History by Year

1892

• Railroad Parks established; vacant land alongside railroad tracks leased to Village.

1925

• Arlington Heights Park District was incorporated; first Commissioners were Nathaniel Banta, Eugene Berbecker, Julius Flentie, Henry Klehm and Albert Volz; first tax collection was $1,335.
• Village deeded Memorial Park to the Park District.
• Park District began landscaping and maintaining Railroad Parks.

1926

• First Park Superintendent appointed (seasonal), John Bauer.

1927

• Park District boundaries revised to include the same area as the Village of Arlington Heights.

1931

• First bonds issued ($13,000), by ordinance, for the purchase and development of a south side park.

1933

• Civil Works Administration made a grant of public funds to the Arlington Heights Park District for one-half the cost of landscaping one of the railroad parks, planting elm trees throughout the Park District and construction of a skating rink in South Park.

1934

• First referendum, by straw vote, to authorize Park District to issue $25,000 in bonds for the construction of a public swimming pool. The referendum failed 215 to 201.

1935

• Board authorized one of its Commissioners to investigate the matter of organized playground activity and the first recreation program began.
• First special election held to vote on the annexation of additional property to the Park District. The question passed 70 to 10.

1936

• Works Progress Administration approved Park District project to construct a fieldhouse, swimming pool, shelter building, and other facilities at Recreation Park.
• Referendum passed to issue $20,000 in bonds to pay for Park District's share of Recreation Park project. Park District final share was $43,400.

1937

• Arlington Heights Park District joined the Illinois Association of Park Districts. Membership dues were $25 for the Park District.

1938

• Park District issued $30,000 in bonds, by ordinance, to pay for completion of Recreation Park construction.

1939

• Recreation Park pool and fieldhouse dedicated and officially opened.

1941

• Recreation Commission began; Board appointed representatives from civic organizations.

1946

• Special election held to establish the Corporate tax rate at .125% and the Recreation tax rate at .0625%. The vote was successful.

1953

• Summer recreation program first expands into fall with the addition of Midget Football.

1955

• Referendum passed to acquire land and develop facilities at Pioneer Park; $675,000 in bonds issued.

1957

• Pioneer Park fieldhouse, pool and maintenance garage officially opened.

1959

• Heavy land acquisition and annexation program began.

1962

• Referendum passed for park development and land acquisition; $395,000 in bonds issued.

1963

• Hasbrook Park fieldhouse opened.
• New bathhouse at Recreation Park opened.

1964

• Two parcels of Nike Base land declared surplus by the Federal government purchased by the Park District (Kingsbridge Arboretum and a portion of Heritage Park).

1965

• Referendum passed for land acquisition; $465,000 in bonds issued.

1967

• $13,000 was donated to School District #59 to help finance a larger multipurpose room at Juliette Low School.

1968

• Referendum passed for park development; $2,800,000 in bonds issued.

1970

• Fieldhouses and swimming pools opened at Camelot and Frontier Parks, swimming pool and bathhouse opened at Heritage Park, and indoor swimming pool opened at Olympic Park. Olympic Pool operated and funded jointly with High School District #214.

1971

• Committee established for the acquisition of the Nike Base site.

1972

• Revenue bonds issued in the amount of $735,000 for the construction of an indoor tennis facility.

1973

• Forest View Tennis Club (6 indoor courts) opened.
• Portion of Nike Base site (12 acres) conveyed to Park District by Federal government.

1974

• Additional 52 acres of the Nike Base site conveyed to the Park District by the Federal government.
• 1975
• Park District signed lease agreement with Arlington Heights Youth Athletic Association allowing them to construct a storage and administration building at Frontier Park.
• Referendum passed to increase Corporate tax rate to .175% from .125%, increase the Recreation tax rate to .12% from .075%, and issue bonds in the amount of $537,000 for deferred maintenance projects and construction of a maintenance garage.
• Park District 50th Anniversary celebration held at Recreation Park.

