In October of 2024, Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley celebrated its 50th anniversary. Started by 5 women in order to save and restore the 1843 Durant-Peterson Home, Preservation Partners now operates four historic sites and has saved dozens of structures throughout St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia. None of this sustainability would have been possible without tremendous financial support from the community and the innumerable hours of work by dedicated and passionate volunteers. In a society that tends to value the new over the old, the communities of the Fox Valley have firmly committed to preserving the old.
History defines the Fox Valley and that value has remained for 50 years. That value is likely to continue for another 50 years.
Throughout this year, Preservation Partners has shared the stories of its history. These stories have been centered on the people who made this history possible which is also the point of history in general. Connection to the past helps inform the future. And based on the last 50 years, the future for Preservation Partners looks pretty good!
Thank you to the Board Members who volunteer countless hours to charting the path forward for Preservation Partners: Jim Kautz (President), John McNeely (Treasurer), Tracy Aris, Bill Cook, Alan Leahigh, and Kristie Sandoval. Day-to-day operations are managed by four part-time employees: Kelsey Shipton (Executive Director), Debra Corwin (Durant House and Sholes School Director), Vivien Lasken (Fabyan Villa and Japanese Garden Director), and Al Watts (Community Engagement Director). Especially, a HUGE thank you to over 100 volunteers who passionately educate the public about local history and perform an enormous amount of support behind the scenes.
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