Preserving History Networking Seminar

Wednesday, June 5th | 12:00-4:30 PM

The Cedar Lake Historical Association invites you to The Museum at Lassen’s Resort for an afternoon at the lake. Join professionals and volunteers from preservation and historical organizations to learn, brainstorm, and network. This year’s event will begin with a signature meal prepared by Lassen’s Resort Chef Erik A. Hinds followed by roundtable sessions. Feel free to invite colleagues from across the Calumet region. Cost is $35 per person.

Brian Failing (Strategic Planning):

Brian is the Executive Director at Aurora Regional Fire Museum in Aurora, IL. His impact since 2016 has been profound, elevating it from a local treasure to a regional attraction. His visionary leadership, marked by strategic planning, rebranding, innovative exhibits and programs, and a bolstered gift shop, has significantly enriched the museum experience. Beyond his museum stewardship, Brian’s multifaceted contributions to community development are noteworthy; serving as Board Chair for Aurora Downtown as well as a Peer Reviewer with the Museum Assessment Program and as a Commissioner on the Historic Preservation Commission in Plainfield, IL, reflect his dedication to cultural preservation. Brian resides in Plainfield with his wife and two-year-old daughter. > Discover Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Mario Longoni (Indigenous Community Outreach):

Mario is the Lead Environmental Social Scientist (cultural anthropologist) in the Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum. For over 20 years, he has worked with individuals and organizations to surface and activate cultural and natural assets (specific strengths and characteristics) to help communities meet the challenges they face. In doing this work, he has built collaborative programs and networks that cross cultural and political boundaries in the Chicago and the Calumet Regions. In working with Native Americans, partnerships he has participated in have been with individuals, organizations, communities, and nations. Most recently, he has also worked with the Calumet Curators group of the Calumet Heritage Partnership to install the Calumet Heritage Area exhibition, on display all summer at the Hammond Welcome Center of the South Shore Convention & Visitor’s Authority. > Explore the Calumet Voices/National Stories Exhibition

Julie Zasada (Nonprofit Management Resources):

Julie is the Executive Director of the Cedar Lake Historical Association, which operates The Museum at Lassen’s Resort and Dewey Line resort history cruises. Julie has been with the Cedar Lake Historical Association since 2008. Her role as Executive Director formally began in 2015. Under her leadership, the organization has implemented an annual giving campaign and increased its membership base by 140%, its museum visitations by 135%, and its number of volunteers by 75%. Organizational total revenue has grown by nearly 300% when comparing the average revenue from the 2010 decade to the average revenue from 2020-2022. The building’s 100th anniversary celebration on May 7, 2021, was instrumental to the growth. A museum rebrand was rolled-out and a $100,000 exhibit gallery redesign was unveiled. In July 2021, the Dewey Line steamboat cruise experience was launched, followed by sunset dinner cruises in July 2023. > Learn More about Cedar Lake Historical Association
> Navigating Nonprofit Management
> AIDE & Community Partnership / Museum Resource List (PDF)
> AIDE & Community Partnership / Museum Resource List (Google)