1976

• Maintenance Garage at Frontier Park completed.
• Additional 26 acres of the Nike Base site conveyed to the Park District by the Federal government.
• $577,000 installment contract approved for the construction of handball/racquetball courts at Forest View Racquet Club.
• Referendum passed to issue $1,500,000 in bonds for construction of a golf course and $1,300,000 in bonds for park development.
• 1977
• Eight handball/racquetball courts opened at Forest View Racquet Club.
• $334,000 installment contract approved for addition to the Arlington Lakes Golf Club clubhouse building.

1978

• Recreation Park fieldhouse and health club remodeling completed.
• Hasbrook Park fieldhouse remodeled into Hasbrook Cultural Arts Center.
• Heritage Park meeting room addition opened.

1979

• Arlington Lakes Golf Club opened on Nike Base site.

1980

• Sunset Meadows Driving Range and ballfields opened.

1981

• Pioneer Park swimming pool filter system renovated.

1982

• Park Place Senior Center opened.

1983

• Park District named the NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER FOR EXCELLENCE IN PARK AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT.
• Festival Park developed with a donation from the Arlington Heights Festival Committee.
• $300,000 issued in bonds by ordinance for the purpose of land acquisition and computer system upgrade.
• Received an $18,700 SBA Grant for tree plantings in Willow Park.

1984

• 5.2 acres (Frontier Estates) purchased with 1983 bond funds ($155,000) to expand Frontier Park.
• 2.3 acres (Beile property) purchased with 1983 bond funds ($90,000) to expand Sunset Meadows.
• Prairie Park developed with $61,000 in Community Development Block Fund Grant monies from the village.

1985

• 11.1 acres of land acquired through land dedication in the Lake Terramere Subdivision.
• Developed an intergovernmental agreement between the Historical Society, Village, and Park District for continuing provisions of Museum services and programs.
• Developed agreement with Christian Liberty Academy for use of the athletic fields and gymnasium at the former Arlington High School.
• The Park District self-insured its joint insurance program effective May 1, 1985 and was accepted into the Park District Risk Management Agency on July 1, 1985.
• The Arlington Heights Park District Safety Committee was established.

1986

• Received a $200,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund matching grant for the renovation of Recreation Park swimming pool.
• Purchased properties located at 7 and 27 North Belmont for $143,000. The houses were demolished in order to expand Recreation Park.
• Purchased property at 21 South Belmont, adjacent to Recreation Park, for $156,000.
• Acquired Carriage Walk Park through land dedication from the subdivision developer.
• Final payment of installment contract made on Forest View racquetball courts.
• Purchased 8.92 acres of land at Olympic Park from School District #214 for $265,000; received a $150,000 OSLAD grant for partial reimbursement.

1987

• Purchased North School from School District #25 for $465,000.
• Negotiated contract with the Arlington Heights Postal Service for their use of approximately 50 parking spaces at Olympic Park.
• Purchased Flentie Park from School District #23 for $153,756.
• Kingsbridge Arboretum expanded - "K-Mart Triangle" land dedication in exchange for vacation of easement from developer.
• Lighting approved and installed at Sunset Meadows Driving Range.
• Purchased Heritage Tennis Club for $1,090,000.
• Acquired Falcon Park (1.1 acres) through land dedication.

1988

• Jointly purchased, with the Village of Arlington Heights, the North School Playlot for $400,000.
• Renovation of North School into the Administration Center was completed and the dedication took place on September 18, 1988.
• Purchased 8.56 acres, known as Methodist Park, for $900,000.
• Forest View Racquet Club Revenue Bonds were prepaid on May 1, 1988.
• The grand "re-opening" of Recreation Park Pool took place on June 25, 1988.
• Renovation of Heritage Tennis Club was completed.

1989

• The Arlington Heights Park District was a finalist for the National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
• Acquired 53 Park of Commerce and Pasquinelli properties (Creekside Park), and Lake Cook Triangle (Sunset Ridge Park) through dedication.
• The Children at Play (C.A.P.) Before and After School Program began in the fall at six elementary schools in School District #25.
• A cooperative agreement was developed with School District #214 Community Education to provide adult volleyball and basketball leagues at the Forest View Education Center.

