Local historian seeking 'hidden treasures' from Dundee-area residents

Local author and historian Phil Aleo is asking Dundee-area residents to share photos, artifacts or untold stories that may be of historical significance.

A new Fox River Valley Public Library program, "Coffee and Conversation with Phil Aleo," was the brainchild of library Director Roxane Bennett, who told Aleo she wanted to be able to capture information about the community that would otherwise be lost if certain individuals moved or passed away.

"There's hidden treasures in these attics, in these homes that it'd be so wonderful if we could have them come to the surface to be preserved," Aleo said.

Residents with old photographs, newspaper articles, stories passed down from generations or an interesting family history can submit and discuss their findings with Aleo from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Dundee Library, 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee. The program will be held at the same time the first Sunday of every month through May, he said, and additional dates may be added depending on its popularity.

Though he'll be taking notes throughout each session, Aleo said the program might also be recorded for accuracy reasons.

At the conclusion of the program, Aleo said, he and library officials will work together to display their findings or somehow make the information available to the public. Some of the stories or photos could also be included in another historical book Aleo hopes to write about the Dundee area.

"There's just so much information that needs to be documented," he said.