Hinsdale Historical Society Annual Fund

Dear Friends, 

In 2005, after spending three days on the road traveling up South County Line road, the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio arrived at Katherine Legge Memorial Park -- narrowly escaping demolition. 

The Hinsdale Historical Society, with vital support from dedicated preservationists and donors, mobilized to preserve Hinsdale’s heritage. Without this exemplary collaboration, the Zook Home and Studio would have met the same fate that has felled many of its brick and mortar peers.

Built in 1924 as Zook’s personal residence and studio, it is here that the famed architect helped transform blueprints to tangible stone and thatched roofing.

Fifteen years after the completion of this award-winning preservation effort, the aging structures are inevitably deteriorating.  While the Historical Society has maintained the properties through fundraising efforts, renovation costs exceed the non-profit’s annual budget. 

People like you, the stewards of our community, can help us save this uniquely Hinsdale gem by contributing to the Historical Society’s Annual Fund. Through these tax-deductible gifts, we can help ensure that our history will continue to enrich our community, educate our children and connect us all.

As owners of three historic properties - the Hinsdale History Museum, Immanuel Hall and the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio - the Annual Fund provides essential support for operating and maintaining these properties and enables the continued offerings of educational programming, exhibits as well as archival resources via the Roger & Ruth Anderson Architecture Center. 

Be a steward of our heritage and help protect Hinsdale’s irreplaceable past. On behalf of the Hinsdale Historical Society Board of Trustees, I ask you to please consider contributing to the Historical Society’s Annual Fund.

With sincere appreciation,

Kristen Laakso, Hinsdale Historical Society President