As recently as December, many feared the DuPage Historical Museum would be the latest victim in a series of county budget cuts. But an agreement between the county and the Wheaton Park District ensures the museum will remain open for at least the next five years.

The county has pledged financial support for the museum, while the Park District will move its administrative offices into the historic building in downtown Wheaton and assume control of the museum’s operations.

County and Park District officials both described the agreement as a “win-win” deal. The county will pay $130,000 annually for the next five years. The Park District will pay no rent but will assume administrative and maintenance costs for the building.

The museum will have two employees. They will be Park District employees, but their salaries will be paid by the county’s contribution to the museum.

County Board member Debra Olson, R-4th District, of Wheaton, whose district includes the museum, said the partnership will bring new attention and more programs to the museum.

“We get to preserve county history, which to me is very important,” Olson said. “It’s really an excellent example of intergovernmental cooperation.”

Board member Kyle Gilgis, R-3rd District, is chairwoman of the Development Committee. She said she is glad the county was able to reach a deal to keep the museum open.

Several options the county considered would have shuttered the museum, she said.

“What I’m hoping to do in five years, if I’m still around, is to make it a longer contract,” Gilgis said. “If they’re making a success of it and getting more people in to see the exhibits, they should have the chance to stay there longer.”

Mike Benard, executive director of the Wheaton Park District, said the district has been looking to relocate its current administrative offices at 600 S. Main St. for several years.
Benard said the Park District is looking forward to starting a new chapter for the Historical Museum.

The district will undertake an extensive fundraising effort to support the museum. It has experience doing similar work on behalf of Cosley Zoo though the Cosley Foundation, Benard said.

The Park District Board is expected to approve the agreement July 16 at its next meeting.