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).
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.
