The Audrey Muschler Memorial Speaker Series

Inaugurated May 4th 2025

Our Mission:

To explore, illuminate, and celebrate the powerful human and natural forces that have shaped Oak Brook, DuPage County, Northern Illinois, and beyond.

Welcome to the Audrey Muschler Memorial Speaker Series, proudly presented by the Oak Brook Historical Society. This series honors the legacy of Audrey Lorraine Jackson Muschler, a visionary leader who founded the OBHS and dedicated her life to preserving history, serving her community, and fostering a deep appreciation for the past.

The Life and Legacy of Audrey Muschler

Audrey’s journey to Oak Brook was as remarkable as the impact she left behind.

Born in New Britain, Connecticut, she demonstrated a passion for service from a young age. As a teenager during World War II, she volunteered as a plane spotter, prepared bandages, and assisted wounded veterans—an early testament to her lifelong dedication to helping others.

After graduating from New Britain High School, Audrey attended Edgewood College

in New York before moving to New York City in 1946, where she worked in radio production at WMGM. In 1950, she relocated to Chicago, launching a successful career as a life and health insurance broker and counselor.

Her passion for civic engagement took root in 1952 when she began volunteering in the presidential primaries. She remained actively involved in public affairs for the rest of her life.

In 1954, Audrey married Arthur F. Muschler, and together they built a home in Yorkshire

Woods, Oak Brook, IL, where they raised their three sons—George, James, and

John—instilling in them the values of family, education, service, history, and travel.

A Champion of History and Preservation

During the 1970s, Audrey emerged as a leading advocate for land conservation and historic preservation in DuPage County. Her many contributions include:

• Co-founding the Oak Brook Historical Society (1975) and serving as its first president.

• Establishing the Fullersburg Historical Foundation and playing a key role in preserving historic sites such as Graue Mill, York Tavern, and the Ben Fuller House.

• Co-founding the Salt Creek Greenway Association, helping protect local natural and historical resources.

• Leading the effort to save the original Butler School, successfully nominating it to the National Register of Historic Places and transforming it into Oak Brook’s first library, which now houses the Oak Brook Historical Society.

• Preserving the Mayslake Peabody Estate, co-directing a voter referendum to secure its purchase by the DuPage County Forest Preserve, and co-founding the Mayslake Landmark Conservancy to ensure its long-term protection.

A Passion for Storytelling and Research

Beyond preservation, Audrey was an influential journalist, historian, and advocate:

• As a writer for the Oak Brook Doings, she covered community affairs and highlighted local history.

• She supported archaeological surveys in DuPage County, documenting native settlements dating back to 3000 BC.

• She co-authored Oak Brook, a concise history of the community she cherished.

Honoring a Legacy

The Audrey Muschler Memorial Speaker Series continues her work, bringing together historians, scholars, and storytellers to deepen our understanding of the past and inspire future generations. We invite you to join us in celebrating Audrey’s legacy—one that reminds us of the power of history, the importance of preservation, and the impact one person can have on a community. In honor of Audrey’s enduring influence, donations can be made to support the Audrey Muschler Memorial Lecture Series through the Oak Brook Historical Society.