MuseumStrategicPlan_v7_FlippingBook

Long-term, the Village’s archival, 3-dimensional, textile and research collection will move to RA. This move will be dependent on build-out of storage space in the basement of RA. Future historically based exhibits will be displayed at various locations throughout the Village including Village Hall, the Civic Center, Sportsplex and the Orland Park Public Library. These displays will be rotated and updated every three to four months and will include a narrative relating to Orland’s history. Having a decentralized approach to exhibits will allow the general public to learn about the community’s historic assets and allow greater accessibility to the Village’s collection. HUMPHREY HOUSE

The John Humphrey House is considered a house museum and will continue to be interpreted circa 1900. Moving forward, the home will be interpreted with Humphrey family artifacts, as well as other items from the Orland area. The Humphrey House will become the satellite workstation for the newly formed Heritage Sites. The House will host special events and programs. For example, programs can include tea and wine tastings, music performances and historic lectures. Larger programs and events will be hosted in other Village and local facilities. The Humphrey House features 3 upstairs bedrooms: 1 for the adults and 2 bedrooms for the children. The adult bedroom and one child bedroom will continue to be interpreted for the appropriate period. It is being recommended to turn the third bedroom into a Humphrey family rotating exhibit. This will allow the collection to be made more widely available while still maintaining two period appropriate bedrooms.

Following recommendations, the kitchen in the Humphrey House will be interpreted to the appropriate time period, circa 1900. The current kitchen interpretation is from approximately 1950, which does not match the era that the rest of the home is interpreted as. Previously, when operated by the Orland Historical Society, the Humphrey House was open for tours the 2nd Sunday of the month from 2:00p – 4:00p. It is recommended the Humphrey House be open to the general public Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00a – 3:00p once renovations are complete.

STELLWAGEN AND BOLEY FARMS In addition to Stellwagen Farm, the oversight of Boley Farm will move under the Recreation and Parks Department. The farms will be utilized and marketed as unique and separate entities. The goal is for each farm is to maximize its amenities and develop its own unique identity. STELLWAGEN FARM Stellwagen Farm is a popular site for self-guided walking tours, programs and special events. The Farm has hosted a vintage baseball game, Civil War reenactments and Farmer is the Man music presentation.

The future of Stellwagen Farm is to maintain the property as it is currently designed, add parking to the south of the main barn, and interpret the farmhouse and outbuildings, allowing visitors to experience farm life circa 1915. The Farm’s focus will be on Orland Park’s agricultural history, providing tours and educational exhibits, while providing a wonderful backdrop for outdoor special events and programming. With the addition of a parking lot to the south of the barn (see Figure 1), this will enable the site to more efficiently and safely host attendees. Stellwagen would continue to host Stellwagen Family Tours each fall, as well as by appointment, and on special occasions. Figure 1: Stellwagen Farm proposed parking

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