Mattoon Honors Historian Chris Suerdieck as Citizen of the Year

Suerdieck's volunteer work at the local library helped preserve the town's history.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:15am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of an older man's hands carefully sorting through stacks of old documents in a softly lit library setting, conveying a sense of dedication to preserving local history.Mattoon's volunteer historian Chris Suerdieck has dedicated countless hours to preserving the town's past through his work at the local public library.Mattoon Today

Chris Suerdieck, a retired resident of Mattoon, Illinois, was recently named the Citizen of the Year by the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce. Suerdieck began volunteering at the Mattoon Public Library several years ago, sorting and organizing the facility's local history files, a role that has grown into a passion project for preserving the town's past.

Why it matters

Suerdieck's volunteer work highlights the important role that engaged citizens can play in supporting local institutions and documenting community history. His efforts at the Mattoon Public Library have helped make the town's archives more accessible and valuable to residents.

The details

What started as a couple hours per week sorting files in the library's local history room has evolved into Suerdieck taking on a leadership role in cataloging and digitizing the facility's historical records. He has worked to make the archives more organized and user-friendly for researchers, historians, and curious locals.

  • Suerdieck began volunteering at the Mattoon Public Library several years ago.
  • He was recently named the Citizen of the Year by the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce.

The players

Chris Suerdieck

A retired resident of Mattoon, Illinois who has volunteered extensively at the Mattoon Public Library to preserve the town's historical records.

Carl Walworth

The director of the Mattoon Public Library, who initially suggested that Suerdieck volunteer in the local history room.

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What they’re saying

“Chris Suerdieck's dedication to preserving Mattoon's history is an inspiration to all of us. His work has made our archives more accessible and valuable to the community.”

— Carl Walworth, Mattoon Public Library Director

The takeaway

Suerdieck's volunteer work at the Mattoon Public Library demonstrates how engaged citizens can make a meaningful impact on their local community by supporting important civic institutions and preserving historical records.