Veterans Memorial Hall and RVC’s Center for Learning in Retirement presents ‘Sculptures, Stones and Stories’

Staff Report

Veterans Memorial Hall, in cooperation with Rock Valley College’s Center for Learning in Retirement, presents curator Leah Nelson, who will speak about “Sculptures, Stones and Stories.” The program will be from 10:30 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., downtown Rockford.

This program will explore the various sites in Winnebago County that have been established to honor veterans and information regarding local veterans groups that have been formed here. Nelson will also provide updated information about the role of Veterans Memorial Hall and how the 20,000-plus resident veterans find solace and services. Finally, a sample of the Veterans History Project will be presented.

Nelson has a bachelor of science in management studies from Rockford College and has been active in the museum industry for more than 10 years. Seeking to learn and to educate, she enjoys giving presentations about all things “Rockford,” including Veterans Memorial Hall, Sock Monkeys and the impact of Swedish-ness on our community.

Nelson actively supports museums and the visitor culture of Rockford professionally and through volunteerism. She facilitates a Consortium of Curators in the northern Illinois region, meeting quarterly with 40 participant sites. As curator of Veterans Memorial Hall, she oversees the collection of this 109-year-old site. Nelson assists with exhibits and the collection at the Erlander Home Museum as past executive director. With a passion for all things Frank Lloyd Wright, she assisted with the first public experience of the Laurent House in August 2012. Skilled in many computerized applications, Nelson uses technology in registration of artifacts and development of presentations and programs.

Cost of the program is $10. Everyone is welcome to attend this event. For reservations, call Center for Learning in Retirement at (815) 921-3931.

From the Oct.10-16, 2012, issue