1990

• The Arlington Heights Park District was a finalist for the National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
• The newly renovated Forest View Park Outdoor Tennis Complex officially opened on June 9, 1990.
• Safety Town and Tennis Court renovations were completed at Olympic Park at a cost of $266,713.
• The North School Park development was approved with a budget of $550,000 plus donations; construction began in the Fall of 1990.
• Received a $200,000 matching grant for Phase I of Lake Arlington from the Open Space and Land Acquisition Fund.
• Received a $175,000 matching fund bicycle grant for the 1.8 mile path around Lake Arlington and one mile along McDonald Creek.
• Signed a lease with the Village of Arlington Heights for the Park District's use of Lake Arlington.
• Agreement signed with School District #23 to jointly construct a gymnasium addition at Betsy Ross School. The agreement included a Park District contribution of $490,000 for usage of the facility for recreation programming purposes.
• Leased 11 acres from School District 23 for soccer fields at Patriots Park.

1991

• The Arlington Heights Park District was a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
• North School Park was completed and officially dedicated in July 1991. The site includes a playground, display fountain, amphitheater and extensive landscaping.
• Pioneer Park and pool were renovated with new brick paving, fencing, expanded lawn sunning areas in the pool, resurfacing the entire deck area, and landscaping. A new parking lot for 75 cars and a new walkway along the main driveway were also added.
• Fitness center at Forest View opened on October 28, 1991. The facility was renamed the Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club.

1992

• The Arlington Heights Park District was awarded the 1992 NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL RECIPIENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN PARK AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT. It was one of the few agencies to be a two-time recipient, having received this honor in 1983.
• Received the "Elite Gold" National Aquatic Safety Award for the excellent performance rating achieved by the lifeguard staff.
• Signed an agreement with the Village of Arlington Heights regarding recreational use at the "landfill site" at 3800 N. Kennicott Avenue.
• Received an OSLAD Grant to begin Phase III of Lake Arlington in the amount of $175,000.
• The Grand Opening of Lake Arlington was held on June 6.
• The Park District was selected by the Western Tennis Association as the 1993 Member Organization of the Year for its programs at Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club and the Heritage Tennis Club.
• Two of the racquetball courts at the Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club were converted to an aerobics studio.

1993

• Finalized the $770,000 purchase of 3.3 acres of property east of Recreation Park at 100 N. Hickory (used $100,000 from AHPD/Frontier Days Recreation Park Expansion & Improvement Fund).
• Purchased a building at 1436 East Davis Street for $725,000 to be used as a central maintenance service center.
• Construction began at the landfill site in north Arlington Heights for development of a nine-hole, par-three golf course. The site was officially named Nickol Knoll Park.
• Received a $50,000 bike path grant for McDonald Creek bike path connections from the Illinois Department of Conservation.
• The Park District Board of Commissioners approved a major re-organization of the Park District combining the Recreation Department with the Revenue Facilities Department. Three major divisions were created and Director's assigned in the Department of Parks & Planning, Recreation & Facilities, and Finance & Personnel.
• Five new Superintendent positions were filled in conjunction with the agency re-organization: Superintendent of Golf Maintenance, three Superintendents of Recreation, and a Superintendent of Administrative Services.
• Patriots Park soccer field opened for use.
• Melas Park Master Plan developed.
• Arlington Heights Park District was one of the first agencies in Illinois to receive the IPRA/IAPD Distinguished Park & Recreation Agency Certification.
• Juliette Lowe School (School District #59) became a Children At Play site.
• Training Supervisor position approved by the Park Board.
• Management Information Systems Supervisor position approved by the Park Board.

1994

• Intergovernmental agreement was completed with School District #21 for gym programming at Edgar Allen Poe School in exchange for the Park District contribution of $500,000 in up-front construction costs.
• Entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Mt. Prospect Park District, Village of Mt. Prospect, and MWRD to develop the west side of Melas Park into an athletic complex.
• Received a $200,000 OSLAD grant for Melas Park development.
• Tax Cap legislation for the collar counties of Cook County passed by the Illinois General Assembly.
• Remodeling began at the Davis Street Service Center.
• Golf Maintenance Supervisor position approved by the Park Board for Nickol Knoll Golf Course.
• Received a $43,605 matching SBA Street Tree Grant.
• The bicycle trails for the McDonald Creek paths were completed. Trails connect the four bridges at Camelot Park, Willow Park, and Lake Arlington.
• Construction began on the Nickol Knoll clubhouse.
• Construction began on Lake Arlington Phase IV, including the boathouse.

