Lombard Historical Society hosts ‘Power of Place: America 250’ outdoor art installation
Community-wide exhibition and Food Truck Social celebrate Lombard’s stories, creativity, and shared history
This summer, the Lombard Historical Society invites residents and visitors to experience “Power of Place: America 250” outdoor art installation, a community-wide outdoor art exhibition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through the stories, creativity, and shared history of Lombard.
Presented in partnership with the Lombard Park District and the village of Lombard, the installation will be on view June 15 through Sept. 6, 2026, at Lilacia Park and the Lombard Historical Society, 23 W. Maple St.
“Power of Place” explores how the places where we live, gather, remember, and grow help shape who we are. Through public art, the exhibition connects Lombard’s local story to the larger American story, honoring the people, landscapes, memories, and moments that give the community meaning.
The installation will feature artwork created by local students, artists, and community groups. Visitors will encounter an artist-created metal and stained-glass work, along with wooden U.S. cutouts painted and decoupaged by students and community participants. Together, these pieces have created a colorful and meaningful tribute to community, memory, and place.
By placing art in familiar public spaces, “Power of Place” encourages visitors to see Lombard in a new way. Each artwork invites reflection on the places that hold personal and collective meaning, from parks and historic buildings to neighborhoods, schools, gathering spaces, and landmarks that have shaped generations of Lombard residents.
The “Power of Place” installation is made possible through funding from the village’s Local Tourism Grant Program and the DuPage Foundation’s JCS Arts, Health and Education Grant.
Food Truck Social
The “America 250” celebration will continue on Saturday, Sept. 5, with the Lombard Historical Society’s fifth annual Food Truck Social on Maple Street: An America 250 Celebration.
Held from 4 to 9 p.m. at 23 W. Maple St., this community favorite will bring together food, music, family activities, and local history in support of the Lombard Historical Society’s mission.
Hosted in partnership with Brew Avenue Events, the Food Truck Social is the Lombard Historical Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Guests will be invited to enjoy a festive evening on Maple Street while also exploring the Power of Place outdoor art installation during its final weekend and temporary exhibition in the Carriage House which will run until Dec. 23, 2026.
The event will feature food trucks, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a special “America 250” theme celebrating community, history, and the places that bring people together.
Early bird special: The first 150 tickets will have no ticket fees. The link for tickets will be posted at a future date at lombardhistory.org/annual-food-truck-social.
Visitors are encouraged to discover the stories behind each artwork, explore happenings in downtown Lombard, and enjoy self-guided historic tours by downloading the Historic Downtown Lombard app.
“Power of Place” and the Food Truck Social are part of the Lombard Historical Society’s “America 250” programming, designed to connect national history with local stories that continue to shape community identity today.
For more information, visit lombardhistory.org.
About the Lombard Historical Society
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.
IT operates the Victorian Cottage Museum, the Carriage House, and the society’s archives at 23 W. Maple St. It also manages the Sheldon Peck Homestead, a National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site, 355 E. Parkside Ave. in Lombard.
The Sheldon Peck Homestead offers tours and activities on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
The Victorian Cottage Museum is open for tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. The Carriage House Exhibitions and the Lilac Emporium Gift Shop are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about hours, membership, and volunteer opportunities, visit lombardhistory.org, email info@lombardhistory.org, or call (630) 629-1885.
To learn more or apply, visit lombardhistory.org or contact director@lombardhistory.org.
Local Tourism Grant Program
The village of Lombard established the Local Tourism Grant Program to promote tourism and conventions within the community and to attract overnight nonresident visitors. The program provides funding toward programs and events that exhibit positive tourism potential for the village. These funds assist qualified organizations with the promotion of tourism activities that directly increase overnight stays, create a positive image, and build publicity for the village of Lombard.
About the Lombard Park District
Founded in 1927, the Lombard Park District serves more than 40,000 residents across 450 acres of parkland. It operates seven facilities and 18 parks, providing diverse recreational opportunities, athletic programs, and environmental preservation efforts to the community.