ABOUT

Formally Incorporated in 2010

Discover our History

Formerly an initiative of the Steans Family Foundation called the North Lawndale Small Grants Committee, the organization was originally created to disseminate small grants for community development activities in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. After the conclusion of the Steans Foundation’s initial investment, members of the committee who were committed to continuing the work, changed the name and mission of the organization and formally incorporated in 2010 as the North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society (NLHCS).

Our Mission

To chronicle the historical narrative and educate the community.

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.

Book a Tour Contact us

Community Strong!

More details about the amazing work the North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society does.

0+

Team Members

0+

Different Cultures

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), Belle Whaley (community activist), 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

People are what matters!

Our team works hard to chronicle the historical narrative and educate our community. North Lawndale’s unique cultural assets, its people and its architecture.

Volunteer, we would LOVE to have you on our team!
Blanche Suggs-Killingsworth

President

North Lawndale native, local historian, and founding board member

Peter Alter

Chief Historian & Director

Studs Terkel Center for Oral History at Chicago History Museum

Paul Norrington

North Lawndale native & resident and local historian

Ariel Walton

North Lawndale native, and journalist

John Wolf

Secretary

Project Manager & Architectural Designer at Civic Projects Architecture

Diane Odell

Certified Agent

Real Estate Attorney

Lenzie Harris

Treasurer

Jeanne Keller

Advisory Board Member

North Lawndale native & resident, organizer of Farragut High School Annual Reunion

Doretha Penn

Board Member Emeritus

North Lawndale native & resident and founding board member

Partner Organizations

Our Community Partners!

Join our Mailing List!

Subscribe

Stay up to date with NLHCS and future events.

    Please prove you are human by selecting the truck.