Historic Commission

Purpose

The purpose of the Historic Commission shall be as follows:

  1. Promote awareness of the city’s history and appreciation for the city’s heritage among the citizens of the city.
  2. Preserve and record the history of the city through whatever means are appropriate and feasible, including the promotion of Preservation Week and recognizing historic landmarks.
  3. Provide liaison between the city and groups involved in historic preservation.
  4. Recommend to the City Council appropriate historic programs and projects.
  5. Inform and educate the citizens of Wheaton concerning the historic and architectural heritage of the city by publishing appropriate maps, newsletters, brochures, and pamphlets, and by holding programs and seminars.
  6. Offer opportunity for property owners, owner-initiated, to have their properties recognized and identified as historically and architecturally significant properties, structures, and areas.

Meetings

The Historic Commission generally meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at City Hall. All meetings are open to residents. You are welcome to attend, share your thoughts, or observe to see if you would like to apply for a position. For up-to-date information regarding all of the City’s Boards and Commissions meeting dates, times, and locations, please see the City Calendar.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Listen to WW1 Centennial News Episode #45

Members

  • Stephen Beach, Chair
  • Lisa Buchanan
  • Emelie Engling
  • Louise Ferrebee
  • Nancy Flannery
  • Robert Purdy
  • Sophia Ruffolo
  • Joseph Szczepaniak

Available Positions: 1

Preservation Month

Each May the City’s Historic Commission coordinates Preservation Month to coincide with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual national celebration. During this time, the Historic Commission places "Pride in Preservation purple lawn signs throughout Wheaton at designated Wheaton Historic Landmarks and locations listed on the Wheaton Register of Historic Places. Many of these sites include a plaque with the estimated date of construction or a permanent interpretive sign with more additional information.

For an online tour of Wheaton's Landmarks, visit the Wheaton Register of Historic Places Program and select "View Wheaton Register of Historic Places."

Wheaton Register of Historic Places Program

Find out more about the process to be added to the Wheaton Register of Historic Places.

Home History Research Help

Ever wonder how old your house is? Who lived there in the past? What it looked like originally? Whether your interest is a house's construction date, past owners, or architecture, the City of Wheaton Historic Commission can help. They'll help you discover resources and show you what each reveals.

Email Gretchen Murphy at genealogy@wheatonlibrary.org or call 630-868-7523 to set up a one-on-one virtual help session.