Newest historical society member is bringing the past up to date
The newest member of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society is also its youngest, although Laura Hickey admits to having an old soul.
"I've always been interested in local history because of Marlon Brando," says the 25-year-old Libertyville resident, who works in the reception and circulation areas of the Cook Memorial Library.
Her fascination with the charismatic Brando, who attended Libertyville High School from 1939 to 1942, was sparked years ago by coincidence.
Staggered by the late actor's smoldering performance in "The Wild Ones", Hickey began to research the screen idol. She created a website, www.marlonbrandoinlibertyville.com, which came to the attention of some historical society members.
Now, her background in web design has Hickey playing a leading role as the organization tries to become more accessible to a wider audience.
"Hopefully, by having a web presence, it'll introduce more people to the historical society," said Jim Moran, who at 33 is the other "youngster" on the board.
"Last year, we launched a Facebook page. It's kind of neat to use this technology to bring in new people," he said.
The proverbial dusty books and yellowed photographs remain, but the society never had a cyber presence to speak of except for a single page linked to the library's Website.
The new site, www.libertyvillemundeleinhistoricalsociety.com was launched about a week ago. Besides a downloadable membership form, the site contains a wealth of information the society, established in 1955, hopes will broaden its appeal and tap into a younger audience.
"The idea stemmed from wanting to get us out there more and wanting to start an online store," Hickey said. "This one has, I feel, a lot more resources, a lot more information on what we do, the availability of our archives and links to other resources."
Aside from unearthing, studying and sharing historical tidbits, the society hosts monthly programs, conducts tours and maintains the Ansel B. Cook home, which literally is attached to the library, as its museum and archive.
When Hickey pitched the idea for an individual website, it was greeted enthusiastically, if not somewhat quizzically by some of the admitted old-timers.
"You're talking about two generations apart. A couple of us had no idea what she was talking about," said Faith Sage, society president and longtime Libertyville Township clerk, whose family has lived in town for more than 75 years.
"We're delighted to have her. We need more young people."
So how does Brando, who died four years ago, come into play?
About 12 years ago, when she was a kid, Hickey's brother, Brandon, rented "The Wild Ones" as part of a high school history project.
"His rebellious nature and unique acting style sparked my fascination at that moment," she wrote on the Brando website. Arlene Lane, a longtime reference librarian and historical society member, noticed the site after Hickey called the library to volunteer.
"We were so impressed, we immediately began working with her," Lane said.
Hickey eventually began working at the library and created an online interactive history of the institution by decade.
Hickey has since collaborated with Lane and reference librarian Sonia Schoenfield on an Arcadia Publishing book about Libertyville that is about to be released.
Lane was on the nominating committee when a vacancy on the historical society board arose last May. Hickey was the first person she asked.
One of the first orders of business was to create a website for the historical society that was attractive to newcomers and easy to find.
"We are hoping that's going to be the case - that it will spark some interest," Sage said. "We need somebody with that expertise because we don't have it."