DeKalb County History Center recipient of grant from DeKalb County Community Foundation
The DeKalb County History Center recently announced they were awarded $100,000 from the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program.
These funds will support the History Center’s campus expansion project.
The History Center’s vision includes repurposing the corn crib to include an event space to host
speakers and musical performances. There will also be outdoor seating, a winding walking path
with interpretive panels about agricultural history and pavilion area. Additional parking will be
added to accommodate the increase in visitation.The plan is to have work start in late 2024 and
completion is anticipated for 2025.
speakers and musical performances. There will also be outdoor seating, a winding walking path
with interpretive panels about agricultural history and pavilion area. Additional parking will be
added to accommodate the increase in visitation.The plan is to have work start in late 2024 and
completion is anticipated for 2025.
“We are thrilled with the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s generous support of the
project,” said Michelle Donahoe, DeKalb County History Center executive director. “Having both the State of Illinois and the Community Foundation behind our vision gives us increased credibility as we continue our fundraising efforts. The History Center truly sees this vision as a way to promote DeKalb County’s agricultural history, share local history using innovative ideas, and attract tourists to our area.”
project,” said Michelle Donahoe, DeKalb County History Center executive director. “Having both the State of Illinois and the Community Foundation behind our vision gives us increased credibility as we continue our fundraising efforts. The History Center truly sees this vision as a way to promote DeKalb County’s agricultural history, share local history using innovative ideas, and attract tourists to our area.”
The History Center’s project was developed in cooperation with the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity-Office of Tourism, and is supported by a $500,000
contribution from the Festivals and Attractions COVID-19 Tourism Grant. The grant from the
DeKalb County Community Foundation will assist in raising the required 50 percent match for
that contribution.
Commerce and Economic Opportunity-Office of Tourism, and is supported by a $500,000
contribution from the Festivals and Attractions COVID-19 Tourism Grant. The grant from the
DeKalb County Community Foundation will assist in raising the required 50 percent match for
that contribution.
For more information or to support this project contact Michelle Donahoe by emailing
info@dekalbcountyhistory.org or calling 815-895-5762. Follow the DeKalb County History
Center’s social media or website at DeKalbCountyHistory.org for updates.
Photo Caption: Dan Templin, Executive Director of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, and the Community Foundation’s grant committee, at the check presentation at the DeKalb County History Center.