The Lombard Historical Society stewards three distinctive historic sites that together support its mission to preserve local history while fostering creativity, dialogue, and community engagement.
The Victorian Cottage Museum, built in 1881, offers an immersive look at late-nineteenth-century domestic life. Through period furnishings, decorative arts, textiles, and material culture, the Cottage explores themes of family, gender roles, craftsmanship, and social traditions. The site is used for guided tours, seasonal programming, and arts-inspired experiences that connect historic design and everyday creativity to modern audiences.
The Carriage House serves as the organization’s primary education and community programming space. Adapted from its original use as a functional outbuilding, the Carriage House now hosts lectures, workshops, school programs, wellness classes, small exhibitions, and community gatherings. Its flexible layout supports interdisciplinary programming that blends history, visual and performing arts, wellness, and civic conversation, making it a hub for partnerships with artists, educators, and local organizations.
The Sheldon Peck Homestead is the most historically and artistically significant of the three sites. Home to abolitionist, artist, and educator Sheldon Peck and his family, the homestead is closely connected to the Underground Railroad, progressive social movements, and American folk art. Peck’s paintings—many depicting early Illinois life†... view more »
The Lombard Historical Society stewards three distinctive historic sites that together support its mission to preserve local history while fostering creativity, dialogue, and community engagement.
The Victorian Cottage Museum, built in 1881, offers an immersive look at late-nineteenth-century domestic life. Through period furnishings, decorative arts, textiles, and material culture, the Cottage explores themes of family, gender roles, craftsmanship, and social traditions. The site is used for guided tours, seasonal programming, and arts-inspired experiences that connect historic design and everyday creativity to modern audiences.
The Carriage House serves as the organization’s primary education and community programming space. Adapted from its original use as a functional outbuilding, the Carriage House now hosts lectures, workshops, school programs, wellness classes, small exhibitions, and community gatherings. Its flexible layout supports interdisciplinary programming that blends history, visual and performing arts, wellness, and civic conversation, making it a hub for partnerships with artists, educators, and local organizations.
The Sheldon Peck Homestead is the most historically and artistically significant of the three sites. Home to abolitionist, artist, and educator Sheldon Peck and his family, the homestead is closely connected to the Underground Railroad, progressive social movements, and American folk art. Peck’s paintings—many depicting early Illinois life—anchor the site’s interpretation. Today, the homestead is a space for exhibitions, artist-led programs, scholarly research, and community dialogue centered on themes of democracy, social justice, creativity, and civic responsibility.
Together, these sites allow the Lombard Historical Society to present history as a living and creative practice—using place, art, and storytelling to engage audiences of all ages and contribute meaningfully to the region’s cultural life.
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