Dr. Shelly Lemons Elected President for St. Clair County Historical Society
Lebanon, IL (03/04/2024) — The St. Clair County Historical Society Board of Directors elected Dr. Shelly Lemons, professor of history at McKendree University, to serve a two-year term as president of the organization on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. Dr. Lemons is the 31st president of the historical society and has been a member of the board since 2019.
According to their website, the St. Clair County Historical Society has been helping the county tell its story since 1905. The society works diligently to make the vibrant history of St. Clair County tangible, relevant and meaningful for today's diverse communities and for future generations to come.
"I am both humbled and honored to serve the organization," Dr. Lemons said. "I look forward to the exciting things coming in the near future, including the grand opening of the Daphne Sumner History Discovery Center, a research and educational center in Belleville, later this year!"
A resident of Belleville, Ill., Dr. Lemons has been a faculty member at McKendree University since 2010. She is actively engaged in community and professional organizations and is passionate about modern U.S. history and U.S. women's history. She plans to focus on connection, collaboration and community as her presidential priorities and goals at the historical society.
"Local history is so important to who we are as a community. I really hope that I can help to encourage people, especially first-time visitors, to see their part in the story of St. Clair County," Dr. Lemons said.
Media Attachments
Dr. Shelly Lemons, left, accepts the gavel from outgoing president Chip Gray, right, during the February 8, 2024 board meeting.
