Historical Commission
Regular MeetingMundelein, IL · April 1, 2026
Minutes
Historical Commission Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Historical Commission was held on Wednesday,
April 1, 2026. Chairman Flynn called the meeting to order at 9:04 am.
ATTENDANCE
Chairman Flynn took the roll call. It indicated as follows:
Commission Attendance
PRESENT: Chairman Flynn, Commissioner Baur, Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Zander,
Commissioner Hayes
ABSENT: Commissioner Skinner
Other Attendance
PRESENT: Ron Salski - MPRD Director, Rob Foster - MPRD, Nate Neuwirth - MRPD, Jeanne
Steffens, Peg Tierney
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Jeanne Steffens reported on the 50th anniversary of the Grayslake Historical museum and
the America 250 preparations.
MINUTES APPROVAL
Approval of the Historical Commission Minutes
Motion to approve the Historical Commission meeting minutes from March 4, 2026.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Tom Baur
SECONDER: Commissioner Anne Walker
AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
PARK DISTRICT REPORT
Director Salski introduced Rob Foster, Director of Park and Facility Maintenance and Nate
Neuwirth, Superintendent of Parks Maintenance and reported that the Park District will
be moving ahead with completion of the Landscape Plan for the museum site.
Discussion: Commissioner Zander expressed concerns about the proposed plants species.
Mr. Neuwirth reported that the plant order has been placed. It was agreed that the
MPRD would cancel the order and defer planting until a later date.
Further discussion focused included: 1) Installation of the proposed 3-sisters garden.
Neuwirth reported that the garden location needs to be adjusted to avail conflict with the
gas utility line. MPRD will proceed with removing the sod. The Commission, with help
from local master gardeners, will plant the garden with corn, squash, beans and tobacco.
2) Planters for the America 250 celebration. MPRD agreed to install 2 barrel planters
with garden soil in front of the museum. The Historical Commission, with assistance from
Master Gardners will plant red, white and blue flowers.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT AND OTHER COMMUNICATION
Docent Training 2026
14 docents attended the training on held prior on March 21st. We are in good standing
for the upcoming museum season. It was suggested that the docent handbook be
scanned and emailed to all the docents. Chairman Flynn will work with the Village staff
and report back. Flynn will email the roster of docents to the Commission members.
Mundelein Historical Commission Annual Report
Chairman Flynn reported that made the MHC annual report to the Village Board on
March 9, 2026.
Three-Sisters Garden Preparation
Previously reported in the Park District report. Barb Zander will lead this project for the
Commission.
Meeting with MGN Lock
Chairman Flynn reported on a meeting he had with a representative of MGN Lock to
discuss the possibility of opening the safe in the museum as a Mundelein History Day
event. After discussion, the Commission approved the concept and agreed to continue
discussions with MGN to work out details, cost, etc. Mr. Flynn will follow-up and report
back.
Other
MUSEUM OPERATIONS
Archiving
Commissioner Zander reported that the in preparing the museum displays for the new
season the archive files were stressed and require a of work to re-order, which she is
working on. A replacement for Commissioner Frasier is needed.
Facility Maintenance
The wall outlet on the south wall is not functioning. The MPRD has been notified. They
have completed a “work-around” and will make repairs as time permits.
Collections: Accessioning / De-accessioning
Motion to accept recommendations for accessioning and de-accessioning.
Commissioner Hayes reported that he will loan a 1922 Legal Manual printed by the
Callaghan Publishing for display at the museum. He will prepare the Display
Information and work with Commissioner Zander to set up the exhibit.
Donations
Sheldon School Materials
Sheldon School Materials: 2 boxes of Sheldon School textbooks published in the 1920’s
donated by Michigan State University to the Libertyville Historical Society and
subsequently offered to the Mundelein Historical Commission were presented for
consideration. The Acquisition Committee recommended acceptance.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Barb Zander
SECONDER: Commissioner Jeffry Hayes
AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
Allanson Farm Axe Head
Allanson Farm Axe Head: An Axe Head found in 1989 on the vacant Allanson Farm
property by a Mundelein resident was presented for consideration. The Acquisition
Committee recommended acceptance.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Barb Zander
SECONDER: Commissioner Tom Baur
AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
Village Pizza Phone Sign
Old Soap Dish and a Phone sign from Village Pizza formerly at 410 E. Hawley St. was
presented for consideration. Both items were dropped off anonymously at the
museum. The Acquisition Committee was split on recommending acquisition for both
items.
Motion by Hayes, Second by Zander to accept the soap dish. Motion passed 3 to 2.
Ayes: Hayes, Zander, Bauer; Nays: Walker and Flynn.
Motion by Zander, Second by Hayes to accept the Phone Sign. Motion passed 4 to 1.
Ayes: Zander, Hayes, Baur, Walker; Nays: Flynn.
