About the Lombard Historical Society

LOMBARD CELEBRATES A SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY WITH AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT THE LOMBARD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Lombard Historical Society brings Lombard’s history to life through its collections, exhibits, programs, and historic sites. The Society operates the Victorian Cottage Museum, Carriage House, and Archives at 23 W. Maple Street, as well as the Sheldon Peck Homestead at 355 E. Parkside Avenue. The Sheldon Peck Homestead is recognized by the National Park Service as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

The Lombard Cemetery, formerly known as Babcock’s Grove Cemetery, is maintained by the Lombard Cemetery Committee. The committee includes representatives from the Lombard Park District, Lombard Historic Commission, Lombard Historical Society, Lombard Garden Club, and the Village of Lombard.

Mission Statement

The Lombard Historical Society endeavors to cultivate a deep appreciation and comprehension of our community's rich history. We encourage visitors to delve into our past through interactive exhibitions, educational programming, and gaining insights from our collections. We are committed to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of Lombard's past, inspiring a vibrant and inclusive future.

Vision Statement

As the stewards of Lombard’s heritage, we will make the past meaningful to impact our community’s present and future.

LHS OFFICE HOURS
Office hours differ from Victorian Cottage and the Shelden Peck Homestead. The LHS staff are in the office
Tuesday – Saturday from 10 - 4. Please call ahead (630.629.1885) before visiting to make sure someone is available.

Rental inquiries here.
630.629.1885
info@lombardhistory.org

How we Began - Part One, by Rita Schneider

In 1968, there was no historical society in Lombard, and no immediate plan to institute one. However, there was a Village Centennial celebration in 1969, and there were a number of historically minded citizens (many descended from the early residents, who had been members of a Centennial Committee formed in 1963, chaired by August “Bud” Schweppe) to help plan a series of events to commemorate the beginning of Lombard in 1869, originally called Babcock’s Grove.