At the new Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, we are dedicated to sharing the entwined stories of people, events and nature through exhibitions, education and community engagement. Our passion is to explore history as a vibrant force that connects us through time. Our vision is to encourage and inspire others to make a positive influence in their communities and our world.
The Dunn Museum is named in honor of Bess Bower Dunn (1877–1959), Lake County’s first official historian. Bess traveled throughout the county photographing historic sites and meeting with residents to record their stories. She personally acquired artifacts and documents that are now part of our priceless collections. Her passion and determination to preserve the early history of Lake County at the turn of the 20th century demonstrates the potential of each individual to make a significant and lasting contribution to a better world — and inspires us to do the same.