Niles Historical Society a Gem for Local Residents

If you're looking for a little something different to do, check out the and a number of new exhibits on display. 

The President and Museum Curator, Walter Beusse, a close to 60-year-Niles resident, says there is something to satsify a wide variety of tastes, including memorabilia from a Niles Olympian from back in the 1930's.

"In what we call our Niles Notables exhibit, memorabilia from Mrs. Kelly, a former Niles resident, who competed in the 1932 Olympics and earned a gold medal in the Women's 400-meter relay event is here," Beusse said.

Kelly went on to compete in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin in the 1936 Olympics, where Beusse said she also won a gold medal in the same event. 

Another new exhibit includes Little Women ceramic dolls.

"The dolls are one-of-a-kind, with facial expresssions that are just gorgeous," Beusse said. "They include a bride and groom, and four little women sitting on, and in front of an antique love seat."

There are also some interesting military artifacts at the historical society, including the prison suit worn suspected U.S. spy, Rich Rogola.

Rogola was captured by North Koreans along with 83 other men and held in a prison for 11 months before being released, according to Beusse. 

The gym shoes that Rogola walked out of the prison in during the mid-1960's are on display as well. 

Other exhibits include Niles Notables like Ed Olczyk, who is a commentator for the Chicago Black Hawks, and former professional basketball player Jimmy Less who also coached basketball at Bradley University, Beusse said. 

The Niles Historical Society is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tours are also available, and donations are greatly accepted and appreciated to continue to provide a rich, historical perspective for the village. 

For more information about the historical society, and how to become a member, visit the Niles Historical Society website.  

 on August 18.