Casten Hosts Roundtable to Highlight Sheldon Peck Homestead Historic Site
Lombard, IL — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) hosted a roundtable with historians, preservationists, and local leaders to highlight the importance of historic sites and stories that have shaped our nation’s history. The roundtable was co-hosted by Landmarks Illinois and the Lombard Historical Society and took place at the Sheldon Peck Homestead in Lombard.
“The Sheldon Peck Homestead is a notable place in both American and Illinois’ history. Sheldon and Harriet Peck were not only outspoken abolitionists, but they also provided shelter to freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “Now more than ever, as the Trump Administration attempts to erase our nation’s past, it’s important to preserve and honor places like the Peck Homestead. It’s past time the Peck Homestead is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.”
The Peck Homestead is registered on the National Park Service Network to Freedom as a verified stop on the Underground Railroad. Congressman Casten, along with experts and local leaders, participated in a discussion on the importance of the Peck Homestead, other historic sites in Illinois, and why naming the Peck Homestead to the National Register of Historic Places would benefit the local community.
"The Sheldon and Harriet Peck Homestead in Lombard should be included in the National Register of Historic Places,” said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmark Illinois. “The fact that this documented Underground Railroad site, which is included in the Network to Freedom, has been determined ineligible for National-Register listing proves that preservation practices must evolve. Landmarks Illinois has been working hard to do just that. We thank Rep. Casten for joining us in this work and for his commitment to ensuring the Peck Homestead receives the recognition it deserves. The National Register of Historic Places was created to recognize significant places across the nation, its territories, and tribal lands that tell our country's collective story. The lack of places included in the National Register that tell our full history, like the Peck Homestead, must be rectified."
"The Sheldon Peck Homestead is one of the most important historic sites in Lombard and an essential part of Illinois history,” said Alison Costanzo, Executive Director of the Lombard Historical Society. “For decades, the Lombard Historical Society and our community have worked to preserve this place and the stories it holds, from Sheldon Peck’s legacy as a nationally recognized folk artist and abolitionist to the story of 'Old Charley,' a freedom-seeking man connected to the household. Since the 2012 review, we have undertaken additional research, archaeology, and documentation to address the questions raised during the earlier nomination process. As our nation approaches America 250, this is the right moment to ensure that places like the Peck Homestead — where the ideals of democracy, freedom, and civic courage were lived out — are recognized as part of our national story."
Other attendees of the event included Jeanne Schultz Angel from the Midwest Underground Railroad Network and Illinois Association of Museums, Sara Faddah and Dario Durham from 77 Flavors of Chicago, Jeffrey Nevins from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Sara Phalen from the West Chicago City Museum, Illinois America 250 Commission.
Photos and videos from the roundtable can be found here.
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