Established in 2002 to bring together those people interested in saving and preserving historical structures, landmarks and entities within the corporate limits of the City of Marengo; to ensure the preservation of their integrity; to preserve the historical significance of any entity that may extend itself beyond the corporate limits of the City of Marengo; to disseminate historical information and arouse interest in Marengo's history by publishing historical material in the newspaper or otherwise; by holding public meetings; by using the media of radio, television or internet to awaken interest and to support educational programs.
The Society works very closely with the Marengo Historic Preservation commission (the official commission of the city of Marengo). The Historic Preservation commission works with residents and business owners wanting to Landmark their property. Residents need to gain approval from the commission and city council prior to their property gaining Landmark status.
One of the benefits of landmarking commercial property allows owners to possibly gain up to 20% reduction in their property taxes for a stipulated period of time. Please contact the Society with any questions.
The Society also works with an organization through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, called Marengo Main Street. Main Street provides local communities with individuals well versed in architectural issues, tax credit incentives, promotional programs and grant assistance. All this is provided to enable local communities to revitalize their central business districts through preservation and renovation of their buildings, lighting, sidewalks and other pedestrian friendly means plus community events that will bring people to central business districts.
Toward this end of supporting sister preservation groups and following our Society’s Purpose Statement, we encourage membership in the Marengo Society for Historic Preservation.
The Society meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at 206 W Washington Street (The NEW home of the Society). Unless you are an elected Society official, membership in the Society does not mandate attendance at monthly meetings.
Your membership certainly is an important help to the Society and to the larger community. If you are interested in helping the Society or have any questions, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Current opportunities being considered by the Society include:
Establishing a limited program on Marengo history for our local schools
Working with the city, local businesses and groups to develope a beautification site at corner of E. Washington & State Streets
Inviting the Bolling U. S. Air Force Band back to Marengo for another absolutely fantastic concert
Your membership & support has made the following possible:
Establishing Marengo's first historical marker, which honors Carl L. Lundgren, Cub's pitcher, 1902 - 1909. It is located on East Street, adjacent to the Zion Lutheran Athletic Field, the same location where Carl played ball as a youth.
Creating #10 in our series of Historical Calendars.
Provided four programs related to historic preservation; Oral interviews with Alice Mijanovich, Chris Wilcox and John Beldin; 1940's 8mm movies of Marengo; The Dark Side of Marengo & McHenry County History, by local resident, Ed Urban.
Published "Marengo, 175 Years, 1835-2010"
Set up a wall & encased display of Marengo history at City Hall.
Established a server so internet services could be utilized as well as creating greater ease in accessioning gifts or loans of photos, news articles, local newspapers, documents, and smaller memorabilia articles-items.
Created a "new" version of our website, enabling the Society to provide much more Marengo history and greater opportunities to its viewers. Those interested in purchasing items from the store, making a financial contribution or becoming a paying member can now do so with greater ease. They can also share their own memories of Marengo. We are always happy to hear from our visitors to this site!
Purchase of McGill Metal Products memorabilia
Purchase of archival protection products
