Get to know us...
The Oak Brook Historical Society was established in 1975 to serve as a community advocate for the historic preservation of our village and to be a resource for research and preservation of our history. Our current goal is to restore the Old Butler School serves the community as the Oak Brook Heritage Center, operated by the Oak Brook Historical Society. The Heritage Center will provide multigenerational programming, exhibits of the heritage and history of Oak Brook, a research library, and small group meeting space. At the Heritage Center, school children, their families, seniors and visitors alike will have the opportunity to learn from our past and dream of the future. The Heritage Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.​
We are in the process of restoring the interior of the historic Old Butler School which serves as the Oak Brook Heritage Center. The Heritage Center is operated by the Historical Society and will serve as an educational resource for the display and study of the heritage and history of Oak Brook for residents, school children and visitors alike.
Our Research Library serves as a family history center for those wishing to learn more about their ancestors and/or the early settlers of this area through the use of archival documents, photographs and various cemetery databases. Our volunteer staff will be happy to assist with research regarding history of the area upon request. We also welcome donations of previously completed, well-documented research regarding the Oak Brook area to be included in our collection.
The Heritage Center houses a large collection of vintage photographs of the area, which copies of are available for purchase for use in publications or other commercial or private use. We hope to inspire our community to learn about, preserve and share the rich history of our Village.
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Our Mission
The Oak Brook Historical Society is dedicated to the discovery, preservation, and display of historical materials relating to the history and heritage of Oak Brook, Illinois.
Officers & Board Members
Elizabeth Arts
President
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Elizabeth Arts has served on the Board of the Oak Brook Historical Society since 2021. She is grateful to work alongside an exceptional board that fosters and promotes the mission of the Society.
She enjoys building relationships with surrounding communities and historical societies to educate others about the vast history of Oak Brook. With a strong background in preservation initiatives, she is dedicated to ensuring the community’s rich heritage is preserved for future generations. Elizabeth and her husband, David, moved to Oak Brook ten years ago. She considers it a joy to live in such a welcoming and friendly community and finds it easy to give back to the Village
Edward Tracy
Treasurer​
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Edward G. Tracy, CPA, is an audit shareholder at Selden Fox, a mid-size accounting firm that was established in Oak Brook more than 45 years ago. Ed leads the firm’s governmental audit practice where he supervises several annual audit engagements, the majority of which are in the government and non-profit sector. Ed oversees the outsourced accounting function for the Oak Brook Historical Society and has done so for more than 10 years.
Raymond Paice
Archives Manager
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​Ray Paice has been a dedicated volunteer with the Oak Brook Historical Society since the 1980s and currently serves on the Board and is the archivist. A nearly 50-year resident of Oak Brook, he is passionate about preserving the village’s rich history and ensuring its accuracy for future generations. His late wife, Esther, also shared his commitment to OBHS, serving as Treasurer until her passing in 2018. Ray finds great joy in uncovering and sharing the stories that make Oak Brook unique, believing that understanding the past is key to appreciating the present.
Denise Marro
Board Member
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Lisa Griffith
Vice President
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Lisa Griffith has called Oak Brook home with her husband, Andrew, and son’s Cayden and Zachary, since 2001. For the past four years, she has been actively involved with the Oak Brook Historical Society, serving a term as President and currently as Vice-President. She also contributes to the Society's Exhibits, Outreach, and Membership committees. Lisa's passion for history is rooted in her background as an opera singer. A graduate of Northwestern University with a Master's degree in Opera Performance, she spent countless hours immersed in music history. She is dedicated to preserving and sharing Oak Brook's unique history for generations to come.
John Baar
Board Member​
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John Baar has lived in Oak Brook for 34 years, and married to his wife Janet for 36 years. He is a retired Butler School science teacher, assistant principal, and coach. Mr. Baar presently serves on the Butler District 53 School Board. He has also served two terms on the Oak Brook Village Board of Trustees and fifteen years on the Oak Brook Fire and Police Commission, the last eight as chairman. He is a past president of the Board of the Oak Brook Civic Association, the York Woods Community Association, and served on several Blue-Ribbon Committees for the Park District.
