Cook County Historical Society in a growing phase

The Cook County Historical Society has been expanding its offerings in recent years, with the acquisition of the Bally Blacksmith Shop and plans for an archival storage building. The society is seeking bonding for that storage facility, as well as increased support from Cook County.

The historical society was on the agenda at this month’s Committee of the Whole meeting of the Cook County Commissioners on June 15. There, they explained their request for support from the county.

The historical society first shared information on its work to obtain state bonding funds to help construct an archival storage facility and for capital improvements of the historical sites it manages.

The Historical Society also asked the county board to consider an increase in its budget, from $68,000 in the past two years to $100,000 for two years, with a 2 percent increase each biennium.

The county will be considering these requests as it moves ahead with budget planning.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence learns more about the historical society’s goals–and about its “Coffee with Mildred” initiative–in this interview with Cook County Historical Society President Marja Erickson.

Rhonda Silence June 23, 2021