Monee Historical Society

The Monee Historical Society is a nonprofit organization established in 2011, originally known as the "Save the Monee Creamery Foundation." It was founded by a group of concerned citizens aiming to preserve the historic Monee Creamery Building, a significant part of the village's and Will County's history. Key figures in the formation included Dave and Christi Holston, Margaret Horne, Rachel White, and Jim and Judie Popp.

Mission and Vision

The society's mission is to educate, inspire, and enrich the community by preserving and promoting the rich history of the Monee area through collections, events, and programming. Its vision is to become an integral part of the community's fabric by creating meaningful connections through individual histories and shared aspirations for the future.

Core Values

The organization adheres to several core values:

• Integrity and Respect: Building relationships and trust while holding themselves accountable.
• Excellence: Striving to present local history in a meaningful and accessible way through innovation and creativity.
• Diversity: Embracing diversity and its contribution to the community's character.
• Education: Valuing lifelong learning to enrich the community and build a better future.
• Collaboration: Emphasizing the importance of working together to build meaningful connections.

History

The society began its journey by saving the historic Monee Creamery, which was slated for demolition in 2011. This building, constructed from local Lockport limestone, served as a central part of community life for over a century. In 2016, the creamery was granted Will County landmark status. Following a comprehensive renovation funded partly by a generous grant from the Village of Monee, the building was renamed the Monee Heritage Center and opened in 2021.

Initiatives and Projects

The Monee Historical Society engages in several initiatives:

• Oral History Project: Partnering with Governor's State University, the society has recorded over two dozen interviews with long-time residents to preserve memories.
• Veterans Project: Collecting stories of local veterans to honor their contributions.
• Genealogical Research: Offering resources for family history studies.
• Community Events: Hosting lectures and events focused on local history and interests.

The society welcomes contributions of stories, memories, talents, skills, or photos from the community, aiming to create a comprehensive archive of Monee's history at the Heritage Center. They also seek new members to join in their efforts.

Leadership and Structure

The organization is largely volunteer-driven, with leadership roles filled by individuals dedicated to preserving local history and engaging the community. Meetings typically occur monthly.

Current Projects and Activities

Recent activities include maintaining the Monee Heritage Center as a hub for historical preservation and community engagement. The society uses social media platforms to share updates on events and projects.

With its dedication to preserving the past and engaging the present, the Monee Historical Society plays a vital role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Monee, Illinois.