Future of Trickster Cultural Center uncertain as Schaumburg ponders village history museum

Schaumburg officials are sticking with plans to study the feasibility of a local history museum that could displace a Native American cultural center at a village-owned building it’s leased for more than two decades.

Officials from the Trickster Cultural Center said they haven’t identified any options for relocation because the village hasn’t provided a time frame or determined if they’ll even have to leave.

“We asked if there was a building they could offer Trickster and they said no,” said Gina Roxas, Trickster’s executive director. “We love Schaumburg. This is where our roots are.”

Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said there’s no predetermined preference for the outcome of the study, including that of evicting the Trickster Center. He’s received mail from people unhappy about the prospect of the village taking over the building.

“I’d love to see it all work out and the Trickster Gallery stay,” he added.

However, the study still intends to look at how many historical items the village has in storage and where they might be able to be properly displayed.

If the 7,550-square-foot building at 190 S. Roselle Road in Town Square that Trickster has leased for a $1 a year since 2005 seems to fit the bill, it wouldn’t make sense for the village to acquire another building, Dailly said.

Trickster officials were caught off guard by the village’s announcement about plans for the study.

“For over 20 years, Trickster Cultural Center has proudly served the community through Native American arts, culture and education,” the Trickster board wrote in a statement. “While this is not a Trickster decision, we remain committed to our mission and are counting on the village of Schaumburg to continue supporting what is best for the community and all parties concerned.”

The village opened a temporary 70th anniversary historical exhibition at the Schaumburg Township District Library Monday that will run through September.

Dailly said while he’d like to have the library district provide space for a permanent exhibit of the village’s history, he acknowledged it’s a separate government entity with its own mission.

Library officials said they don’t the space, time or personnel for such an endeavor.

A decision is expected before the current fiscal year ends in April 2027.