Historical Commission

Regular Meeting

Mundelein, IL · January 7, 2026

Minutes

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes January 7, 2026 CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Chairperson Flynn called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM. ATTENDANCE Chairman Flynn took the roll call. It indicated as follows: Commission Attendance PRESENT: Chairman Flynn, Commissioner Baur, Commissioner Frasier, Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Zander, Commissioner Hayes ABSENT: PHONE: Commissioner Skinner (Not voting) Other Attendance PRESENT: Eric Guenther, Village Administrator, Ron Salski, Director Mundelein Park and Recreation Distirct, and Jeanne Stefens PUBLIC COMMENTARY Jeanne commented on the FB (facebook) page - it is working well; however, is it possible to have a timeline of events AND volunteer opportunities. Suggested that someone with “project management” would be beneficial with the museum’s displays. PARK DISTRICT REPORT 1. In response to Jeanne’s suggestion above, Ron mentioned that we should contact Denise and she could send out blasts 2. Caboose - Projected costs could be from $40k (“preservation” may only help 6-7 years) up to beyond $150k (“restoration”) depending: on time, material costs and what is actually found once it is seen inside. Shelter covering the caboose (during construction) was also suggested. 3. Crawl Space - $70k cost is too expensive; Park District will look at what they can do themselves 4. Storage - unfortunately given the lack of space and need for temperature controlled, there is not any available place for the museum’s files to be moved anywhere offsite. Having files offsite allows more display space within the museum’s square footage. 5. Digitizing Files - In response to Barb’s request of a cloud based software program, Ron will talk with his I.T. department, research Barb’s suggestion (Past Perfect), and get back to the group. Ron also suggested we could do a “test” case with a digitizing company they use in Libertyville. 6. Acid-Free Printing - Barb requested a printer with larger than 8.5 by 11 inch capabilities. Ron & Mike mentioned that the park district could print items for the museum. 7. With requests of storage, printer and software, it was mentioned that the goal is to do “wise spending” within our budget 8. Mitigation - went fine in November. 9. Unfortunately, the landscaping is still blocking visibility of the Museum signage MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the November Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the Historical Commission Meeting Minutes from November 5, 2025. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Jeffry Hayes SECONDER: Commissioner Barb Zander AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Approval of the December Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the Historical Commission Meeting Minutes from December 3, 2025. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Jeffry Hayes SECONDER: Commissioner Anne Walker AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None CHAIRMAN'S REPORT AND OTHER COMMUNICATION Museum Workspace / Off-site Storage Illinois Rail Road Museum visit December 19, 2025 January Newsletter Newsletter Ideas Newsletter - January article was already sent to Jen; April will be the next one. Museum Exhibits Exhibits - Tracy is working with Kirk Players to curate a 60th Anniversary display. Once Barb disassembles the Ladies Waiting Room display, Wendy and Mike are curating the Ladies Waiting Room in 1920’s Mundelein events. Barb will move the Hines display to the main room. The Back Room will be 1920’s. ** It was decided to put the “Livingroom” exhibit on hold for a year. ** Events for 2026 Other MUSEUM OPERATIONS Archiving Digitizing Equipment Facility Maintenance Landscape Installation Sign Mitigation Project - Novermber 3, 2025 - November 6, 2025 Collections: Accessioning / De-accessioning Motion to accept recommendations for accessioning and de-accessioning. 1) German clock (possible Bavarian about 1890’s) Motion - Tracy 2nd = Barb all, but Wendy absent from meeting now 2) Firefighter Helmet 2007-2017 Motion = Barb 2nd = Jeff all, but Wendy absent 3) Marlon Brando Guys’n’Dolls 45 Record Motion = Barb 2nd = Tom all, but Wendy absent 4) Mundelein High School 1969 Band Memories (New Orleans?) Motion = Anne 2nd = Tom all, but Wendy absent 5) MHS Choral Band recording Motion = Barb 2nd = Jeff all, but Wendy absent 6) NO action taken on a 1990 Mundelein Year Book (Obelisk) - will look to see if have already Volunteer Hours Adjusted hours for November, now 106 hours. Museum Attendance December hours are 65. Attendance: 15 visitors Other NEW BUSINESS Commission Vacancy Update Commission Vacancy - it is being announced again in Mundelein news, since Mike is stepping down as of April. Please talk with the Mayor if you are interested in taking on this position since it is a mayoral appt. 2026 Budget Request