History Center’s Sandy Johnson honored with volunteer service award

The Des Plaines History Center’s longtime volunteer Sandy Johnson received the Illinois Association of Museums 2025 Volunteer Service Award for her remarkable 30 years of volunteer service to the organization.

The History Center celebrated Johnson’s well-deserved honor on April 30 and presented her with a framed certificate from the IAM commemorating her achievement.

“Sandy Johnson is more than a volunteer, she is the heart and soul of the Des Plaines History Center and the 1907 Kinder House Museum,” said Stan Kotecki, president of the Des Plaines History Center Board of Trustees. “With over three decades of dedication, Sandy has contributed her time and talents in virtually every area of the organization. She welcomes visitors with a smile, supports administrative work, answers phone calls, and engages our community with her wonderful storytelling ability.”

Johnson’s expertise in archival work has been instrumental in preserving the history of Des Plaines. Whether transcribing century-old diaries and correspondence, identifying faces in faded photographs or researching the origins of local landmarks, Sandy’s dedication has helped safeguard these irreplaceable records, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations through the History Center’s collections and exhibits.

Johnson is also a recognizable presence in the History Center’s tent at the annual Fall Fest in September. She can be found dressed in her 1800s reenactor’s garb demonstrating how to turn wool into yarn on a traditional spinning wheel, much to the delight and fascination of kids and adults who have never seen this process.

Johnson represents the Des Plaines History Center at countless city events, telling the public about the center’s various memberships and adult programs, and the popular Hands-on-History children’s programs.

Now in her 90s, Johnson continues to inspire with her boundless energy, deep knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the History Center. This recognition is a fitting tribute to her incredible impact.