Mundelein Park District Program Guide Winter2019_Spring2020 brochure_online | Page 3

Mundelein Park &
Recreation District Board
of Commissioners
From the Executive Director,
Margaret Resnick
Jesus (Jesse) Ortega
President
Preserving the past is a wonderful gift we can give to all future
generations. In 1924, the Mundelein train depot was built and
operated as a passenger station until the 1960’s. It continued
to operate as a freight station for another decade and in 1980,
the railroad announced the building would be torn down.
Thanks to the Historical Society of the Fort Hill Country, in 1983
the old Mundelein train depot was moved to Mundelein Park
& Recreation District’s Lions Field and the Fort Hill Heritage
Museum opened in 1987.
The museum housed artifacts that highlighted local points of interest that included
historic photos from the Diamond Lake area when it was a resort getaway in the early
1900’s, railroad memorabilia, antique Lake County maps and antique furnishings and
artifacts that created a fascinating snapshot of life in the Mundelein area.
Wallace Frasier
Vice President
Through an agreement with the Mundelein Park & Recreation District, the volunteers
of the Historical Society of the Fort Hill Country operated the museum for 31 years.
Unfortunately, with the passing of their President Dottie Watson, there were not
enough members left to carry on the operation of the museum. Members of the
Historical Society approached the Village of Mundelein about forming a new group and
the Mundelein Historical Commission was created. Comprised of seven individuals, the
Historical Commission will oversee the operation of the facility that is now called the
Mundelein Heritage Museum.
The Historical Commission has been hard at work over the past few months combing
through the files and artifacts in the Museum to determine the best way to arrange the
exhibits. They literally have gone through thousands of papers, boxes and drawers to
verify historic information and significance on everything in the facility.
Pat McGrath
Treasurer
This partnership is a wonderful example of how two units of local government, the Park
District and Village can work together to offer a wonderful amenity to residents and
visitors.
As of this writing, we do not have an opening date for the Mundelein Heritage
Museum, but are hoping it will be in the early spring of 2020. Please watch our
website, mundeleinparks.org, for information on the grand opening. There are so many
wonderful pieces that will give us all a glimpse into the rich history of our community.
Kevin Dolan
Commissioner
Bob Knudson
Commissioner
mundeleinparks.org
Winter 2019/Spring 2020
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