C OBWEB
A publication of the Des Plaines History Center
VOLUME 45, NO. 2
APRIL-JUNE 2011
IT’S BEEN A JOY! THANK YOU JOY FOR 22 YEARS OF SERVICE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR │JOY MATTHIESSEN RETIREMENT SPECIAL EDITION!│
IN MEMORIAM: RICHARD GRZEBIENIAK│NEW DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED
DIRECTOR JOY MATTHIESSEN RETIRES FROM THE HISTORY CENTER By Shari Caine & Susan Golland For so many of us, Joy Matthiessen has been the face of the Des Plaines History Center for about as long as we can remember. Joy started working for the History Center in 1989 and was the first paid director with real “museum credentials”—a Master’s Degree in Historic Administration from Eastern Illinois University. Joy’s museum training certainly served her well, but it is her excellent judgment, practical wisdom, and ability to mentor young and old alike that has won her local celebrity status in Des Plaines. Being a community fixture for years, it is a rare day that Joy can leave the doors of the History Center without bumping into someone she knows within ten minutes of going outside.
their love for history. Some people identified teachers or relatives, but the most common answer was “Joy Matthiessen.” Joy’s love for her work is truly infectious.
1990: Liz Feltmann, Joy, Elizabeth Nedwed, Ruth Bleitz, Nancy Lejman visit Old World Wisconsin
In these few pages we cannot even begin to express the depth of work
It is with the most sincere gratitude and the very best of wishes that we, the History Center staff, volunteers, and membership wish Joy the very best in her retirement.
During her 22 years, staff members have come and gone, hundreds of volunteers have walked through the History Center’s doors, and thousands of visitors have learned about local history though exhibits and programs that Joy has had a hand in. Recently, staff and board members were asked to identify the source of 2 Cobweb APRIL-JUNE 2011
Joy has accomplished during her time as Director, but we can give you a sample. It is with the most sincere gratitude and the very best of wishes that we, the History Center staff, volunteers, and membership wish Joy the very best in her retirement from a job well done. ● 1989 1989: Joy is hired. Little does she know that she will become one of the foremost experts in Des Plaines History
1991: A lifelong Girl Scout, Joy combines her love for history with her love of scouting and creates an exhibit about the history of scouting in Des Plaines. New volunteers join the museum to assist with the exhibit. Before DPHC: Joy graduated from Roosevelt University with an undergraduate degree in History. She worked for the Girl Scouts and later attended Eastern Illinois University where she earned a Masters Degree in Historic Administration. Joy completed internships at the Missouri Historical Society and Henry Ford Museum and worked in the collections department at the Arlington Heights Museum.
Scouting in Des Plaines exhibit in the basement of the Kinder House, which formerly served as temporary exhibit space
Joy and volunteer Evalyn Mikes hard at work on the Scouting exhibit
“Seeing how she [Joy] treated her staff—with respect and concern for their welfare— observing how she was engaged in the community—through Kiwanis, attending other events, building a relationship with theater groups, working with and supporting other organizations and the community of Des Plaines— seeing her love of family and friends and concern for others made her a valued mentor and role model, and in time, friend.” —Rex Nyquist Former History Center intern Cobweb APRIL-JUNE 2011 3
Joy and Don Rosedale, 1993
Joy had her work cut out for her. Here is what she was hired to do: ● Strengthen the History Center’s financial framework ● Implement collections management standards ● Improve storage, preservation, and access to archival collections ● Establish a program base for community outreach
Eventually, Joy was able to hire more staff members to assist with museum duties.
r luntee o v h it r 1998, weorge Fritzle G
Right: With Angela Whitmal, former History Center staff member at the opening of the exhibit, “The Consuming Passion,” 1993.
“Joy has provided guidance to me over the last several years, and I feel I am a better museum professional because of it. I expect I am only one of many to benefit from - and admire - her knowledge, experience, and professionalism.” —Angela Stanford Museum colleague
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“Don’t poke your eye out!” In 1998, the History Center replaced the Kinder House turret cap with a historically accurate reproduction of the original.
Staff & Volunteers &...a Munchkin Joy’s love for The Wizard of Oz led to several highly successful exhibits and events including a visit by Donna Stewart-Hardway, who played a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz movie.
