About the Exhibit:
Breaking the Mold: Lives Beyond Convention
September 6, 2025-June 6, 2026
Breaking the Mold: Lives Beyond Convention tells the stories of people who refused to follow the limits set by their time. These were individuals who challenged expectations, stood up for what they believed in, and shaped history in ways that still inspire us today.
Some fought for fairness and justice, others used their talents to shine light on social issues, and still others preserved ideas and culture for future generations. Each one shows us that real change often begins with a single act of courage.
What makes this exhibition even more meaningful is its connection to Lombard. The lives explored here are tied to our own community, reminding us that history is not only made in far-off places but also right here in Lombard.
The people featured in Breaking the Mold each lived lives of courage and conviction, challenging the expectations of their time.
Ada Sweet (1853–1928) became the first woman appointed to a U.S. government pension office, proving that women could succeed in roles of leadership and responsibility.
Winifred Black (1863–1936) broke barriers in journalism with daring undercover reporting that exposed injustice and gave voice to those who were often overlooked.
Albert Cashier (1843–1915) served as a Union soldier during the Civil War and lived true to himself long after, showing resilience in both battle and identity.
Ralph Chaplin (1887–1961) used poetry, art, and activism to inspire workers to demand fairness and dignity, leaving behind a legacy in the labor movement.
Colonel William R. Plum (1845–1927) is remembered in Lombard for his lilacs, but he was also a Civil War telegraph operator and writer who captured not just the events but the emotions of his era, ensuring that knowledge and beauty would be preserved for generations. Together, their stories remind us that breaking the mold can take many forms, but it always requires courage.