1995

• Received a $200,000 OSLAD grant for Melas Park development.
• Lake Arlington Boathouse construction completed at a cost of $552,169 and opened to the public on August 12.
• Dedicated the Poe School Community Gym on January 31.
• Nickol Knoll Clubhouse construction completed at a cost of $412,747 and the facility opened for a partial season.
• Golf Operations Supervisor for Nickol Knoll Golf Course approved by the Park Board (re-allocated from Arlington Lakes Golf Club restaurant)
• Melas Park Phase I completed.
• Received a score of 99.05% on the PDRMA insurance evaluation, placing the Park District in the excellent category for the first time.
• ADA signage was installed at all community centers, Olympic Park, Arlington Lakes Service Center, Lake Arlington Boathouse, and Nickol Knoll Golf Club.
• Rotary Club donated $5,000 for trees at Lake Arlington.
• One tennis court at Carefree Park was converted for skateboard use.
• The AUTOCADD design system was installed in the Planning Department.
• Contracted for 24 weeks of mowing services at smaller parks-an experimental project to be evaluated in 1996 for continued use.
• Arlington Lakes Golf Club restaurant operation changed as of April 1-banquet food service was provided by outside caterers while restaurant and bar operations were run the by Arlington Lakes staff throughout the golf season.

1996

• Issued $3,000,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds for park improvements.
• Received a score of 98.6% on the PDRMA insurance evaluation, placing the Park District in the excellent category for the second year in a row and accrediting the Park District for the next two years.
• Melas Park Phase II was completed. First softball games and volleyball matches held (partial season).
• Poe and Riley Schools (School District #21) became Children At Play sites. The CAP program now serves children and families at ten school sites.
• Assistant Golf Supervisor position approved by the Park Board for Arlington Lakes Golf Club.
• Nickol Knoll Golf Club opened for the first full season of golf and was officially dedicated on July 13, 1996.
• Davis Street Service Center opened on April 1st - new home for all trades and fleet maintenance operations.
• Entered into a three-year contract for 26 weeks of mowing services at 20 park sites (49.3 acres).

1997

• Issued $1,550,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds for park improvements.
• Telephone registration for Park District programs began with the fall program session.
• Signed an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Arlington Heights for the purpose of obtaining facility space in the new Senior Center.
• The first full season of play at Melas Park Sports Complex began on May 12. The official dedication was held on June 28. Phase III construction was completed.
• The Arlington Heights Historical Museum was the beneficiary of the annual Arlington Heights Ball and received $11,000 to use for the climate control project.
• The Log Cabin refurbishing project at the Historical Museum was completed in August and the Log Cabin was rededicated during Septemberfest. The Museum received $7,700 in donations for this project, including $2,000 from Frontier Days, Inc.
• Received a $200,000 OSLAD grand for the redevelopment of Pioneer Park Swimming Pool in December.
• Purchased one (1) acre of land from Southminster Presbyterian Church to expand Dryden Park for $338,000.

1998

• Senior programs were relocated to the new Arlington Heights Senior Center on December 19 and the Park District's senior supervisor offices moved in on January 12. The Senior Center was officially dedicated on January 31. The Arlington Athletic Club opened on February 23.
• The "old" Pioneer Park Swimming Pool closed on August 16th with a good-bye party, Something Old is New Again, to celebrate 41 years of service. Demolition started the next day.
• The Park Board approved converting the two south tennis courts at Olympic Park into a Skate Park, approved the expenditure of $10,000 for skate features, and approved a license agreement with the Lattof YMCA to manage the skate park. The Skate Park opened in August and was officially dedicated on September 19.
• The Park District Web Site, http://www.ahpd.org, went live on September 16.
• Approved the Management Information Systems Technician position.
• The Park District was re-evaluated and retained its certification as an IPRA/IAPD Distinguished Park & Recreation Agency.
• Major tennis court renovations were completed at Greenslopes and Centennial Parks.
• Arlington Academy of the Arts became the new identity and logo for all Park District arts programming.
• The Nathaniel Moore Banta house at the Historical Museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 20.

