The Prairie Landscape

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award - 2006


Darlene Blanz

Nominated By The Honorable Dave Heilmann


Oak Lawn


Darlene Blanz

Darlene Blanz was one of the founding board members of the Oak Lawn Children's Museum, and her endless dedication to the children of the southwest and south suburbs was vital for getting the original museum building, meeting the Illinois State Learning Standards, and creating exhibits. She continues to serve on the board five years later as Secretary. Thanks to Ms. Blanz's enthusiasm and her experience as an educator and administrator in the Ridgeland School District, the Museum's exhibits educate interactively and stimulate the creative and intellectual growth of children. The Museum encourages literacy in a number of ways, including providing young visitors with plenty of books and corresponding activities in their "Pile In" tree exhibit, running a weekly story time, and having staff, volunteers, or parents read a story to each class visiting for a field trip. Ms. Blanz is now leading the process of moving the Museum to a brand new 12,000-square-foot facility and is leading the development of exhibits for the new building

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