Grayslake Historical Society leader honored with lifetime achievement award

When historic floodwaters seeped into the basement of the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum in July 2017, historic documents and artifacts were damaged or destroyed.

Charlotte Renehan, the longtime leader of the Grayslake Historical Society, was among the volunteers working tirelessly to save what they could.

For her work in the aftermath of that flood and for her 40 years of preserving history in Grayslake and elsewhere, Renehan received a lifetime achievement award Friday from the Illinois State Historical Society at its best-of-the-year meeting in downstate Petersburg.

"She knew exactly where everything was," William Furry, executive director of the Illinois State Historical Society, said of the flood efforts. "She was right there trying to save files and history in Grayslake that would have been lost."

Renehan said she was pleased by the state honor.

"I do have a passion for local history. I've lived the history for 85 years," Renehan said. "I know that the award would not have happened without the wonderful volunteers that have supported the historical society."

Renehan has written three award-winning books on local history. Furry said Renehan has a reputation for giving great tours, being a docent and working with children. She also has lent her expertise to other historical societies in northern Illinois, Furry said.

Renehan started the ever-popular Grayslake cemetery walk tours more than 20 years ago.

"I'm happy that it has continued to teach people history in an engaging way," Renehan said. "When I give tours, people pick up that I have passion for it."