Current WHPS News

You may have noticed the developments just to the west of the Depot.  The Dupage County Forest Preserve District has implemented their plan for the Dunham Forest Preserve which includes parking, a scenic overlook and ​biking paths. For more information visit: dupageforest.org     WHPS continues our fundraising efforts to finish the Depot so the Forest Preserve can utilize the Depot for their educational outreach programs.    If you would like more information on being part of finishing the Depot please email us at:  whps1834@yahoo.com 

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Help us Restore the Depot

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With the assistance of our 1834 Charter Members and a small army of volunteers, we are breathing life back into the historical Wayne Depot and are over half way to our goal.  In the past, utilizing your donations and grants from the Driehaus Foundation as well as the Union Pacific Foundation, we were able to finish drywalling the basement.  Currently, we are fundraising to install historically accurate bead board throughout the upper level.  Please join us in restoring this piece of history which will house the many historic items we currently hold in storage!

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Wayne Historical Preservation Society, Wayne, Illinois

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Welcome to our website.  We have spent the last decade working behind the scenes getting organized, building a volunteer base, securing buildings, and creating opportunities for the Village's residents to come together, both to learn about our unique heritage, and to join in the journey of preserving that heritage for generations to come.  We hope this website gives you an idea of where you can join us in creating a community that values people first, that develops our  resources thoughtfully, and understands that it is easier to create, than to repair something that is broken.

Why WHPS?

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 As more and more farm land began being developed around Wayne into roads, businesses and housing units, it became obvious that a vital piece of history could easily be lost if no one stepped forward to preserve it.  Names such as George Marshall, Mark Dunham, Cyrus McCormick, George Pullman, Marguerite Henry, Joy Morton, Daniel Burnham, Marshall Field,  Adlai Stevenson and Everett Dirksen would be relegated to their places in our Country's history without people ever knowing the role the Village of Wayne played in their lives as well.   To that end, WHPS' mission involves the collecting, preserving, interpreting, and displaying of the artifacts, archival materials and photographs of those who were, and are, a part of our community.   Along with that, WHPS' vision is to play a part in developing the vital sense of community that is necessary in raising the next generation of rooted and involved citizens.   WHPS is overseen by an elected Board of Directors and is in the process of creating a volunteer base which will play its part in fulfilling WHPS' mission.  Are you interested in helping?  We would love to have you get involved.  Please contact us at:  whps1834@yahoo.com