Lake County Gazette

The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie has been honored with two awards from the Illinois Association of Museums. The museum, a collaboration between the Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society, is located in Downtown Waukegan.

The museum received recognition in two categories. The Waukegan Carnegie Adaptive Reuse and Restoration Project was awarded the Best Practices Award: Building Site Preservation for its efforts in preserving an iconic building that had been abandoned for over sixty years. This project transformed the site into a modern history museum and education center while maintaining its historical significance.

Additionally, the Ray Bradbury Collection Conservation Project by the Waukegan Historical Society earned the Best Practices Award: Conservation/Collections. This initiative focused on preserving Ray Bradbury's personal book and paper collection, which suffered from various forms of damage. The collection is now accessible to the public at the museum.

George Bridges, Jr., President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, commented on these achievements: "The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie was the result of a partnership between the Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society to transform a vacant building into a thriving center of education. The two statewide awards from the Illinois Association of Museums reflect a commitment to celebrating, protecting, and sharing Waukegan’s history."

Lori Nerheim, President of the Waukegan Historical Society Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for being recognized again by stating: "We are honored again to be recognized by the Illinois Association of Museums. The Ray Bradbury Collection is an important collection which includes more than 4,000 books that Bradbury collected throughout his lifetime. Thanks to a generous grant, best practice conservation treatment and years of dedicated staff time, this unique collection is now preserved, curated and showcased in the meticulously restored Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie."

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, highlighted the significance of their collaborative efforts: "The restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Carnegie Library was a major undertaking by the Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society. The successful collaboration has become a model for how to protect and expand public access to local history. The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie has enhanced the community’s connection to its own history."

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