Glenview History Center to get two new partners in village, library

The Glenview village board Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution that would create an intergovernmental agreement between the village and the Glenview Public Library to support operations of the History Center.

Founded in 1965, the former Glenview Area Historical Society acquired one of the village's oldest buildings for its center two years later - the 1864 Sarah Hutchings house at 1121 Waukegan Road.

Relying mainly on donations, an investment account and volunteers, the nonprofit Glenview History Center owns and maintains the Farmhouse Museum and the Hibbard Library on the site.

While a valuable resource the History Center has seen "expenses outpacing revenue," village officials said.

The center is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, though group tours and private appointments are available by reservation.

The library already has approved the agreement, and the History Center board has reviewed it and should approve it at its Feb. 21 board meeting.

"It is good news. The History Center looks forward to the partnership," History Center board President Susan Johns said when reached before the meeting. Johns took over last year, succeeding longtime President Beverly Dawson.

The agreement is for a 30-year term expiring in 2053 with two additional 30-year terms.

The arrangement has "been in the works for awhile," Johns said.

"We're encouraged to see the interest in promoting the village's civic identity," she said.

The History Center board will continue to oversee its operations and programming.

The Glenview Public Library's role would be to supply either paid staff or contractors to help with daily operations, management and events.

Village Manager Matt Formica said additional staff might be hired by the village if necessary.

Village government would be involved in funding and facility maintenance. The village and the center already have identified short-term needs that will be addressed this year with up to $200,000 included in the current budget.

Jeff Brady, Glenview's director of community development, said the History Center will present a yearly budget and revenue plan that the village will consider in its annual budget development process.

He said further evaluation and assessment of the facilities will be done starting this spring. Long-term needs will be included in the village's Facilities Repair and Replacement Fund over the term of the agreement.

Trustee Tim Doron called a recent History Center tour with his family "a really cool experience," but felt an update was needed.

"It cries out for a need for some digital exhibits in there, because that's what kids want to see nowadays. ... Something has to be done to bring it forward for younger kids in the village that want to go there," he said.

Village President Mike Jenny agreed.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to the current Glenview History Center for doing such great work preserving and maintaining our history, but I'm excited about a new focus and some funding to direct this effort to take it to the next level," he said.