose of increasing and enriching public knowledge of Sycamore for its members, supporters, visitors, students and researchers. The act of acquisition, accession, and deaccession shall reflect these stated purposes. | |
| Brief History of the Organization | |
| The Sycamore Historical Society and Museum was founded in 1999. With the generosity of many people's time, talents and financial contributions the Society opened their Museum at 215 W. Elm Street in 2000. For five years this was where the Society exhibited items connected to Sycamore, stored their archival materials, held some programs, and lead tours. | |
| In August 2005, the Society hired their first executive director, Michelle Donahoe. Donahoe has a Master's Degree in Public History from Loyola University that includes training in archives, education, exhibits, and grant writing. | |
| Five months later, the Museum moved to its present location at 308 West State Street. The City of Sycamore is leasing the space to the Society. We will be moving to the Engh Farm in Spring 2009. | |
| The first interpretive exhibit, "Lost Sycamore" opened in April 2006. The exhibit was recognized by the Illinois Association of Museums with an Award of Merit. | |
| The Society is committed to making Sycamore history available to as many people as possible. This is achieved by offering a variety of programs - monthly meetings, brown bag lunches, exhibits, tours, and school and scout presentations. The second grade program received an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Association of Museums in 2007. | |
| Board Members President: Tom Oestreicher Vice-President: Jim Lyon Treasurer: Linda Holderman Secretary: Deanna Carls Officers: Maxine Duquet, Dave Finney, Mary Floit, Dan Gustafson, Bill Lenschow, Ann Rosenfeld, Wes Wilson Past President: Denise Weinmann |
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| In photo left to right: Wes Wilson, Michelle Donahoe, Ann Rosenfeld, Maxine Duquet, Linda Holderman, Denise Weinmann, Mary Floit and Tom Oestreicher. Not in the photo: Jim Lyon, Deanna Carls, Bill Lenschow, Dan Gustafson, and Dave Finney. | |
| Memorial Bricks | |
| Want to remember a veteran in your family? The Sycamore Historical Society & Museum is offering Veterans' Memorial Bricks to fund a permenant memorial to Sycamore's veterans. Each brick includes the name of a veteran, and other related information. The Memorial is located by the flag pole at the east entrance of Elmwood Cemetery. The Historical Society is currently taking requests for the second order. Proceeds from the sale will be used to place a larger memorial to honor those in the Sycamore area who have died for their country. |  |
| The bricks are available in two sizes. A four by four brick has space for three lines, and is $100. The four by eight bricks have space for six lines, and cost $150. For an additional $6 a miniature brick is available. | |
| Links | |
| City of Sycamore | |
| Sycamore Chamber of Commerce | |
| Sycamore Public Library | |
| Location | |
| The Sycamore Historical Society is located at 308 W. State Street in the Lower Level. | |
| Hours | |
| The Museum and archives are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 - 1:00, and Saturdays April through October 10:00 - 1:00; or by appointment. Researchers are encouraged to call ahead. | |
| Contact us Phone: 815-895-5762 Email: Sychist@tbc.net |
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308 West State Street (Lower Level) Sycamore, IL 60178
Phone: 815-895-5762
E-mail:sychist@tbc.net