New documentary celebrates the life of abolitionist, artist Sheldon Peck
The Lombard Historical Society and Tim Frakes Productions Inc. have combined to produce a new documentary on the life of Lombard's Sheldon Peck, a 19th-century primitive portrait artist, radical abolitionist, conductor on the Underground Railroad and advocate of progressive temperance and public education.
A broadcast version of the documentary will air on the Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries Sanctuary program at noon every Sunday in December on ABC-7.2 Live Well Network. DVD copies will be available for a $20 donation to the historical society beginning in February.
The documentary comes in advance of "Sheldon Peck: Footsteps of His Life," a new exhibit of original Peck portraits on loan from donors around the country that will be presented next summer in the Sheldon Peck Homestead, 355 E. Parkside Ave. in Lombard.
Largely forgotten in the century and a half after his death in 1868, Sheldon Peck and his legacy are only recently receiving appreciation, along with recognition of his talent, passion, courage, activism and accomplishments.
The documentary - "Sheldon Peck, Portrait of an Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Times" - tells the story of a family man who did the "right thing" when confronting the horrors of slavery and whose personal choices honored his sense of moral obligation to his fellow man; a story that will resonate with today's viewers.
Peck embraced the important issues of his day in the time of manifest destiny and was not afraid to speak out or actively pursue justice.
The historical society's "Footsteps of His Life" exhibition will open June 4 and features more than a dozen original paintings by Peck from 1825-1848 that will be displayed together in the Peck Homestead built in 1839.
Tim Frakes Productions, located in the old Lombard Hotel above Babcock's Grove Restaurant, produces documentary and image video for nonprofit, faith-based, broadcast and corporate clients.
For details about the documentary, the display and the historical society, call (630) 629-1885 or visit info@lombardhistory.org.