Peasley Exhibit

Our Don Peasley Exhibit Opened on May 4th 2014, featuring photographs taken by photo journalist Don Peasley. About 130 people attended the May 4 opening of the 2014 museum season and the unveiling of new Don Peasley exhibit "McHenry County Through His Lense."

"A Historical Treasure"

McHenry County Historical Society has been chosen custodian and owner of a treasured collection of historical photographs and negatives. Prior to his death in May 2013, Don Peasley earned the title "Mr. Woodstock" for his work in and around his hometown. In his work as a journalist, photographer and editor, Don covered thousands of historical and significant events in McHenry County beginning in 1947.

Don donated shelves full of photographs and negatives to the McHenry County Historical Society. Don's collection includes an unusually broad coverage of the county's agriculture in his job as editor of the Woodstock Journal, reporter-photographer for the Community News, Woodstock Daily Sentinel, Woodstock Leader and McHenry County Citizen, and most of all, editor and writer-photographer for the McHenry County Farm Bureau's newspaper, Farmer's News. Photos reflecting changes in farming, as well as people who have been the backbone of the agricultural scene here are a large part of the collection. Other areas include installation of officers, groundbreaking ceremonies, building dedications, sport event highlights, nationally-known visitors.

The life of McHenry County historian and journalist Don Peasley was celebrated Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave. in Woodstock. Memorials may be made to the McHenry County Historical Society, in care of the Peasley Memorial Photo Collection. The labor-intensive work of digitizing and preserving this archive of historically significant photographs and memorabilia for future generations is ongoing. Your support is deeply appreciated.

Funds are Being Sought to Help Preserve This Collection

There is a cost involved to process the thousand of photographs and negatives, computerize their information, and preserve the collection in archival quality folders and containers.

 If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help preserve the Don Peasley Photography Archive Collection, click link below. For further information call the McHenry County Historical Society at 815-923-2267.

FEATURED EXHIBIT

Click photo to view images from the exhibit opening.