How you can become a part of Lombard's history

Make a difference

There's more to Lombard than lilacs -- the village boasts a rich history.

One of the village's earliest settlers, Sheldon Peck, was a nationally renowned portrait painter whose home served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Lombard also been home to many other well-known residents: Astronaut Dan Tani, actress Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, cartoonist Harold Gray, Morris the Cat and lawyer Ellen Martin, the first Illinois woman to vote.

And those are just a few examples.

Now's the perfect time for you to become a part of that history.

The Lombard Historical Society will hold its first membership drive through Oct. 31.

Memberships always have been available, but the group never has done a drive, said Jeanne Schultz Angel, director of the Lombard Historical Museum.

The membership drive is one of several special activities planned to mark the 35th anniversary of the Historical Museum, 23 W. Maple St., in October. The group also maintains the Sheldon Peck Homestead, 355 E. Parkside Ave.

"We thought we'd celebrate by increasing our visibility and really bulking up the membership numbers," Angel added.

The group is hoping to appeal not only to its long-standing members, but also to new Lombard residents, young families with children and other residents who might enjoy the historical society's activities.

"From the membership, we get volunteers, and more volunteers means a stronger organization," she said.

Membership benefits include: a quarterly newsletter; discounts at special events, such as the Lustron home trolley tours; 10 percent off at the Emporium gift shop and members-only events, such as the upcoming Dutch oven cookout in October.

Yearly memberships cost $15 per individual and $25 per family. Each family membership includes one free membership in the Junior Historians Club. Business memberships cost $100, which includes publicity in the quarterly publication.

Any individual, family or business that joins during the membership drive will receive a gift from the museum's Emporium gift shop.

"Lombard's history is very interesting," Angel said. "But if nobody is there to celebrate it, nobody will know about it."

For more information, call (630) 629-1885 or visit www.lombardhistory.org.