Raupp Museum receives grant to build educational gardens

On Nov. 18, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that 43 Illinois museums that attract more than 16 million visitors annually will receive $22.8 million through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program to improve their facilities and develop new exhibits.

The investments are through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, which are funded through Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois multiyear state capital program.

One of the museums on that list of grant recipients was the Buffalo Grove Park District's Raupp Museum, which will receive $240,000 for the development of educational gardens at The Nature Classroom, located at Mike Rylko Community Park on the northeast end, near the skate park and new Pickleball courts.

"Our public museums help tell the story of Illinois, from the founding and cultural heritage of local communities, to our place in the world today," Gov. Pritzker said in a press release.

"This grant program is making investments in local museums that will allow them to attract more visitors, to foster important research, and to tell important stories for generations to come."

Raupp Museum Curator Debbie Fandrei said, "The Raupp Museum is thrilled to receive this grant. This will be a chance for museum staff to provide the public with programs and examples of many different ways to interact with nature, including historic plants, native plants, a sensory garden and adaptive gardening. It's especially exciting that the garden project is located in Mike Rylko Community Park, making it available to all residents all the time."

This project is anticipated to begin in spring of 2021, in conjunction with some other construction and maintenance that will take place in that area of the park, and should be completed by fall.

"I couldn't be prouder of our team for bringing this opportunity to the community. The staff at the Raupp Museum does great work, and has become an invaluable source of local history for both our residents and the educators at our local school districts," said Buffalo Grove Park District Executive Director Ryan Risinger.

"This grant is a great example of how our recreation department and our parks and planning department work together to bring opportunities like this to our community. Museum curator Debbie Fandrei and Superintendent of Development Mike Maloney did a great job on putting this grant application together, that has resulted in our community being able to soon enjoy another great amenity."