DuPage Historical Museum reports growth in reach and previews Route 66 exhibit, seeks continued county support

Representatives from the DuPage Historical Museum updated the County Board on 2025 activity, reporting a 31% increase in total reach, a 3% rise in visitor numbers, and a 9% increase in educational program participants. Museum staff said 63 individuals entrusted family heirlooms for conservation, over 270 objects were donated, and staff assisted 90 patrons with research requests.

The museum credited a mix of community outreach, redesigned exhibits and partnerships. It noted an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Association of Museums for its Black Trailblazers exhibit and said it received a $3,000 grant from the DuPage Foundation. The County Board contributed more than $44,000 through a Member Initiative award used for building maintenance and exhibit improvements, including window frame repairs, carpet replacement and restoration of original front doors.

Upcoming: the museum previewed an architectural walking tour during the Cream of Wheaton festival, a Victorian crafts program in July, and a Route 66 centennial brunch and exhibit opening on Aug. 15 that will run for roughly three months. Staff said they will begin fundraising for a permanent-exhibit redesign later this year or early next year.

Member Evans complimented the museum's increased community engagement and said she planned to promote the museum's affordable offerings, including birthday-party options, on social media. Museum staff confirmed new policies allowing non‑flash photography on all levels and said they are 85% of the way toward goals for educational programming.

The presentation was informational; no specific funding request was acted on beyond noting recent Member Initiative support that has already been awarded.