The Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., has won a $15,000 grant from the Caesars Foundation, to be used toward the construction of a new permanent exhibit called "Strike Up the Band!"
A formal check presentation took place at the museum's Route 66 Vistors Center. Representing the Caesars Foundation from Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel were Darren VanDover, senior vice president and general manager, and Scott Jones, director of human resources.
The "Strike Up The Band!" exhibit allows visitors and students to learn about the history of the Joliet Township High School Band Program and its impact on the nationwide school band program movement, according to Joliet City Manager Jim Hock.
In August 2013, the "Strike Up The Band! 100 Years of the Joliet Township High School Bands" special temporary exhibit won the American Association for State and Local History's most prestigious honor, the the Award of Merit in recognition for achievement in interpretation and preservation of state and local history.
The Joliet Area Historical Museum will acknowledge the Caesars Foundation on a permanent wall plaque located at the entry of the exhibition.
In 2013, the Joliet Area Historical Museum and the Route 66 Visitors Center welcomed nearly 24,000 visitors from 37 states and 34 foreign countries, according to Hock.
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