Ron Ariana
Board Member
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Raised in Central Illinois, Ron Ariana spent 18 years in Western Springs before settling in the Saddle Brook subdivision of Oak Brook. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from Illinois State University and furthered his education at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Executive Program. Ron is married to Carol, who works in hospitality management in the hotel industry. Together, they have three adult sons. With his extensive background in business strategy and a deep commitment to his community, Ron brings valuable insights and leadership to the Oak Brook Historical Society as a member of its Board of Directors.
Joyce Slone
Board Member
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Stana Vukajlovic
Secretary
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Stana Vukajlovic currently serves as the secretary of the Historical Society and assists with sponsored events. She and her husband have enjoyed living in Oak Brook and raising their three children in its close-knit and vibrant community for the past 35 years. From Native American times to the present, Oak Brook has been a crossroads of commerce and trade, with its residents historically contributing to cultural, political, business, and educational movements that have positively impacted local, regional, national, and international achievements. Stana has truly enjoyed learning about the history of the community.
Barry Cesafsky
Board Member
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Barry Cesafsky proudly serves on the Board of the Oak Brook Historical Society, having joined in 2024. A longtime resident of Oak Brook, Barry first moved to the York Woods neighborhood with his family in 1964 and has cherished the community ever since. He and his wife, Marcia, now reside in Briarwood Lakes. His deep appreciation for Oak Brook’s rich history, strong sense of community, and unique character inspires his work with the Historical Society. Barry is passionate about preserving and sharing the stories that make Oak Brook special, ensuring that its legacy continues for future generations.
Amy Jacobson
Board Member
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Our History
The Oak Brook Historical Society (OBHS), located in Oak Brook, Illinois, was established in 1975 by a group of dedicated residents who recognized the need to preserve the community's rich history and heritage. Since its inception, the society has served as a vital institution for the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Oak Brook’s historical and cultural legacy. Through its tireless efforts, OBHS has become a cornerstone of community engagement and education, ensuring that Oak Brook's unique story is preserved for future generations.
Early Years & Mission
From its early days, OBHS focused on gathering artifacts, photographs, documents, and other historical materials that illustrated the development of Oak Brook from its rural beginnings to its modern suburban status. The founders, including prominent local figures such as Audrey Muschler and Etta Chapek, sought to preserve the legacy of early settlers and document the dramatic changes in the area throughout the 20th century.
The Society’s mission has been consistent since its establishment: to educate the public about
Oak Brook's history, foster an appreciation for local heritage, and promote historical research. To fulfill this mission, OBHS has organized exhibitions, lectures, and special events that highlight various aspects of the area’s history, ranging from its agricultural roots to its transformation into a vibrant planned community.
Notable Projects & Achievements
Preservation of the Old Butler School
One of OBHS’s crowning achievements is the preservation and restoration of the Old Butler
Schoolhouse, a historic building constructed in 1921 with Georgian style architecture, Federal
style details and numerous double hung windows. Frank Osgood Butler funded construction and
donated the land for the two-room schoolhouse in the decade prior. The original school held
grades one through five in one room and grades 6 through eight in the other. The building later
functioned as the village hall, police station, library, community center, and even as a local draft
board office during World War II. By 2004, the building became the Oak Brook History Museum
and headquarters for OBHS, following an agreement with the Village of Oak Brook Trustees and
the Oak Brook Park District Commissioners. Now known as the Heritage Center, the
schoolhouse serves as a hub for historical research, records, village archives, educational
programs, exhibits, and community events. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Key Preservation Efforts
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Graue Homestead and Graue Mill District: Between 1986 and 1990, OBHS representatives worked with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County to secure the Graue Homestead and additional land surrounding the historic Graue Mill. This effort ensured the preservation of the Fullersburg Historic District. Graue Mill was added to the National Trust for Historical Places in 1975.
