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Amending Chapter 2 of the Kane County Code to Establish the Position of Local Historian in Kane County
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WHEREAS, pursuant to the Local Historian Act (50 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.), each county may appoint a local historian to prepare and publish local histories, preserve historic records, artifacts, and edifices, and document current events, with appointment by county’s chief elected governing body; and
WHEREAS, the Kane County Board recognizes the importance of preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history of Kane County for the benefit of current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, the Local Historian shall serve as an appointed officer responsible for the duties set forth the Local Historian Act, including researching, collecting, preserving, and interpreting county history and records:
•Research & Collection - Gathering historical records, documents, and materials.
•Preservation & Interpretation - Ensuring historical records and events are preserved and understood.
•Coordination - Collaborating with municipal historians and historical organizations within Kane County.
•Public Education - Educating the public through publications, lectures, tours, exhibits, and responses to inquiries.
WHEREAS, the Local Historian shall possess knowledge of county history, research expertise, strong communication skills, and organizational ability to produce accurate historical materials; and
WHEREAS, the position is intended as an honorary volunteer role to formalize the office to minimize financial impact on the County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Kane County Board that the Kane County Code is hereby amended to add a new section, codified in Chapter 2 (Administration), Article III (Officers and Employees In General), Division 1 (Generally, which new section shall be titled “Position of Local Historian” and read as follows:
1. Establishment. The position of Local Historian is hereby established in Kane County in accordance with the Local Historian Act (50 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.).
2. Appointment, term, and compensation. The Local Historian shall be appointed by the Kane County Board Chairman, subject to the advice and consent of the Kane County Board. The Local Historian shall serve at the pleasure of the Kane County Board. The Local Historian shall receive no compensation beyond reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in the course of his or her duties as Local Historian, subject to state law, county ordinances, and county policies and procedures.
3. Duties. The Local Historian shall be responsible for the duties and responsibilities set forth in the Local Historian Act (50 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.).
Passed by the Kane County Board on November 10, 2025.
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John A. Cunningham, MBA, JD, JD Corinne M. Pierog MA, MBA
Clerk, County Board Chairman, County Board
Kane County, Illinois Kane County, Illinois
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