New 40th Anniversary Exhibit Debuts at Lisle Museum

Lisle, IL – This Saturday, May 5, from 10:30-11:30am, celebrate the opening of the second phase of this year’s Views from Lisle exhibit series, as The Museums at Lisle Station Park bring into focus the role that the railroad played in the growth, development, and identity of the Greater Lisle community.

The exhibit opening for Lisle’s Railroad History will feature a meet-and-greet with Tom Slamans, the Burlington employee who was working in the Lisle Depot when it was converted into a museum. Tom worked for the Burlington Route for 42 years, serving as a Ticketing Agent in the Lisle Depot from July of 1967 until November 1985. At that time, he was offered a position in the Burlington Northern accounting office, where he worked in both Naperville and Aurora until his retirement in February of 2002. In addition to Tom’s appearance, members of the Lisle Heritage Society who spearheaded the movement to restore the Lisle Depot to its 19th century charm will be present to share their experiences with all in attendance. Don’t miss this chance to talk with the people who participated in this momentous milestone in Lisle’s history!

Views from Lisle is a five-part exhibit series that is on display at The Museums at Lisle Station Park in honor of its 40th anniversary. Each exhibit highlights the research and preservation that museum volunteers and staff have completed over four decades. Displays and vignettes are open throughout the year and build into the culminating exhibit. Below is a schedule and brief description of each of the remaining four exhibits in the series.

• May 5 – June 16: Lisle’s Railroad History presents the integral role played by the railroad in Lisle. Explore the progression from the Chicago-Aurora Line to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Line of today, and how this important piece of infrastructure shaped the Village of Lisle.
• June 16 – July 4: Trades and Business in Lisle explores the development of trades, craftwork and business in Lisle.
• July 4 – September 15: Restoring History looks at the processes used by the Lisle Heritage Society, The Museums at Lisle Station Park staff, and other museum professionals to restore the objects, art and the buildings in our collection to their current condition.
• September 15 – November 17: The culminating exhibit, Views from Lisle, debuts at Depot Days and showcases the research and perseveration that The Museums at Lisle Station Park has completed in the community over the past 40 years.

The Museums at Lisle Station Park are conveniently located at 921 School Street in Lisle within walking distance of the Lisle Metra Station. Free parking is available on-site, at the Lisle Village Hall, and in the Lisle Metra train commuter parking lots on weekends and after 2pm on weekdays. Daily admission to the museum is free, and tours are available by appointment. If you are interested in learning more about Lisle’s history and culture, The Museums at Lisle Station Park are looking for volunteer assistance, including museum docents, history buffs, adult and children program support, special event assistance, and help with community and service projects. Visit LisleParkDistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpark-volunteer to complete the volunteer application. After Memorial Day, office hours extend to 10am-4pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and 1-4pm on Thursdays. For more information about the museum’s facilities, exhibits, blacksmith classes, birthday parties, and rental opportunities, visit LisleParkDistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpark or call 630-968-0499.

The Lisle Park District provides a variety of leisure activities for people of all ages throughout the year. Park district facilities include Lisle Community Park; the Recreation Center which houses Gentle Learning Preschool, SEASPAR, the Senior Center, and multipurpose rooms; Sea Lion Aquatic Park; River Bend Golf Course; Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap and numerous neighborhood playgrounds and parks offering amenities such as tennis courts, ball fields, walking paths and picnic areas totaling close to 400 acres. It is the mission of the Lisle Park District to enrich the quality of life for people of all ages by providing constructive and creative leisure opportunities. For more information about the Lisle Park District, please call 630-964-3410 or visit lisleparkdistrict.org.

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