1999

• Purchased the .4 acre Schwantz property (2100 N. Fernandez) adjacent to Frontier Park for $215,000 in March.
• Purchased 1.3 acres of land on the south side of Recreation Park along Northwest Highway (500, 506, & 510 East) for $840,000 on July 14 (used $100,000 from AHPD/Frontier Days Recreation Park Expansion & Improvement Fund).
• Entered into an agreement with the Village of Arlington Heights for improvements to Douglas Avenue along the east side of Recreation Park. The Park Districts share of the improvement cost was not to exceed $150,000.
• The new Pioneer Park Swimming Pool opened on June 12th; the grand opening was held June 18th. Architects for the new pool were Pollock Holzrichter Nicholas Ltd. and the general contractor was Schaefges Brothers, Inc.
• Approved a full-time Secretary I position for the Davis Service Center.
• Approved the Marketing Supervisor position.
• Approved the Website Coordinator position.
• The Historical Society/Museum received a $10,000 grant from the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Capital Grant Program for the Climate Control Project for the museum buildings.
• The Park District/Museum received a $10,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Operating Grant Program to develop a school outreach program and a museum website.
• The Comprehensive Needs Assessment Survey final report was presented to the Park District in July. The survey was conducted by Management Learning Laboratories.
• Entered into a formal agreement with School District 25 for athletic field use.
• Received a score of 95.8% on the PDRMA insurance evaluation, placing the District in the excellent category for the third time and accrediting the District for the next two years.
• The Park Board approved the firm of Pollock Holzrichter Nicholas Ltd. to complete phase I of a Master Plan of Park District Recreation Facility Improvements for the community centers and swimming pools as Camelot, Frontier, Hasbrook, Heritage, Olympic, Pioneer, and Recreation Parks.
• Received a $70,000 legislative grant from Senator Dave Sullivan and the Illinois First Program to renovate and rebuild the soccer fields at Patriots Park.
• Received a $500,000 legislative grant from Representative Carolyn Krause and the Illinois First Program to remodel the south wing of the Administration Center.
• Received a $100,000 legislative grant from Representative Sidney Mathias and the Illinois First Program to rebuild the playground at Lake Terramere Park.
• Received a $50,000 legislative grant from Representative Suzanne Bassi and the Illinois First Program to renovate the athletic fields at Rand Berkley Park. Rep. Bassi was also able to obtain a $200,000 legislative grant for the Village of Arlington Heights to purchase land at Dunton and Campbell Streets for a downtown park.
• Received a $130,000 legislative grant from Senator Wendell Jones and the Illinois First Program to renovate the walking paths at Hasbrook Park. Senator Jones was also able to obtain a $310,000 legislative grant for the Village of Arlington Heights to develop the new downtown park.

