The Mission of the North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society is to chronicle the historical narrative and educate the community about North Lawndale’s unique cultural assets, its people and its architecture.
Click on image above for historical and cultrual details
Since the development of Lawndale and annexation into the City of Chicago in 1869, the community has experienced many changes over time.
Pre-1900
From its inception and in the early development stages, Lawndale was a predominantly Czech and German community, having expanded west from the adjacent Pilsen community.
Early 20th Century
In the early 20th century, Lawndale became home to a large Jewish population that had emigrated from central and eastern Europe, and had also expanded west from the adjacent Maxwell Street community. It was during this time that Lawndale’s population peaked at over 120,000 residents.
Beginning in the 1940s
Beginning in the 1940s, Lawndale experienced another communal transition from largely Jewish to largely African American as a result of the 2nd Great Migration. Lawndale became home to many black families that had left the South, predominantly from Arkansas and Mississippi, as well as from the Southside of Chicago. These families were following the dream of new financial wealth and homeownership on the Westside.
Click on image above for historical and cultrual details
North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society
Reserve a tour!
North Lawndale has been home to Benny Goodman, Golda Meir, Cornelius Coffey, Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others. Sign up for tours of North Lawndale to learn more about our history, including