The Prairie Landscape

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award - 2006


Edward Connelly, Sr.

Nominated By The Honorable Margaret Fuller


Harwood Heights


Edward Connelly, Sr.

From 1949, when he became a member of the all-volunteer organization that would found the Village of Harwood Heights, to his current position as official Village Historian, Ed Connelly, Sr. has devoted his life to serving his community and preserving its history. In the village's early years, while serving as an elected village trustee, Mr. Connelly lobbied U.S. legislators to successfully secure the village its first post office. He formed and chaired the first Zoning Board of Appeals and acted as Building Commissioner for 21 years. In 2000, Mr. Connelly became an original member of the Harwood Heights Historical Committee, donating copies of some of the earliest documents to the Committee's collection. He has been recognized several times for his lifelong service, receiving the Cook County Sheriff's Senior Medal of Honor in 1995 and Harwood Heights's Heart of Hearts Award in 2002. Mr. Connelly continues to serve his community, leading tours for the Village's History Trolley tour, organizing the antiques appraisal show, granting Certificates of Registry to historical homes, and providing historical information to schools and local groups.

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