Making History Meaningful

As the United States marks 250 years, Lombard’s history offers a local view of the American experiment. From Indigenous history and the Underground Railroad to Ellen Martin’s historic vote and the York Center Cooperative, these stories reveal how national ideals took shape close to home.

At the Sheldon Peck Homestead, conversations about abolition, temperance, and justice once filled the rooms. Through the childhood memories of Frank Peck, we can trace a local connection to John Jones, Frederick Douglass, and the national reform movements that shaped the 19th century.

Before becoming Lombard…

Explore the development and changes of Lombard's fire stations.

Ellen Martin is celebrated as the first woman to cast her vote in the State of Illinois, marking a significant yet often overlooked moment in American history. Her courageous act was not only a personal triumph but also a crucial step toward advancing women's rights and participation in the democratic process.

Learn more about Ellen Martin….