2002: History Center expansion!
Pictured (L to R): Liz Feltmann, Lynne Smaczny, Joy, Carmela Schueller, Beth Kowalski, Sue Fritzler, Shari Caine, and front, Donna Stewart-Hardway
In 2002, the History Center acquired the former Des Plaines Savings & Loan building which is now known as the “Visitor Center.” The same year, Nancy Meyer and her sister, Lois Wright, generously donated their family home at 815 Center Street to the organization.
2004: History Center named “Outstanding Midsize Museum”
2000: Joy wins the Illinois Association of Museums’ “Professional of the Year” award Joy was my boss at Des Plaines and energized my career, challenging me to do something I never have done professionally—schools and programming. She's always been my mentor showing me the way throughout my career and always available for a listen and rant. She's calm in the face of adversity, encouraging and I just love her so dearly.
2005: Joy wins the “Outstanding Graduate Alumna” award from Eastern Illinois University
2004: The History Center’s offsite storage location at the Des Plaines Park District’s Leisure Center moves down the hall. Joy leads this huge undertaking by coordinating staff and volunteers. The History Center has thousands of three dimensional items in storage, including two murals, a diving board, items salvaged from long-gone buildings, and even a kayak!
—Mike Sarna Former Programs Manager Cobweb APRIL-JUNE 2011 5
Flood Relief! Joy mobilized staff, board members, friends, and volunteers to help clean up after the 2008 flood that left many Des Plaines homes, and all three History Center facilities, with basements full of water and thousands of dollars of damages.
Joy was instrumental in the creation of first ever Fall Fest Des Plaines in 2010. The History Center worked with the Des Plaines Park District and Chamber of Commerce to present this event to the community.
Local history came to life in 2008 with performances of “Tales of the River,� an original theatrical and musical production produced by the History Center and Guild Theater, a project that Joy initiated and promoted.
Pictured at right (L to R): Board member Elizabeth Makelim, Joy, Assistant Director Susan Golland
April 2010: John Burke (left) and Joy pose with mayor Marty Moylan during the Des Plaines Casino groundbreaking ceremony.
Bottom left: Joy poses with Des Plaines Park District staff members Lisa & Gene Haring during the Des Plaines 175th Anniversary Party. The event was a huge success and raised over $12,000.
Thank You Joy! You have been an inspiration to us all and have helped to make Des Plaines a better place to live.
We wish you all the best in your continuing journey. 6 Cobweb APRIL-JUNE 2011
Shari Caine Named Director The History Center is excited to announce its new Executive Director, Shari Caine. Shari isn’t new to Des Plaines; she has been a staff member for over fourteen years and had been serving as Interim Director since October 2010.
from Eastern Illinois University, and has a deep knowledge of Des Plaines through her years of work with the Center’s archival collection. Shari looks forward to working with the Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers of the History Center. ●
Shari holds a Master’s degree in Historic Administration
DO YOU LIVE IN A HISTORIC HOME IN DES PLAINES? The History Center is working with local photographer Stan Kotecki to photograph historic homes in Des Plaines for a forthcoming exhibit. If you would like to participate in this project please contact the History Center at 847-391-5399. ●
Thank You Business Sponsors! Maine Township Highway Department
In Memoriam:
Richard Grzebieniak January 8, 1933 - June 24, 2011 The History Center mourns the loss of dear friend, longtime member, and dedicated volunteer, Richard Grzebieniak. Richard was a dedicated supporter of the History Center and was involved with the renovation work in the Visitor Center when the History Center first acquired the building. His smile and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. We send our condolences to Richard’s wife, Pat, who is currently serving on the History Center board, and to the entire Grzebieniak family. A celebration of Richard's life will be held at a later date. The family has requested that memorials be made to the Des Plaines History Center in Richard’s name. ●
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If you are reading this and aren’t a History Center member, join today!
Reading the Cobweb always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
Me too.
Front page photograph: Welcome party for Joy Matthiessen, 1989 L to R: Scott Hodlmair, Jim Whitcomb, Milt Tuttle, Joy Matthiessen
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