J. Martin Olsen, currently the Director of Community Development for the Village of Glendale Heights, is one of the founding members of the Glendale Heights Historical Committee. Over the years, he has been very involved in helping the committee research and document the history of the community from the early settlers in 1830, the incorporation of the Village in 1959, and its growth and development through the years. In early 2008, Mr. Olsen became Project Manager for the restoration of the interior of the Glendale Heights Historic House to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Glendale Heights' incorporation. Working with a small budget, he sought to restore the house back to its original 1888 farm house condition. Under his supervision and with the help of Building Facilities staff and contractors, the house is now completely representative of the turn of the century, with pocket doors, a working water pump on the kitchen sink, a wood-burning stove, gas lighting fixtures, and period appropriate furnishings. An addition to the house was also turned into a museum area chronicling the rich history of the community.

Village President Linda Jackson noted that "The Glendale Heights Historic House and Museum will be a wonderful old place in the community that will serve to educate and entertain the residents of the Village for many years to come. I believe that Mr. Olsen's commitment and dedication as the Project Manager certainly represents what the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award is all about: people who have made a sustained and significant contribution to their community."