Scout completes Eagle Project at Arlington Heights Historical Museum

Matthew Buck, a Life Scout from Troop 132 of Arlington Heights, has always had a love of history. For that reason, he chose the Arlington Heights Historical Museum to do his Eagle Scout project which included enhancing the schoolhouse area in the Coach House and cleaning the interior of the Log House.

To purchase items for display and supplies for construction, Buck organized a garage sale and raised $1,000. Neighbors donated some of their own items for him to sell and people purchasing items often told Buck to “keep the change” to help his cause.

The aim of Buck’s project is to give schoolchildren, Scouts and other visitors a peek into the possible interior of an 1848 schoolhouse. On display are an antique stove, an 1847 map of Illinois, a photograph of President James Polk, a reproduction 30-star American flag with stand and a schoolmaster’s desk built by Buck and his father. There are also school items from the 1900s and photographs of four different schools from early Arlington Heights.

Buck and his fellow Scouts also gave the interior of the Log House a thorough cleaning. The cast iron pots and pans were brought back to life by seasoning them in an oven. An old wooden chair was stripped of its paint and refinished to give it an aged, authentic look.

Everything turned out wonderful and the staff of the museum thanks Buck, his fellow Scouts and his family for all their hard work, the results of which can be enjoyed for many years to come.

The Arlington Heights Historical Museum is a five-building complex located at the corner of Vail Avenue and Fremont Street. It includes the 1882 Müller House, the 1906 Soda Factory, the 1908 Banta House, the Coach House and a replica 1830s Log House. Tours are available at 2 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays beginning in the Heritage Gallery located at 112 W. Fremont St. The cost is $4 per adult and $2 per child ages 3—14. Group tours are available by request, call (847) 255-1225 to schedule.

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