2000

• On March 21, the Park District asked the voters to authorize the levy and collection of an additional tax of $0.15 in the Corporate Fund beginning in levy year 2001. The referendum was defeated, 6,341 No to 5,328 Yes.
• On November 7, the Park District asked the voters to authorize the issuance of $15,000,000 for swimming pool renovations at Camelot, Frontier, Heritage and Olympic Parks. The referendum passed, 15,725 Yes to 14,571 No.
• Online registration for recreation programs began on October 15.
• The Park District celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a Party in the Park at North School Park on June 9.
• The Park District purchased .2 acres of land at 17 S. Belmont adjacent to Recreation Park for $348,000.
• The Park District purchased .67 acres of land at 2004 N. Fernandez adjacent to Frontier Park for $550,000.
• The Park District's website received the NRPA Marketing and Communications KUDOS Award for Class II for Best Website/Homepage Promoting Recreation.
• Pioneer Park Swimming Pool received an IPRA Outstanding Facility Award.
• Commissioner Kathryn Graham was named an Outstanding Board Member by the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
• The Woodshop at the Senior Center opened in February.
• The snack bar and pro shop at Arlington Lakes Golf Club was remodeled and expanded for the 2000 golf season; project architect was Hundrieser/Gutowsky Associates, Inc.
• Payton's Hill at Nickol Knoll Golf Club was dedicated on May 13.
• The Museum website, www.ahmuseum.org, went live on July 11.
• The Heritage Gallery at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum opened on November 4, 2000.
• The Park District received a $90,000 legislative grant from Senator Wendell Jones and the Illinois First Program to rebuild the playground at Greenbrier Park.
• The Park District received a $90,000 legislative grant from Representative Suzanne Bassi and the Illinois First Program to rebuild the playground at Hasbrook Park.
• The Park District received a $25,000 grant from Representative Sidney Mathias and the Illinois First Program to rebuild the playground at Sunset Ridge Park.
• The Park District received a $105,000 grant from Senator David Sullivan and the Illinois First Program to renovate the ball diamond lighting on Meyer Field at Recreation Park.
• The Park District/Museum received a $9,850 grant from the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Operating Grant Program to develop a coloring/activity book on local history for K-3rd graders and a $1,500 grant from the Illinois Arts Council for Irish Fest.
• The Historical Society/Museum received a $100,000 legislative grant from Representative Suzanne Bassi an the Illinois First Program for the climate control project in the Muller and Banta houses.
• The Historical Society/Museum received a $20,000 grant from the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Capital Grant Program for HVAC improvements in the Pop Factory.
• The Historical Society/Museum also received other grants and donations including: $8,500 from Arlington Eve 2000 for Heritage Gallery exhibits; $2,700 from the Arlington International Racecourse Pony Auction for the climate control project; $1,800 from Frontier Days, Inc. for a professional picture hanging system for the Heritage Gallery; and a $500 Illinois Humanities Council Technical Assistance Grant to attend a class on exhibit design for small museums.

2001

• The Arlington Heights Park District was awarded the 2001 NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN PARK AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT. As a THIRD TIME recipient of this prestigious award, the Park District joined an elite group of nine agencies throughout the United States that have been so honored (four of the nine are Illinois Park Districts).
• Commissioner Michael Gilfillan received the Allan Weisburg Commissioner of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
• The "old" swimming pools at Camelot, Frontier, and Heritage Parks closed on August 12th, beginning an ambitious three pool renovation project approved by the November 2000 referendum. Demolition and construction began on August 28. Project architects were Pollock Holzrichter Nicholas Ltd.
• The Arlington Heights Park Foundation was formed and began meeting in May.
• A new logo was approved by the Park District in October.
• The remodeled south annex wing of the Administration Center was formally dedicated on October 6 by Representative Carolyn Krause, who provided a $500,00 Illinois First Legislative Grant for the project, and programs began using the facility on October 30.
• The Park District/Museum received a $9,640 grant from the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Operating Grant Program to produce ADA videos of the Muller and Banta houses.
• The Park District/Museum also received a $2,000 grant from the Illinois Humanities Council for community programming to supplement the Smithsonian exhibit "Yesterdays Tomorrows-A Past Vision of the American Future" and a $1,500 grant from the Illinois Arts Council for Irish Fest.
• The Historical Society/Museum raised $8,100 for Heritage Gallery exhibits through Arlington Eve 2001.
• 2002
• The Park District received a $400,000 OSLAD grant for the redevelopment of Frontier Park Swimming Pool.
• The Park Board approved the Superintendent of Human Resources position (upgrade from supervisor position).
• The new swimming pools at Camelot, Frontier, and Heritage Parks opened in June.
• CLASS, the Park District's new program to recognize employees who demonstrate commitment to Customer satisfaction, Leadership, Attitude, Service and Safety, began in June.
• Rotary Field, a renovated youth baseball/softball diamond at Prairie Park, was dedicated on April 28.
• A former storage room was remodeled into a training/conference room at the Administration Center.
• JAZ (Junior Activity Zone), an after school program for middle school students, began in August.
• Attendance at the Senior Center topped the 5,000 mark for the first time for the month of April.
• The Park District/Museum received a $7,602 grant from the Illinois Department Natural Resources Museum Operating Grant Program for a historic trading card series and traveling educational trunks. The Museum also received a $1,000 grant from the Illinois Arts Council for Irish Fest.