A northwest suburb known for its hotels, concert venues, shopping and restaurants has added a museum.
The Donald E. Stephens Rosemont History Museum opens to the public next Tuesday.
WBBM went on a tour given by Brad Stephens, who succeeded his father as the village’s second mayor in 2007.
A bronze statue of the late Mayor Stephens stands outside the 43-hundred-square-foot space inside Village Hall.
Historical pictures and documents from the village’s origins in 1956 are on display, along with concert memorabilia from local performances by big names.
Old bond papers are shaped into roses in an artistic piece and there are interactive exhibits, such as a cockpit simulator over O’Hare.
Visitors can also hear from the late mayor through an animatronic figure seated at a desk he used during his 51 years in office.
The younger Stephens choked up when showing reporters the figure that sounds just like his father, thanks to AI training from various news interviews.
The figure talks about how he was investigated by federal law enforcement for years after he bought a hotel from noted mobster Sam Giancana in 1963 but never convicted of anything.
Ties to organized crime sank Rosemont’s bid to host a casino on the site the now holds an entertainment district.
Mayor Brad Stephens says he expects the free museum will draw residents who want to learn more about their history.
It cost about $3.5M and took almost two years to design and build.