Volunteer Hours - March
Chairman Flynn reported that the total volunteer hours for March totaled 242.5
volunteer hours.
Museum Attendance
Attendance for March was 13. Only 2 people attended the March Radio Show.
Commissioner Walker reported that she will no longer select a comedy show. They
are not popular. She will focus on suspense and mystery programs.
Other
NEW BUSINESS
Board Vacancies
The open position on the commission was discussed. Jeanne Steffens has applied. The
consensus of the Commission was to recommend Jeannes appointment by the Mayor.
Jeff Hayes volunteered to fill the position of Chairman upon the end of Flynn’s term.
The consensus of the Commission was to recommend that the Mayor appoint Hayes as
Chairman.
Fremont Library Display Removal
Shawn Killackey has removed the display from the Fremont Library. He will be
dropping off the materials at the museum soon.
Docent Handbook
As previously discussed, Flynn will work with the Village to scan and email the
handbook to all docents.
Spring into Summer Application
Flynn reported that the Beautification Commission has invited the Historic Commission
to participate in “Spring Into Summer” on May 30th. The consensus of the Commission
was not to participate in this event. Flynn will advise the Beautification Committee.
Other
OLD BUSINESS
America 250 Celebration
Commissioner Zander reported that she in communication with the county America
250 planning committee but no training has yet been scheduled. Story Corps
information will be presented at Mundelein History Day on July 4th. She will meet with
the Fremont Library to coordinate with their celebration plans.
Other America 250 activities at the museum include: Red/White and Blue Flowers in
Planters; Historic Document Display in the museum; and 3-Sisters Garden installation.
Flower Planter Display
Document Display
"3-Sisters" Garden
Mundelein History Day
Story Corps
Pop-up Museum
Actors
Landscape Phase II
Mundelein History Day - July 4th
The consensus was to request that the MPRD decorate the museum with bunting and
erect the tent at the south end of the museum. Activties will inlclude:
• Folk music presentation by local musician Roger Hammer.
• Patriotic birthday cake; popcorn and beverages.
• Opening Flag ceremony.
• Pop-up museum
• Kirk Players: Pioneer Living History centered on 3-sisters garden
• Safe-cracking
• Museum Tours
Farmers Market Pop-up Museum
Other
Downtown History Walk: (Jennifer note that the agenda listed Mundelein History
Day, but it was supposed to be Downtown History Walk). The consensus was that due
to a busy schedule and change of commissioners this event should be moved to 2027.
Digitizing Project: The next step in the digitizing project initiated by the MPRD was
raised. It was decided that the digitized file should be requested on a thumb drive from
the MPRD.
Chairman Transition: Chairman Flynn will prepare the June Newsletter and will
compose a list of duties and contacts for the new Chairman. He will also arrange for
the transfer of keys and card access to off-site storage.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Village Administrator Guenther reported that he and the MPRD Director are discussing
ways the Village and Park District work effectively and efficiently to fulfill their goals for
the museum and the Historical Commission. He will report back to the Commission as
needed.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom Baur left the meeting at 11:00 AM.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Barb Zander
SECONDER: Commissioner Anne Walker
AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Anne Walker, Barb Zander, Jeffry Hayes
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
Agenda
AGENDA
HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING
April 1, 2026 - 9:00 AM
Village Hall - Room 101
300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ATTENDANCE
III. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
IV. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Approval of the Historical Commission Minutes
Motion to approve the Historical Commission meeting minutes from March 4, 2026.
V. PARK DISTRICT REPORT
VI. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT AND OTHER COMMUNICATION
A. Docent Training 2026
B. Mundelein Historical Commission Annual Report
C. Three-Sisters Garden Preparation
D. Meeting with MGN Lock
E. Other
VII. MUSEUM OPERATIONS
A. Archiving
Page |1
B. Facility Maintenance
C. Collections: Accessioning / De-accessioning
Motion to accept recommendations for accessioning and de-accessioning.
D. Donations
1. Sheldon School Materials
2. Allanson Farm Axe Head
3. Village Pizza Phone Sign
E. Volunteer Hours - March
F. Museum Attendance
G. Other
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Board Vacancies
B. Fremont Library Display Removal
C. Docent Handbook
D. Spring into Summer Application
Historical Commission Agenda 4/1/2026 Page |2
E. Other
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. America 250 Celebration
1. Flower Planter Display
2. Document Display
3. "3-Sisters" Garden
4. Mundelein History Day
Story Corps
Pop-up Museum
Actors
B. Landscape Phase II
C. Mundelein History Day - July 4th
D. Farmers Market Pop-up Museum
E. Other
X. VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Historical Commission Agenda 4/1/2026 Page |3
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 4/1/2026 Page |4
Packet
AGENDA
HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING
April 1, 2026 - 9:00 AM
Village Hall - Room 101
300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ATTENDANCE
III. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
IV. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Approval of the Historical Commission Minutes
Motion to approve the Historical Commission meeting minutes from March 4, 2026.
