Join in our 60th celebration
The McHenry County Historical Society has established an annual $1,000 college scholarship to honor its former administrator, Nancy Fike.
For more than 40 years, Fike demonstrated her love for McHenry County and its history. Her attention to education and historic accuracy can be observed in the programs, museum, research library, and buildings now owned and maintained by the Society.
The Nancy Fike Scholarship is presented each year to a graduating senior from a McHenry County high school who plans to study education, history or the social sciences. The financial award will be given on behalf of the student to his or her chosen college or university.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide two letters of recommendation as specified in the application, show proof of community service and write a minimum 500 word essay pertaining to McHenry County. Essay topics will be announced each year by the Society. This year's topic, recalls a seminal moment in American history which had far-reaching repercussions at home in McHenry County.
Dec. 7, 2021, marked the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II for the United States.
What was McHenry County's contribution to the war effort? What was life like here on the “home front?” How did the war change our county?
What we want you to consider is how our county fit into the larger picture of the war.
There are many people still alive who remember World War II. You might try to interview someone. Also, use Newspapers.com to find out how the war was reported in our local press.
All have left devastated families in their wake.
Submit your documents online, or download this PDF and mail your documents.
Potential resources:
• McHenry County Historical Society newspaper archive and research library (by appointment only).
• Camp Grant Museum in Rockford
• Local American Legion/VFW posts
• newspapers.com
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