Kudos & Awards
2010 Superior Achievement
The Illinois State Historical Society presented Bob Frenz, a Crystal Lake Historical Society member and director, with a "Certificate of Superior Achievement" for his book, Historic Country Schools of McHenry County, Illinois. This is the Society's highest award. The reviewing committee cited the author's high level of research, scholarship, and prose in determining this honor.
Bob Frenz receives his award from Illinois State Historical Society Secretary Randall Witter at the Executive Mansion in Springfield (photo by William Furry):
The Illinois State Historical Society presented Bob Frenz, a Crystal Lake Historical Society member and director, with a "Certificate of Superior Achievement" for his book, Historic Country Schools of McHenry County, Illinois. This is the Society's highest award. The reviewing committee cited the author's high level of research, scholarship, and prose in determining this honor.
Bob Frenz receives his award from Illinois State Historical Society Secretary Randall Witter at the Executive Mansion in Springfield (photo by William Furry):
2009 Best Small Institution of the Year
The Illinois Association of Museums (IAM) has named the Colonel Palmer House the "2009 Best Small Institution of the Year." IAM President David Becker writes, "The Colonel Palmer House is an excellent example of a successful partnership beween a private not-for-profit organization, the Crystal Lake Historical Society, and a large public entity, the Crystal Lake Park District. This cooperation has resulted in a wonderfully restored historic home which serves as a local history museum, an archive library and a facility for heritage events.
2009 Volunteer of the Year
The Illinois Association of Museums (IAM) has also named Society President, Diana Kenney as "2009 Volunteer of the Year." IAM awarded this honor because "Ms. Kenney's expertise in Crystal Lake history and energetic volunteering activities make her indispensable to the community. From restoring the woodwork in the historic Dole Mansion to organizing fundraisers and media events, Ms. Kenney has been the driving force behind the formation of the Crystal Lake Historical Society and the education of local citizens on their heritage and history. Her tireless and persistent efforts have resulted in making Crystal Lake a "Good Place to Live."
Sandy Price, Ann Viger, and Diana Kenney accept the awards at the Illinois Association of Museums Conference in Bloomington-Normal on October 2, 2009:
