North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society Milestones
1999 - Small Grants Committee
In 1999, the Small Grants Committee was founded, with support by the Steans Family Foundation, to regrant funds to the community. Grantees included North Lawndale Community News, North Lawndale Employment Network, YMEN, and many others.
2010 - NLHCS
In 2010, the Small Grants Committee transitioned to become NLHCS after the success of the 2006 "Learning From North Lawndale: Past, Present and Future" exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
2022 - Website Launch
In 2022, NLHCS launched its newly refurbished and expanded website, which will become the home of our growing digital archive collection for community and public access.
North Lawndale Museum
NLHCS’ ultimate goal is to develop a physical space to house artifacts and archives, and to become an historical hub within the community for research, education, and engagement.
The Mission of the North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society is to chronicle the historical narrative and educate the community and City about North Lawndale’s unique cultural assets, its people and its architecture.
The people of North Lawndale
Many people have helped build the foundation of Lawndale, Julius Rosenwald (Sears, Roebuck & Co), Benny Goodman (musician), Dinah Washington (Queen of the Blues), Ben Lewis (Alderman), Pat Sajak (Wheel of Fortune!), Belle Whaley (community activist), Ernie and Jean Terrell, Clyde Ross, Charlie Baker, and Ruth Wells (Contract Buyers League), Joseph Kellman (community activist), Wallace ”Mickey” Johnson (NBA player), Ertharin Cousin (Food Ambassador to UN), Cornelius Coffey (aviator). We celebrate the contributions of our ancestors and want to nurture the future generations of Lawndalians.
Our team works hard to chronicle the historical narrative and educate our community. North Lawndale’s unique cultural assets, its people and its architecture.
