Pam Rohleder has been curator of the Bartlett History Museum since 1996.
The Illinois Association of Museums recently presented the museum with a Superior Achievement Award at its annual state conference.

Q Which museum program was recognized by the IAM?
A The Superior Award recognized the museum’s October 2007 dramatic interpretation of the stories of nine women important in Bartlett history called “HerStory, Meet the Remarkable Women of Early Bartlett.” The recognition is the highest of three levels in the Special Project Category.  It is not awarded to me, but to the museum.

Q What inspired the idea for the project?
A I recognized that while there was much information chronicling the founding fathers of Bartlett, there was little to highlight the influence of the founding mothers. After a year of researching past newspaper articles, I had the necessary information to tell the stories of nine women from different generations.

Q How did you become the museum curator?
A I started out as a teacher and then became the director of visual merchandising for an affiliated group of 26 department stores. Eventually I began to do freelance work. In 1996, I saw an advertisement in a local Bartlett newspaper looking for a part-time person to “change exhibits.” It was appealing to me because visiting museums was something I frequently did throughout my childhood with my family and because it allowed me to be home with my young son.
On the job I soon learned that there was so much more that could be done and my duties began to expand. My interests also began to expand. I am currently completing an internship, which is my last requirement for a certificate in museum studies from Northern Illinois University. I will soon begin work on a master’s degree.