Budget - $5000 from Village; we are talking with Ron about possible software (Past Perfect), digitizing equipment and access to larger than letter size, acid free printing Historical Alliance / America 250 Oral History Other OLD BUSINESS Digital Site Map Digital Frame Display Landscape Signage Landscape Signage: Mike felt the sample sign was too wordy. Barb agreed and said that since not even the first stage of the Landscaping has been completed, it is premature to put out a sign. Other VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT In response to our request for additional space, Eric said that although there are currently some vacant spaces, the Village needs to look at the long-term goals which are currently being developed and does not want to allow us to move into these areas only to have to move us out. ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn the Historical Commission Meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:42 AM. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Anne Walker SECONDER: Commissioner Barb Zander AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Mike Flynn, Chairman

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING January 7, 2026 - 9:00 AM Village Hall - Room 101 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ATTENDANCE III. PUBLIC COMMENTARY IV. PARK DISTRICT REPORT V. MINUTES APPROVAL A. Approval of the November Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the Historical Commission Meeting Minutes from November 5, 2025. B. Approval of the December Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the Historical Commission Meeting Minutes from December 3, 2025. VI. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT AND OTHER COMMUNICATION A. Museum Workspace / Off-site Storage B. Illinois Rail Road Museum visit December 19, 2025 C. January Newsletter D. Newsletter Ideas E. Museum Exhibits Page |1 Page 1 of 15 F. Events for 2026 G. Other VII. MUSEUM OPERATIONS A. Archiving 1. Digitizing Equipment B. Facility Maintenance 1. Landscape Installation Sign 2. Mitigation Project - Novermber 3, 2025 - November 6, 2025 C. Collections: Accessioning / De-accessioning Motion to accept recommendations for accessioning and de-accessioning. D. Volunteer Hours E. Museum Attendance F. Other VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Commission Vacancy Update Historical Commission Agenda 1/7/2026 Page |2 Page 2 of 15 B. 2026 Budget Request C. Historical Alliance / America 250 Oral History D. Other IX. OLD BUSINESS A. Digital Site Map B. Digital Frame Display C. Landscape Signage D. Other X. VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT XI. ADJOURNMENT The Village of Mundelein, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, to contact the ADA Coordinator at 847-949-3200 to allow the Village to arrange accommodations for those persons. Historical Commission Agenda 1/7/2026 Page |3 Page 3 of 15 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes November 5, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Chairperson Flynn called the meeting to order at 8:58 AM. ATTENDANCE Commission Attendance PRESENT: Chairman Flynn (Via Phone) - Chairman Flynn left the meeting at 9:17 A.M., Commissioner Baur, Commissioner Frasier, Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Zander, Commissioner Hayes ABSENT: Other Attendance PRESENT: Terry Schaul, Jeanne Steffens, Tracey Skinner, Ron Salski PUBLIC COMMENTARY Jeanne visited Wauconda Historical Museum, reported on their programs; volunteered at Lure of the Local, received a lot of favorable comments MHC postcard display; Roger Hammer performed at Lure of the Local, is ready and willing to play for Museum History Day; has a card from History Singers who perform war era songs. Terry Schaul stated he believes the Hynds exhibit should not be held for one more year. Tracey Skinner waiting to hear on her application status. PARK DISTRICT REPORT 1) Have applied for multiple grants regarding the Diamond Lake Beach redevelopment, should receive approvals in February 2026; 2) Mundelein / Vernon Hills Rotary is disbanding. They have a Rotary bell and banners that they can donate to the museum; 3) Caboose — have a virtual meeting scheduled with Illinois Railroad contacts. He and Mike will attend; Ron will lead the meeting; 4) Building — Mike, Barb, and Ron will meet regarding the next phase of planting; asbestos in basement will be remediated over Thanksgiving, budgeted for 2026 due to high bid; crew will trim high weeds along Seavey Drainage Ditch. MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the October 1, 2025 Minutes Motion to approve the October 1, 2025 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes. RESULT: Passed [Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0] Page 4 of 15 MOVER: Commissioner Wendy Frasier SECONDER: Commissioner Tom Baur AYES: Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Docent Schedule Museum Closures: November 5, 