Arrangement
The records in this collection fall into two series. The first series contains constitutions, minutes (1972-1976), and newsletters (1973-1986) which reveal the scope of the society’s programs and projects designed to preserve the heritage of DeKalb County. Printed materials, photographs, and slides focus on events sponsored by the Society and the historical celebrations of towns throughout Illinois. Nearly all the records of the Society prior to its revival as an active group in 1972 appear to have been lost. Nevertheless, the materials are particularly useful for studying the role of a local historical society in the community.
The second series contains the papers of Harriet Wilson Davy which were donated by her granddaughter, Christine Engstrom. Mrs. Davy was responsible for editing the DeKalb County history From Oxen to Jets, which was published in 1963. The files consist of correspondence, research, and rewrites of various subjects for the book. Two copies of the book can be found on the county history shelf in the Reading Room.
Administrative/Biographical History
The DeKalb County Historical Society organized as early as 1902, but experienced low community involvement through the 1950's. The Society disbanded until January 1972 when local interest increased. Members composed and adopted a new constitution and by-laws, and elected Gary Moe president. These people, interested in preserving local history, gathered together to discover and collect materials that illustrated DeKalb County’s heritage. By 1978 the Society had located and recognized several historic landmarks, reproduced county histories, participated actively in oral history, and increased membership.
In the spring of 1990 the DeKalb County Historical Society merged with the Genealogical Society of DeKalb County to become the DeKalb County Historical-Genealogical Society. Their goal of preserving local history continues to be actively pursued.
