Arlington Heights Historical Museum Receives $40,000 Grant

The Arlington Heights Historical Museum links the past to the present. Thanks to a $43,800 grant from the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grant Program, museum officials will now be able to connect visitors with their historic roots through updated signage and interpretive message repeaters.

The museum, located at 110 W. Fremont Street, offers a collection of artifacts and other objects of historical importance, making them available for public viewing through permanent and temporary exhibits throughout the year. For boy’s and girl’s scout groups and school children alike, the historical museum also gives an exciting look at the past through educational programs and hands-on activities providing lessons for the future.

According to Cathy Puchalski, Superintendent of Recreation, “Some people may not be aware of how much local historical museums have to offer. In Arlington Heights, we would like to change perceptions of local history and the typical museum experience by making history more fun with interactive dialogue," she said. 

Puchalski said new signage will help to increase awareness, heighten interest and broaden participation. Once the new signage and interactive message repeaters transformation is complete, the historical museum will engage people of all ages in a unique and fun way.

The grant will fund adding appropriate outdoor signage to direct guests to a variety of exhibits, displays and program rooms. Signage will become an interactive experience and provide visitors an opportunity to expand their knowledge as well as to enable visitors to take self-guided tours throughout the museum grounds. Other improvements to the property include the updating of 
the main museum signage and the installation of four interpretive message repeaters to better tell the story of the Museum Campus and its buildings.

The Historical Museum operates under a three party intergovernmental agreement. The Arlington Heights Park District, the Village of Arlington Heights and the Arlington Heights Historical Society work to create educational programs and exhibits, maintain the museum campus and work together to ensure that the history of Arlington Heights is available for the community.

The new signage will match the historical atmosphere and increase the overall visibility of the grounds. Tour and gallery hours will be easy to view and will acknowledge that the museum is a joint collaboration between all three intergovernmental affiliates.

These improvements are a great way for the community to embrace their history. The technological advancements will allow the museum to continue to educate museum visitors as well as share and embrace the history of 
the Village of Arlington Heights.

"The point to us seeking this grant was to improve the museum visitor experience in order to continue the museum’s mission of linking the past to the present. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance the visitor experience as a result of receiving this grant,” said Kristina Christie, Museum Administrator.

Museum officials expect to make these improvements by late April 2014.

Arlington Heights Park District Mission: The Arlington Heights Park District enriches the community by providing quality recreation, facilities and fun. 

Information submitted by the Arlington Heights Park District.