SYCAMORE, Ill. — For 100 years, DeKalb County 4-H has helped young people learn by doing, develop leadership skills, and get involved in their communities. As University of Illinois Extension prepares to celebrate this milestone, current and former 4-H members, families, volunteers, and community members are invited to help bring the program’s history to life.
To celebrate this special anniversary, University of Illinois Extension is looking for historical 4-H memorabilia to feature in a centennial display during the DeKalb County 4-H Recognition Program on Saturday, November 14.
Do you have old 4-H photographs, ribbons, pins, project books, county fair memorabilia, club scrapbooks, or other 4-H keepsakes tucked away at home? Items that reflect personal 4-H experiences or family memories are welcome. These treasures will help tell the story of DeKalb County 4-H and the generations of young people and volunteers who have been part of the program. All items will be returned to their owners after the celebration.
You don’t need memorabilia to be part of the celebration! Current and former 4-H members, families, and volunteers are also encouraged to share their 4-H stories and memories by email. Whether it’s a favorite project, a special moment at the county fair, a lesson learned, or a friendship that has lasted through the years, these personal stories will help capture what makes 4-H special.
“Celebrating 100 years of DeKalb County 4-H is an opportunity to recognize the generations of young people, families, volunteers, and supporters who have helped shape the program,” said Nicole Groezinger, DeKalb County 4-H Program Coordinator. “Sharing these treasured items and personal stories will help bring our county’s 4-H history to life and highlight the lasting impact of the organization on our community.”
Anyone interested in sharing memorabilia or a 4-H story is encouraged to contact Nicole Groezinger at groezing@illinois.edu or 815-758-8194 by November 9.
Everyone is welcome to attend the DeKalb County 4-H Recognition Program and centennial celebration on Saturday, November 14, at 6 p.m. at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau building. The evening will recognize 4-H members and volunteers while celebrating 100 years of DeKalb County 4-H history and impact.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.