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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HISTORIAN DUTIES FOR COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, 50 ILCS 130, the Illinois Local Historian Act allows for local governments to appoint, without pay, a local historian for the purpose of preparing and publishing local histories, preserving and protecting local historic records, artifacts and edifices and documenting local current events; and
WHEREAS, on January 24, 2019, via Resolution No. 19-1360, Cook County appointed at that time Cook County Board Secretary, Matthew B. DeLeon and Chair of the Cook County Archives Advisory Committee, a committee formed to address archives related issues as the Historian of Cook County to lead the effort to preserve the County’s legacy and promote the historic role County Government has played in the history of Illinois and the United States; and
WHEREAS, despite Matthew B. DeLeon’s retirement in July, 2021, Mr. DeLeon graciously continued to serve as Historian of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, as Historian, Mr. DeLeon has worked to compile a unique and extensive collection of public documents and records that contain historical significance-establishing an initiative to archive historically significant documents and records is imperative to County Government history; and
WHEREAS, the County Archives and Records Office (CARO) is housed within the Office of the Board Secretary and the Manager of Archives (MOA) within CARO supervises the day to day functions of the CARO Department and its employees, and is responsible for the collection and preservation of archival materials, documents, manuscripts, papers, photos, records and other material that reflect the rich history of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, to coordinate efforts effectively and efficiently across all departments and with all officials to determine the historical value of various county documents and records and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners regarding access and promotion of the County’s history effective March 25, 2023, the Historian duties shall fall under the responsibility of the Office of the Board Secretary.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the members of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County are grateful and acknowledge the important work by Historian Matthew B. DeLeon and thank him for his leadership in establishing this important role and preservation effort; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board Secretary shall appoint a member of the Office of the Board Secretary to serve as the Historian; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and the members of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County encourages all County agencies under all elected and appointed officials to continue to work closely with the Office of the Board Secretary and the County Archives and Records Office to document the history of their offices, preserving documents, photographs, films, other media and artifacts towards that purpose.
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