History returns to Grayslake at newly renovated museum

Grayslake history is about to re-emerge in a big way.

After 14 months, a major renovation and expansion of the tiny historical museum is nearing an end, with a grand opening scheduled for Aug. 15. The time and other details have not yet been set.

The new Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum at 164 Hawley St. incorporates Grayslake's original village hall and will allow for greatly expanded programming, services and displays.

And for the first time in awhile, visitors will be able to browse the artifacts and exhibits.

During the renovation and expansion, the Grayslake Historical Society has had a temporary office at village hall. It also has continued to hold meetings, give programs at schools and conduct historical research for individuals but has not been receiving visitors, said Charlotte Renehan, president of the organization.

The new facility includes the restored original building facade and an 8,370-square-foot addition to the existing structure. It will house a gallery and reception area as well as public exhibit space and archives.

A community room with a food preparation area will be available to civic and community groups and a classroom is included for visiting school groups and others who want to do research.

"Embracing Change, the Growth of Grayslake," is a permanent gallery planned as a highlight of the facility.

The new digs will have a different look and will not simply be putting the old museum in a new shell, according to Renehan.

"Even though it's a small town museum, it has features of what a museum in a large city would have on a smaller scale," she said.

Renehan described the permanent gallery as awesome but wanted to save details for the grand opening.

"They will see the history of Grayslake told in a more interesting, systematic way," she said. The village is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year.

"It has graphics, pictures, a few artifacts and so on. It also has a unique feature I don't know of any other nearby museum having."

The facility will be operated in partnership between the village and historical society, which will provide volunteer assistance as well as its collection of archives, artifacts and displays.

An executive director will be hired by the village to run day-to-day operations and to raise money and volunteer support to expand programs and services. The salary range is $52,303 to $70,608, plus benefits, with a deadline for application of July 30.

The village has pledged the bulk of the funding and the Esper A. Petersen Foundation has contributed $250,000. Engraved personalized bricks, to be installed later, are available for $150. Individual wall plaques also are available in different sizes depending on the amount of the donation.

For more information, visit "Heritage Center Project" at grayslakehistory.org or call (847) 223-7663.