Longtime head of Des Plaines History Center built legacy

As the first paid director of the Des Plaines History Center, Joy Matthiessen oversaw its expansion and growth as one of the hubs of downtown Des Plaines.

On Wednesday, Matthiessen died after an eight-year battle with cancer. She had led the history center for the past 22 years and had formerly retired in June. She was 60.

“The community has lost a colleague, friend and foremost expert in Des Plaines history,” said Mike Skibbe, president of the Des Plaines History Center. “We are all saddened.”

Matthiessen brought a professional background in history administration as well as a willingness to work with other city organizations to the role.

Shari Caine, who has been on staff for the last 14 years and worked as interim director since last October, has been named the history center’s new executive director.

“Joy really believed in community and making the history center a place of community for Des Plaines,” Caine said.

Before coming to Des Plaines, Matthiessen had worked in the collections department at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and interned at the Missouri Historical Society and Henry Ford Museum as well as worked for the local Girl Scout Council.

Colleagues credit Matthiessen with strengthening the history center’s financial framework while implementing its collection management standards. She also improved storage and preservation efforts while establishing a community outreach program.

“She brought a real sense of professionalism to how the history center operates,” Caine added.

During her tenure, the museum complex expanded from its centerpiece home, the Kinder House, built in 1907, to include the visitors center, acquired next door from the Des Plaines Savings & Loan, to house a gift shop and archives collection.

Most recently the museum acquired the Fisher-Wright House, built in 1916 in Des Plaines, which offers more historical programming.

Matthiessen’s work brought many awards to the museum. In 2000, she was named “Professional of the Year” by the Illinois Association of Museums, while in 2004, the History Center was named “Outstanding Mid-Size Museum.”

Volunteers and staff answered calls all day on Thursday from well-wishers inquiring about Matthiessen.

“It’s just so sad,” said volunteer Marie Burke. “For so many years, she’s been the driving force here.”

Services are pending.