Since 1980 the Historic Sites Committee, a sub committee of the McHenry County Historical Society, has been plaquing buildings and sites in McHenry County. To date, over 75 sites or structures have been honorary plaqued throughout McHenry County. Plaquing is not limited to buildings and sites, but has also included barns, silos and even cemeteries. The Historic Sites Committee is comprised of volunteer members who are eagerly searching for locations and structures that deserve recognition based on their historic significance, preservation and age of structure. A more detailed description of requirements can be found in the Historic Sites Plaquing Application. Plaquing is not a legal proceeding, and thus does not interfere with the buying and selling of the property.

Plaquing of a historic site promotes preservation in McHenry County and calls attention to our rich heritage and pride to our entire county. Researching ones own property and site can be fun and stimulating for all generations of the family as they learn about their past and heritage.

It is obvious that any structure that is lived in will not be exactly the same as constructed a hundred years ago. Gas lights will have given way to electric lighting, indoor plumbing will have replaced the out houses, running water will be flowing through the pipes instead of hand pumped and coal or wood burning stoves will have been replaced by modern furnaces. Repairs have probably been made to the structure and maybe even a porch or an addition was added.

The Historic Sites Committee understands that over time, these upgrades and improvements are necessary and required. What we are concerned about and looking for in relation to your structure or sites place in history is that the original character, which made it unique, has been substantially retained or even improved.

So if you have a structure or site that has historic significance, or know of a friend or neighbor who does, please contact us at info@mchsonline.org to start the wonderful journey to plaquing a site.