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Peabody Mansion: Led by Audrey Muschler, OBHS initiated efforts to save the Peabody Mansion, a Tudor Revival estate built by coal baron Francis Peabody. Muschler’s persistent advocacy helped secure funding for its restoration and inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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Historical Markers: The society has designated key historical sites, including the Old Indian Boundary line, Mammoth Spring marker, and the Fox Hunt Fence, St. John Community Church, York Tavern, Graue House, and the Ben Fuller House.
The Role of Audrey Muschler
Audrey Muschler, a co-founder of OBHS, played a pivotal role in the society’s formation and growth. Born in Connecticut, Muschler’s passion for history was ignited during her eighth-grade ancient history class. After moving to Oak Brook in 1960 with her husband, Arthur, she became deeply involved in local civic matters. As a journalist and historian, Muschler recognized the need for a local historical society and co-founded OBHS in 1975 with Etta Chapek.
Although now deceased, Muschler’s contributions and legacy extend beyond OBHS. She helped preserve several historic buildings, including the Graue Mill and Peabody Mansion. She also co- founded the Salt Creek Greenway project and worked tirelessly to protect Oak Brook’s unique character. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on the community, earning her recognition as Oak Brook’s unofficial historian. The Heritage Center library is named after her.
Timeline of Key Events
1974
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Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of Illinois on January 21. The original board included Audrey Muschler, Etta Chapek, and others.​
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Graue Mill added to the National Trust.
1977
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Designation of three historic sites: Old Indian Boundary line, Mammoth Spring marker, and Fox Hunt Fence.
1990
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Initiated the referendum to purchase the Mayslake Peabody Estate, resulting in its
restoration and inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
2003
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The Old Butler Schoolhouse was officially designated as OBHS’s headquarters and
museum.
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OBHS initiated a fundraising campaign and contracted Northwestern University for an archaeological survey of Oak Brook.
1975
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OBHS obtained 501(c)(3) status and began documenting the village’s history.
1980's
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Published the book Oak Brook and secured additional protections for the Graue Mill District.
1992
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Butler School listed on the National Trust for Historical Places.
2004
Leadership & Legacy
1975-1980
1980-1985
1985-1990
1990-1992
1992-1999
1999-2000
2000-2002
2002-2005
2005-2007
2007-2021
2021-2024
2024-Present​
Audrey Muschler
Etta Chapek
Arlene Birkhahn
Joseph Rush
Howard Treir
Bob Fleishman
William Watson
Mary Ellen Mauro
Albert Savino
Kathy Maher
Lisa Griffith
Elizabeth Arts
Ongoing Efforts
Today, OBHS remains a vital organization committed to its founding principles. It continues to expand its collections, host educational programs, and advocate for historical preservation. One of its signature events is the annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony, where there are inspiring talks and a multi-media presentation providing special recognition to both past and present local veterans who have served our country with honor and distinction.
Other recent OBHS events have included a captivating afternoon with Reute Butler, granddaughter of Oak Brook’s visionary founder, Paul Butler, and daughter of the esteemed Jorie Butler Kent, and a lecture presentation about the history of Fullersburg by Don Fuller and Sue Devick of the Fullersburg Historic Foundation. The OBHS also offers an annual summer internship with hands-on experience in museum collections, archival work, and cultural heritage preservation.
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The Oak Brook Historical Society has played a crucial role in preserving the heritage of Oak Brook, Illinois. Through its leadership, dedication, and community engagement, the society has safeguarded the history of a unique and vibrant community. As OBHS moves forward, it remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate and protect the rich tapestry of Oak Brook’s past. By maintaining the Heritage Center and engaging with the community, OBHS ensures that Oak Brook’s history will be cherished for generations to come.
Our Historic Sites
Butler School
Built in 1921, on land donated by Frank O. Butler with the stipulation that if it ever ceased to be a school, it would revert back to him. It was constructed as a two room schoolhouse and functioned in this capacity until 1961. The school was the hub of virtually every activity in the area from 1921-1961. The Village eventually purchased the property from Butler. An example of Georgian Revival style with Federal style details, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.