NIU Cares Day 2025

NIU Cares Day is Northern Illinois University’s annual day of service during which Huskies come together to give back to the local community. This year, Ellwood House welcomed 25 volunteers from NIU Housing to help with a variety of projects across our campus.

NIU Cares Day is a cherished tradition that fosters a spirit of volunteerism, directly benefits the local community, and also strengthens the bond between students and surrounding area nonprofits.

On April 4, the dedicated students from NIU's Housing and Residential Services rolled up their sleeves to assist with garden cleanup, Visitor Center cleaning and prepping our galleries for new exhibits. We started our day in the gardens surrounding the Ellwood-Nehring house helping to clear away garbage, leaves and sticks. Students filled up over 30 yard waste bags, beating our record of 27 from 2024! Now the Berg Garden, and the landscaping around the home is ready for the arrival of spring weather and new plantings. What normally would have taken our staff two weeks to clear out, took our dedicated volunteers two hours.

Once the garden was clear, NIU Housing set their sights on the Visitor Center. Students and staff cleaned windows, sanitized surfaces, deep-cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed, swept and did a thorough job getting the space ready for our summer season. The upstairs galleries were also busy with activity. An enthusiastic group of five helped to paint our walls in the Nelson Memorial Gallery, getting them ready for our upcoming Ellwood Eclectic and Arts in Action exhibitions, which will open later in the spring.

The impact of their efforts extend beyond just the two hours they were here. By dedicating their time and energy, these volunteers have contributed to the maintenance of a significant landmark. Their work ensures that the Ellwood House Museum continues to be a place where history is both preserved and celebrated. Thank you for your help NIU Housing and Residential Services!