MuseumStrategicPlan_v7_FlippingBook

The Humphrey House, Stellwagen Farm, Boley Farm, History Museum, Chiappetti Slaughterhouse and Hostert Cabins are going through an unprecedented time of Village investment by acquiring and remediating the Humphrey House, remediating unsafe environmental and structural conditions at Boley Farm, and stabilizing the house at Stellwagen Farm. As the Village invests in the preservation of its historic structures, it is the ideal time to set a strategic plan for these Heritage Sites to serve the residents and visitors for years to come. STRATEGIC PLAN Currently operating as separate entities supervised by the Recreation and Parks Department, the Heritage Sites share a common purpose: to preserve and interpret the history of Orland Park, while offering relevant programming and events at each location. Since the sites are supported by, and for the Orland Park community, it would be more efficient and effective if these supported sites were combined under one Heritage sites umbrella as shown below.

ORLAND PARK HERITAGE SITES

CHIAPPETTI SLAUGHTERHOUSE & HOSTERT CABINS

HUMPHREY HOUSE

STELLWAGEN FARM

BOLEY FARM

HERITAGE SITES The sites would operate under the supervision of the Recreation and Parks Department. The Strategic Plan outlines the role of each site, as well as the role of the full-time supervisor that will oversee the Heritage Sites. THE MUSEUM The History Museum is housed in a one-story brick building that formerly served as Village Hall until 1989 when the current Village Hall and complex opened. The Village recently contracted with Legat Architects to perform a facility assessment of all Village owned facilities including the Museum building. The assessment concluded that the building has a myriad of issues, with estimated repairs exceeding $908,000. Additionally, the Museum building does not provide the environmental controls that are required to preserve artifacts. Further, the assessment report notes that the building is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that the life expectancy of the building is “less than 5 years.” While staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to attract members, program and event attendees, the total number of individuals served each year is approximately 1200. Based on the low usage, expensive estimated repairs, and limited expected life expectancy of the building, it is recommended that the Museum be closed upon the approval and adoption of the Heritage Sites Strategic Plan. Upon the Museum’s closure, the Museum Supervisor will move to the Recreation Administration (RA) building. Workstations and production space will be created for volunteers as RA becomes the main workspace for the Heritage Sites Division. Additional workspaces would be created at the Humphrey House and on the second floor for utilization during hours the Humphrey House is open to the public. Short-term, the Museum building will continue to house the Village’s artifact collection and be used for historically based programs. As such, the building would remain available to support these programs and for researchers to access the collection.

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