V. PARK DISTRICT REPORT
VI. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT AND OTHER COMMUNICATION
A. Docent Training 2026
B. Mundelein Historical Commission Annual Report
C. Three-Sisters Garden Preparation
D. Meeting with MGN Lock
E. Other
VII. MUSEUM OPERATIONS
A. Archiving
Page |1
Page 1 of 8
B. Facility Maintenance
C. Collections: Accessioning / De-accessioning
Motion to accept recommendations for accessioning and de-accessioning.
D. Donations
1. Sheldon School Materials
2. Allanson Farm Axe Head
3. Village Pizza Phone Sign
E. Volunteer Hours - March
F. Museum Attendance
G. Other
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Board Vacancies
B. Fremont Library Display Removal
C. Docent Handbook
D. Spring into Summer Application
Historical Commission Agenda 4/1/2026 Page |2
Page 2 of 8
E. Other
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. America 250 Celebration
1. Flower Planter Display
2. Document Display
3. "3-Sisters" Garden
4. Mundelein History Day
Story Corps
Pop-up Museum
Actors
B. Landscape Phase II
C. Mundelein History Day - July 4th
D. Farmers Market Pop-up Museum
E. Other
X. VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Historical Commission Agenda 4/1/2026 Page |3
Page 3 of 8
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 4/1/2026 Page |4
Page 4 of 8
Historical Commission Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Historical Commission was held on Wednesday,
March 4, 2026. Chairperson Flynn called the meeting to order at 9:00 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, Chairman Skinner
ABSENT:
Other Attendance
PRESENT: Ron Salski (MPRD - on phone), Eric Guenther, Village Administrator, Jeanne Stefens,
and Peg Tierney
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Jeanne shared 2 thoughts:
• If possible, display the Museum Info sign at Fremont Library better (maybe a tent
instead of flat)
• Grayslake had a pop-up tent with BYO history artifacts to share (some were
donated after to the museum)
Peg Tierney - from the Beautification Committee, came to ask & share about the 250 Year
Celebration
PARK DISTRICT REPORT
Ron called in to our meeting for the following summary regarding an ongoing request for
a software/digitizing program for the museum’s artifacts. This is a brief summary:
• The scanning file that was given to the local place is done and see the email with
files
• This “scanning” would only give links and a look-only concept
• Tech team did 3-5 hours of research with Past Perfect; $870 a year with only 1
user; would support an ipad
• Dunn Museum was contacted and the following was reported from that:
o Moved away from Past Perfect
o Emphasized that staff NOT volunteers do the inputting
Ron summed it up by saying that the Park District is denying our Past Perfect request. Ron
also let Barb know that her shelving (for a museum exhibit) has been ordered.
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MINUTES APPROVAL
Historical Commission Minute Approval
Motion to approve the Historical Commission Meeting Minutes from February 4, 2026.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 7, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Tom Baur
SECONDER: Commissioner Barb Zander
AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander,
Jeffry Hayes, Tracy Skinner
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT AND OTHER COMMUNICATION
Digitizing Project
Already mentioned previously with Ron & Mike sent files via email to us.
2026 Museum Exhibits Status Report
Wendy gave a status update of the turn-over of exhibits.
Opening Day - March 21, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
MHC Annual Report - March 9, 2026
Mike sent his report to members via email and he will summarize his report at the
Board Meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Other
Anne has volunteers for gardening.
MUSEUM OPERATIONS
Archiving
No report.
Facility Maintenance
Page 6 of 8
No report.
Collections: Accessioning/De-accessioning
Motion to accept recomendaitons for accessioning and de-accessioning.
No collections this meeting.
Volunteer Hours - February
Volunteer Hours - 76.25
Visitors - 0 (museum was closed)
Other
NEW BUSINESS
Historical Alliance / America 250 Oral History
Barb & Tracy are still waiting to find out more about being trained on this so we can
move forward with this.
Docent Training
Docent training - Shawn is still volunteering to take care of this for us. ALL docents
(return and new) have been invited to Museum one hour before opening on March 21,
2026.
Other
• Wendy announced that, effectively immediately, she had resigned from both
MHC and the Old #1 Committee
• NOW we have 2 openings within 2 months (Wendy/March & Mike/April)
OLD BUSINESS
Digital Site Map
No report.
Digital Frame Display
No report.
Landscape Phase II
Page 7 of 8
No report.
Other
No report.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: Passed [Yes 7, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Barb Zander
SECONDER: Commissioner Anne Walker
AYES: Michael Flynn, Tom Baur, Wendy Frasier, Anne Walker, Barb Zander,
Jeffry Hayes, Tracy Skinner
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
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