Jean Rolfing Cleland: A Retrospective
Jean R. Cleland (1923-2013), a Wilmette resident for more than 70 years, left an indelible mark on our village. In recognition of her memoir, Leaving Things Better, the museum invited the public to attend an event in celebration of her rich life. Members of the Cleland family read excerpts from the book, shared archival photos and home movies, and describde Jean’s girlhood and adulthood in Wilmette, including her longtime work for fair housing and social justice. You can watch the presentation, recorded on May 8, 2025, below.