DuPage Museum guild holds 30th annual holiday bazaar

For 30 years the DuPage County Historical Museum Guild has been supporting the museum through sales at the annual Holiday Craft Bazaar.

The small band of women has made a big impact on DuPage County in hidden ways, but the bazaar is their chance to give back to the community in a visible way that everyone can take part in. This year’s bazaar is 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton.

“The guild is really inspiring,” said Sara Buttita, educator at the DuPage County Historical Museum. “So many ladies have been involved over the years. They’re proof that residents of DuPage County really care about their history.”

Mary Udelhofen, chairwoman of the guild, said she feels like her role is small. But, in reality, these women work hard all year long, meeting every other week to work and talk about their families.

They make and sell Christmas ornaments, wreaths and greenery, scrapbook cards and notepads, and crochet items. They also try to keep it fresh, visiting other craft fairs for inspiration.

Throughout the years, the guild has raised more than $50,000 for the museum. The funds help support the museum’s ongoing work, including renovations to the historic building and additions to the collection of resources the museum houses.

“We can see our contribution in very tangible ways throughout the museum,” Udelhofen said.

While the Holiday Bazaar raises money for the museum, it is also a way for people in the community to see what the museum has to offer year round. The guild’s women have become, in their own small and simple way, a piece of DuPage County history.

“We just keep going,” Udelhofen said.

In addition to the crafts for sale during the bazaar, this event also will feature a performance of the vocal group Beyond Glee from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Admission to the bazaar is free; cost of items varies.

For information about the bazaar or about the DuPage County Historical Museum, call (630) 510-4941 or visit dupagemuseum.org. For information about the guild, contact Buttita at (630) 510-4956.