JJC Foundation Funds Project to Digitize Fine Arts Memorabilia

The Joliet Junior College Foundation has funded a project to digitize the Dr. Hal Dellinger Fine Arts Collection, which includes memorabilia dating back to the 1950s.

The digitization of concert recordings, photographs, playbills and posters allows JJC Fine Arts alumni and others to access memorabilia from anywhere. 

Dellinger started the college’s music program in 1949. He taught classes in piano and music theory, directed the choir and each year oversaw the swing band during the department’s spring musical. Dellinger retired from JJC in 1977. 

The collection will be housed in the JJC Archives, and overseen by Librarian Amy Chellino. 

“The boxes containing memorabilia from Dr. Dellinger’s years at JJC were discovered in the archives which are housed at the Main Campus Library,” said Chellino. “It is unknown if the boxes were donated by Dellinger himself. The collection is named after him to honor his legacy and incredible contributions to JJC."

The collection was digitized by Internet Archive, the company that houses all other digital collections for JJC including student newspaper The Blazer, Wordeater, yearbooks and other memorabilia.

Geoff Rusch, multimedia production technician at JJC, helped to convert the records into MP3 files so that the recordings could be added to the collection. 

“From my research, Dr. Dellinger epitomized the spirit of JJC with his enthusiasm, dedication and talent. This collection of memorabilia is a treasure, and it is a delight to share this part of JJC’s history with the community,” said Chellino. 

For media inquiries contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.