Although the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society has been considering a move to a newer  site, or improving its existing one going back several years, the recent proposal to move to Gorton Community Center came up rather expectedly, according to Executive Director Janice Hack.

"We thought it would be good idea to explore Gorton as a potential site," she explained, adding that Gorton leaders initially approached the Historical Society about the idea.

For quite some time, the Historical Society, which has been located for approximately 10 years at 361 E. Westminster, has been looking strategically at future planning of its programs, the services it provides, and at new ways to serve the community's needs.

In the past, they have looked at expanding their existing building, but found that with an expansion, they would have to contend with the need for additional parking, which they likely could not provide at their current site."We're land locked right here," Hack said.

The idea of moving their museum and archives to Gorton is appealing, but is still just an idea at present

Interim Gorton Director and Lake Forest City Manager Bob Kiely announced the proposed move of the historical society to the community center to the city council at their meeting this week.

The announcement was met by positive reactions from city leaders.

"I think the Historical Society is a potential great fit," said Mayor James Cowhey.  "I would like to figure out a way to make that work."

One of the pluses for the Historical Society to move to Gorton is its high visibility within Lake Forest, and its location in the city's cultural corridor.

"We've been sort of tucked away where we are right now," explained Hack, adding she also likes Gorton's space availability with many of the amenities the history center would need for the future.

"We would be able to use the Community Center auditorium that we have used in the past," she said. "And we wouldn't have to build a lecture space, because we could use the space Gorton has in the building."

In the end though, the primary reason the historical society is considering a move to Gorton is the need for more space.

"The bottom line is we've outgrown our space in every way imaginable," Hack said.

Despite the enthusiasm from both officials of Gorton and the Historical Society about a potential move, no deal has yet been set in stone. Hack emphasized that they are still in the beginning stages of exploring the option.

"We're nothing if not careful," she said. "It's going to be a thoughtful and collaborative process, and that's how the Historical Society works."