Elmhurst History Museum earns Illinois Association of Museums top award for 'Lost Chicagoland Department Stores' exhibit

The Elmhurst History Museum was presented the Illinois Association of Museums’ Award of Superior Achievement on April 3 for its exhibition “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores,” Mayor Levin announced at the April 21 City Council meeting.

Director Oberg congratulated curator Sarah Cox and museum staff and volunteers, calling the exhibition “lightning in a bottle,” and he credited strong public programs and sold-out events as keys to the show’s success. “We never had a slow day,” Oberg said, recounting that January—typically a slow month—became the museum’s busiest month during the exhibit’s run.

The city presentation noted that visitor surveys showed many attendees also dined or shopped in Elmhurst while visiting the museum, which the city said produced a positive community impact beyond the museum’s walls. The award is the Illinois Association of Museums’ highest honor; the presenter noted only one Award of Superior Achievement is typically given per category each year from among more than 1,000 Illinois museums.

City and museum remarks also placed the museum’s recent accolade in context: the museum has received two other Awards of Superior Achievement in the past five years for a 10th-anniversary documentary about the one-room schoolhouse and for conservation and restoration of a painting of Elmhurst resident Jane Bryant by 19th-century artist G.P. Healy. The mayor and director thanked the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and staff members, including consulting curator Leslie Goddard, for their roles in the exhibition and programs.

Sarah Cox, curator of exhibits, joined staff and council members at the dais for presentation of a plaque recognizing the award.