Historical Society Recognizes Center for History President with Lifetime Achievement Award

The Illinois State Historical Society presented Alberta Adamson, President and CEO of the Center for History in Wheaton, with its annual “Lifetime Achievement” last month.  The award is presented to an Illinois citizen whose overall career has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting, preserving and researching Illinois history. Adamson’s award was presented as a formal proclamation:

“Whereas the Illinois State Historical Society encourages teaching excellence and the promotion and preservation of Illinois history; and

Whereas Alberta Adamson, President and CEO of the Center for History, has preserved and promoted Illinois history in Wheaton and DuPage County for more than three decades; spearheading in 1984 a successful drive to raise money for a community museum that is now a model for other institutions around the nation; and

Whereas Ms. Adamson has given thousands of programs and created dozens of exhibits for students and adults that chronicle the events and people who have shaped the history of the prairie state; and

Whereas Ms. Adamson has given her adult life and energy to promoting historic preservation and sharing the stories of Illinoisans who have inspired and influenced state, national, and world history;

The Illinois State Historical Society takes great pleasure in conferring on her this award of Lifetime Achievement.”

Adamson received the award and a commemorative bust of Abraham Lincoln, an honor reserved for the Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

Prior to the establishment of the Wheaton Historic Preservation Council, Wheaton’s history lay dormant on shelves and in basements or attics.  Adamson’s leadership and vision has brought life to our city’s heritage and meaning to our students, according to a release from the Center for History.  Teachers constantly praise the Center for its education programming and return annually with a new group of students.

The Center for History also recently received an Award of Excellence for its education program, “Underwater Rescue: Heroes of the SS Eastland.” This award marks the Center’s 35th award from state history organizations in Illinois.  Previously four national awards have also been received.

The Center for History is a facility of the Wheaton Historic Preservation Council, a privately-funded 501(c)3 organization established in 1980.  Since February 2011 education programs have been presented to more than 1,700 students and scouts.