Ann Dewald

To further expand its mission The Council on Aging introduced an Active Living category to the Hall of Fame in 2011. The category captures those who exemplify the spirit of healthy, empowered living through their commitment to lifelong learning and new experiences. The Council is proud to recognize Ann L. Dewald as its second inductee in this category.

Ann L. Dewald has been described as “…one of the most knowledgeable, tireless, upbeat, delightful people I have encountered…” and that description holds true in all that she does. As the Volunteer Director of the Indian Museum of Lake County, Ann has totaled well over 26,000 hours in that capacity. She functions as a publicist, fundraiser, outreach coordinator, overseer of volunteers, program and workshop planner, lecturer, guide, clerical worker, librarian, and even at times as custodian for the museum. When the Indian Museum had to be moved, Ann scoured the county, found a new location, organized the move, and helped to prepare the site, pack, move, unpack and reset the museum collection. Through her quiet ways and perseverance, Ann has helped those in Lake County have a better understanding of not only local Indian tribes, but also many other tribes of our area and beyond. Ann is a former school teacher, and has written a history of Lake County geared for children in the elementary schools. She has also established an extensive research library for the museum, accumulated mostly by donations. Her tireless dedication will preserve this critical history for this and future generations.