Mendota Museum and Historical Society to open this weekend with photography exhibit

Area radio anchor announced as new executive director

Staff
Posted 4/8/21

MENDOTA – The Mendota Museum and Historical Society will open for the season this weekend with a sweeping photographic exhibit and a new executive director.

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Mendota Museum and Historical Society to open this weekend with photography exhibit

Area radio anchor announced as new executive director

Posted

MENDOTA – The Mendota Museum and Historical Society will open for the season this weekend with a sweeping photographic exhibit and a new executive director.

“Through the Camera Lens” features photographs of people and places in and around Mendota over a span of 166 years, giving guests a chance to see dramatic changes in fashions and architecture. The exhibit, which is displayed at the Hume-Carnegie Museum, also gives visitors a look at the evolution of the camera with examples from local photographer Justin Setchell. The museum will be open at 901 Washington St. from1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11 and will be at that site during the season.

Tom Henson, morning news anchor at Starved Rock Media’s 103.9 WLPO radio station in LaSalle, has been appointed the organization’s executive director. He will work to raise awareness of Mendota’s museum sites and manage day-to-day operations of the society. He steps in for Dar Wujek, who will continue to advise and guide Henson in the transition.

“More than so many places, Mendota is proud of its deep heritage and actively and lovingly keeps it alive, so it’s a real honor to be chosen to help others experience this history, from railroads to farming to business and industry,” said Henson. “Starting this weekend, we’re looking forward to a season of welcoming long-time neighbors and first-time visitors and showing everyone what’s made Mendota the very special place it is – starting with trains, grains and artifacts.”

Henson noted the years Wujek has given to the city’s history. “Dar’s done such impressive work in what really is the service of the city’s history, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our amazing staff, supporters, volunteers and the community at large to stay true to the mission she gave so much to.”

The Mendota Museum and Historical Society is a non-profit organization that operates three museum buildings – the Hume-Carnegie Museum, the Union Railroad Depot and Museum, and the nearby Breaking the Prairie Museum. Learn more at www.mendotamuseums.org, call (815) 539-3373, or e-mail mmhsmuseum@yahoo.com.