Our Staff

Sara Phalen

Director/Curator

Sara’s passion for history and museums began during her childhood, inspired by a visit to the Princeton Historical Museum where she learned about the Cherry Mine Disaster. Growing up in a rural farming community, Sara embraced history as a gateway to understanding diverse cultures and exploring the world beyond her hometown. Her journey into museum work began at the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where she worked in the Registration department while earning a B.A. in English and Anthropology. She furthered her studies in law, museum studies, and applied anthropology at Northern Illinois University and completed her Master’s in Nonprofit Management at North Park University in 2012.

Sara joined the West Chicago City Museum in 2006 as a summer intern, eventually taking on the roles of education coordinator and registrar before becoming the director/curator in 2013. A passionate advocate for preserving and sharing local history, Sara values the unique connections that history fosters within communities.

An active member of the West Chicago community, Sara serves on the boards of People Made Visible/Gallery 200 and the West Chicago Historical Society. She is a core team member of Healthy West Chicago, the President of the Kane DuPage Regional Museum Association, and was appointed to the Illinois State Museum Board in 2024. Her dedication to local history and her community continues to inspire her work every day.

Emese Toth

Registrar

Marissa Garza

Museum Educator

Marissa Garza is a dedicated Museum Educator at the West Chicago City Museum, bringing a wealth of expertise in project management, content creation, and digital systems to her role. With a background in consulting for creators, nonprofits, and small businesses, Marissa specializes in connecting people with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

As an experienced communicator and strategist, Marissa excels at translating complex ideas into accessible and engaging educational experiences. Her collaborative leadership style ensures that every visitor feels welcomed and inspired, while her innovative approach to programming supports the museum’s mission of fostering a deeper understanding of West Chicago’s history and culture.

Beyond her work at the museum, Marissa is an active community builder, writer, and podcaster. She holds a passion for storytelling and the creative process, which she channels into developing systems that help individuals and organizations turn their ideas into reality.