LASTING IMPRESSION

Like most good things in life, Marcy Kerr’s origin story with Lake Forest Preservation Foundation (LFPF) began with her taking a chance.

“Out of the blue, Gail Hodges contacted me,” Kerr remembers, having only been settled in Lake Forest with her young family for a few years. “Gail was instrumental in establishing the historic preservation ordinances with the city and was very involved with LFPF. The foundation had just opened an office at Gorton and felt they were prime for growth. They had a new president starting—Art Miller—and he said he would only take that post if he had someone to handle the administrative tasks. Gail told me the job was very flexible, probably no more than eight hours a week. So, I thought what the heck? This sounds fun and interesting, and I was charmed by Art’s knowledge and humor from the start.”

And so began this Michigan native’s tenure with LFPF. Although Kerr agreed to more of a behind-the-scenes role initially, she was promoted to executive director within just a matter of months.

“To be honest, I didn’t know exactly what I was doing when I started, but I had a good business background, I loved history, architecture, and Lake Forest, and I was a quick study,” Kerr says. “I was also working with a Board of Directors that offered me great support and knowledge.”

The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, established in the mid-1970s, is dedicated to the stewardship, safeguarding, and endurance of Lake Forest’s exceptional architectural and landscape legacy for succeeding generations, through public education, historic preservation, and advocacy. The foundation is independently funded through donations, memberships, and events.

“There are so many interesting things and so many different facets of what we do, but the most important thing is educating the community,” Kerr explains. “Everything we do has an educational component—educating people on the importance of what they have and how to preserve it. We have been able to help many families who wanted to make changes to significant homes understand how to be compatible with their surroundings and preserve the historic character of their property. When they learn this, they come to really appreciate preservation and its importance in Lake Forest.”

Under Kerr’s leadership, the Foundation produced more than 50 issues of its vibrant newsletter, redesigned the website twice, and produced a number of guides that have meticulously documented the special historical lore of Lake Forest. Additionally, LFPF has distributed more than 300 preservation awards, an honor given to individuals, businesses, and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the preservation of Lake Forest’s architectural heritage.

“I think when I look back on my time with the foundation, one of the things I’m most proud of is our work on the East Lake Forest Train Station,” says Kerr, who played a critical role in helping secure the funding for the restoration project. It was built in 1900 and has been welcoming people to Lake Forest ever since. “The train station is an historical landmark. It’s so important to safeguard exceptional architecture for future generations.”

This summer, Kerr plans to enjoy some long-overdue quiet time with her husband Stewart at their cottage in Michigan and sort out how her next chapter will unfold. Some travel and more regular visits to Boston to see her 20-month-old grandsons will be a must.

“I love the mission of the foundation and I hope I made a difference in this community that I admire and appreciate so much,” adds Kerr. “I think I’ll really miss it. I’ve learned something new every day. What better job is there to work in a beautiful community and help preserve that? It has been the perfect job.”

To learn more about the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, visit lfpf.org.