Lake County Gazette

The Mundelein Historical Commission (MHC) recently reported to the Village Board of Trustees that the resignation of two key members, Gary Gunther and Vern Lappe, in 2023 represented a significant loss. Both individuals were recognized for their substantial historical knowledge and versatility.

According to the MHC's report, which was submitted to the trustees and included in the agenda for its Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 26, the organization has requested that its $3,500 budget remain unchanged.

The MHC report also revealed that the Mundelein Park and Recreation District funds the Heritage Museum from its tax-based Museum Fund.

In 2023, the MHC applied for an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tourism Attraction Grant. The intention was to improve the Mundelein Heritage Museum by replacing the existing railroad caboose exhibit with a refurbished one. However, according to the MHC report, this grant was not awarded. Despite this setback, MHC is exploring ways to dismantle the current wooden structure while preserving its ironwork. They plan to reconstruct the caboose using online blueprints and furnish it with historical artifacts. The commission believes this could potentially become a community project akin to Santa's Cottage construction or museum relocation.

Looking ahead, according to another section of the MHC report, plans are underway for several events starting with a Fremont Library Display in March. Other planned activities include a Fremont School presentation and Lake County Historical Alliance meeting at various locations in April; a book signing event scheduled for June; and an Ivanhoe Cemetery Historic Walk set for August.

In terms of volunteer work, MHC volunteers clocked 1,650 hours on commission-related activities in 2023 as per their report. The museum also introduced new displays last year including exhibits on Mundelein Railroad History, History of Barbed Wire, along with a Digital Picture Frame featuring movies about North Shore Electric Line and 1926 Eucharistic Congress.