2025, November 26, 2025 and November 29, 2025 Museum will be closed for Thanksgiving Week. Hometown Heros Banner The Veteran Banner for Dr. Raider had been ordered. Fall Newsletter Analytics Report Fall Newsletter has gone out, 496 sent, 360 opened; need ideas for January, 2026 newsletter. Lure of hte Local - Postcard Installation Fremont School Presentations — November 20, 2025 and November 21, 2025 - Noon - 3:00 PM Fremont School presentations are November 20, 2025 and November 21, 2025, Commissioners Frasier, Zander and Walker will attend both days, Shawn Killackey will attend on the 20th, Chairman Flynn will attend on the 21st. Radio Shows Radio Shows set for November and December. Historical Alliance / Waukegan Grant MUSEUM OPERATIONS Page 5 of 15 Archiving Nothing to report. Facility Maintenance Landscape Installation Sign Comments Mitigation Project - November 3, 2025 - November 6, 2025 Collections: Accessioning / De-accessioning Motion to accept the recommendations for Accessioning and De-accessioning as indicated. Motion by Commissioner Zander, seconded by Commissioner Walker to accession doll parasol and 1800s doll, was approved by all commissioners present, absent and not voting, Chairman Flynn. Motion by Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Zander to accession iceboating on Diamond Lake photo, was approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting, Chairman Flynn. Motion by Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Zander to accession railroad book was approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting, Chairman Flynn. Motion by Commissioner Zander, seconded by Commissioner Baur to accession 1926 Illinois license plate, was approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting Chairman Flynn. Motion by Commissioner Zander, seconded by Commissioner Baur to accession ten (10) Sheldon School Lesson books, approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting, Chairman Flynn Motion by Commissioner Baur, seconded by Commissioner Zander to accession a bailing hook, was approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting Chairman Flynn Motion by Commissioner Zander, seconded by Commissioner Baur to accession a slythe, was approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting Chairman Page 6 of 15 Flynn. Motion by Commissioner Zander, seconded by Commissioner Baur, to accession two silver tray, a silver vegetable bowl and ladle, approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting, Chairman Flynn. Motion by Commissioner Zander, seconded by Commissioner Baur to accession a prayer book belonging to Cardinal Mundelein, was approved by all Commissioners present, absent and not voting, Chairman Flynn. Volunteer Hours Attendance for October, 2025: 48 Museum Attendance Attendance for October, 2025: 48 Other Day of the dead decorations to be taken down. Suggested display changes for 2026: Kirk Playrers (60th anniversary); 1926 in Ladies Waiting Room; music display; 1930's living room, discussion tabled until December 2025, meeting. NEW BUSINESS Commission Vacancy Recommendation Road Clean-up - November 8, 2025 Historical Alliance / America 250 Oral History OLD BUSINESS Digital Site Map Digital site map, no report. Page 7 of 15 Digital Frame Display Digital frame will be completed over the winter break. Caboose Other VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to recess to executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing appointment of a member of a public body Meeting recessed into executive session at 10:00 a.ma personnel matter, public left the room Motion to reconvene at 10:00 a.m. attended unchanged; the public invited to return to the room. Motion to reconvene the Historical Commission regular Meeting Attendance Action from Executive Session Recommend to the Mayor that Tracey Skinner be appointed to fill the vacant position on the Commission. RESULT: Passed [Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Tom Baur SECONDER: Commissioner Barb Zander AYES: Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Page 8 of 15 ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn the Historical Commission Meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:17 AM. RESULT: Passed [Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Anne Walker SECONDER: Commissioner Tom Baur AYES: Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Mike Flynn, Chairman Page 9 of 15 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes December 3, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, December 4, 2025. Chairperson Flynn called the meeting to order at 9:06 AM. ATTENDANCE Chairman Flynn took the roll call. It indicated as follows: Commission Attendance PRESENT: Chairman Flynn, Commissioner Baur, Commissioner Frasier, Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Zander, Commissioner Hayes ABSENT: Other Attendance PRESENT: Albert Scharf , Tracey Skinner, Jeanne Steffens PUBLIC COMMENTARY