Growing up as a third generation Sycamore resident and a recent graduate from NIU, Caroline Menzer is well-prepared for her new job as Communications and Development Manager for the DeKalb County History Center. Menzer enthusiastically shared updates on various activities taking place at the Center including special exhibits done in collaboration with the renowned Smithsonian Museums and research opportunities at the Center’s Joiner History Room. Menzer explained that the mission of the Center is to Explore, Gather, Engage, and Inspire.
Besides offering 60 programs at their main campus at North Main Street and Heron Creek Drive in Sycamore, Menzer said the Center works cooperatively with other sites providing an additional 61 other programs. They have about 160 volunteers contributing more than five-thousand hours of service. These include video programs, brown bag lunches, genealogy classes, and Master Gardeners raising as much as six-thousand pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables which go to the Salvation Army food pantry.
Menzer said the Center is in the midst of fundraising after qualifying for a $500,000 matching grant from the State of Illinois mainly to convert an old corn crib into a meeting and event place. One of their fundraisers called “Cocktails at the Crib” takes place this Saturday at the Center from 4-7 PM.
The DeKalb History Center is open from 10-4 daily Tuesday through Saturday and Noon to 3PM Saturday. They are closed Sunday and Monday. Their website is www.dekalbcountyhistory.org.