Jeanne Steffens sat for final session of Lure of the Local, it was well attended; the Waukegan Carnegie Library presentation of Lake County archeology; presented copy of 1919 map of Lake County without a legend prepared by Albert Scharf; Wauconda held a storytelling night about growing up in Wauconda. PARK DISTRICT REPORT No report. MINUTES APPROVAL CHAIRMAN'S REPORT AND OTHER COMMUNICATION December Docent Schedule Final December museum date is Wednesday, December 17th, Commissioners Zander and Hayes will be docents. Illinois RR Museum / Caboose Restoration Report Scheduling a meeting for next week at the Illinois Railroad Museum with MPRD representatives, Chairman Flynn, and Bob Ward to discuss the scope of caboose project, funding is a major factor. Fremont School Presentations - November 20, 2025 and November 21, 2025 Fremont School presentations went well. Newsletter Ideas Page 10 of 15 Have been unable to find any additional information on ice boating in Mundelein, no local organization looking for additional topic suggestions. Museum Take Down Date Day of the Dead Display take down: need limited storage to one large tub due to storage limitations. Other MUSEUM OPERATIONS Archiving Need categorizing software to digitize records to improve accessibility. We also need workspace with storage space. Facility Maintenance Landscape Installation Sign Comments Need any further comments on landscaping sign; need to verify asbestos remediation was completed. Mitigation Project - November 3, 2025 - November 6, 2025 Collections: Accessioning / De-Accessioning Motion to accept recommendations for accessioining and deaccessioning. Motion to accention two MHS record albums, one band and one choral; two records and Playbill of Marlin Brando (Guys and Dolls); Marlon Brando album (photos, etc.) RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Wendy Frasier SECONDER: Commissioner Barb Zander AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Page 11 of 15 2026 Display Changes General discussion of 2026 display changes possibilities. Ladies Waiting Room - Mundelein Late 1920's - Eucharistic Congress, North Shore Railroad Station and Soo Line Station 1926; Model Farm 1928, Village Hall 1929 Motion to change Ladies Waiting Room to 1926 display, move Hynds exhibit to two cases in the main room, RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Wendy Frasier SECONDER: Commissioner Anne Walker AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Relocate items from the Hynds Collection to one or two cases currently in the main viewing area. Convert one case to a display on the Kirk Players 60th Anniversary. Motion by Commissioner Frasier, seconded by Commissioner Baur to replace the Day of the Dead display with the Kirk Players 60th Anniversary display. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Wendy Frasier SECONDER: Commissioner Tom Baur AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Take down the old school room and install a sample "Living room of the 1930's" in its place. Motion to replace the schoolroom displays the Freight Room with a 1930s living room. Page 12 of 15 RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Anne Walker SECONDER: Commissioner Wendy Frasier AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Install a sheet music display in the entrance area. Motion to display sheet music on the wall above the entry desk and move maps to the Ladies Waiting Room. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Wendy Frasier SECONDER: Commissioner Barb Zander AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Volunteer Hours Volunteer hours for November: 82.5 Museum Attendance Attendance: 12 Other The final radio program is December 13, 2025, Dickens A Christmes Carol. NEW BUSINESS Commission Vacancy Update New Commissioner appointment will be finalized on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Village Board Meeting. 2026 Budget Request Page 13 of 15 After lengthy discussion, it was decided to make a formal budget request to the Village for archiving software and necessary hardware equipment. Historical Alliance / America 250 oral History (Barb, Jeanne, Mike) Other Digital Frame Display It was agreed the digital frame needs to be completed for the museum seasonal opening in 2026. OLD BUSINESS Digital Site Map Digital Frame Display Historical Alliance / America 250 Oral History Other Roadway Cleans-up: It was agreed three clean-ups will be scheduled for 2026, mid April, mid June, and mid September. VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT No report, no need to respond regarding term expiration unless there is an issue. ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn the Historical Commission Meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 AM. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Anne Walker SECONDER: Commissioner Tom Baur Page 14 of 15 AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Mike Flynn, Chairman Page 15 of 15