Lansing Historical Society

The Lansing Historical Society Museum will re-open with the Lansing Fallen Heroes Memorial Day exhibit. We are pleased to be able to  honor Lansing’s Fallen Heroes who both died on April 8th, Officer Kenneth R, Novak, Jr. in 1992 and LCPL Phillip Martini in 2006.  Every year the Village of Lansing issues a proclamation honoring these two men who gave their lives to protect and serve our village and our nation.

The museum will host a vigil from 9:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. The museum is located in the lower level of the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL 60438.

To quote Lansing free-lance writer, Carrie Steinweg,”As time passes, it is up to those in the community to make sure they are not forgotten. By designating April 8 as a day of remembrance, it helps newer residents become aware of the men and reminds longtime residents they paid the ultimate sacrifice by protecting us.”

On April 8, 1992, Officer Ken Novak approached a vehicle that appeared to be disabled. He requested identification from the female occupant, but was shot an killed by the woman’s companion as he returned to the car. To read more about the tragic incident please click on the following links:      www.odmp.org/officer/320-officer-kenneth-richard-novak-jr

www.nwitimes.com › news › local › illinois › fallen-officer-always-want..

On April 8, 2006, LCPL Philip R. Martini was conducting combat operations in Anbar Province, Iraq and was killed by a sniper’s bullet.  Phil is Lansing’s only casualty from the Iraq war. Read more about Phil by visiting these sites:

https://www.fallenheroesproject.org/united-states/philip-john-martini/

/thefallen.militarytimes.com/marine-lance-cpl-philip-j-martini/1691881

Both Ken and Phil were graduates of Heritage Middle School and Thornton Fractional Twp. High School South. They both are sorely missed by family and friends still residing in the community. The following are pictures of the heroes as remembered by their hometown.

The Lansing Historical Society in conjunction with the Lansing Public Library will present a living history portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt by acclaimed actress and scholar, Leslie Goddard on Monday, March 23, 2020 on the Lansing Library stage at 6:00 p.m.

Leslie Goddard holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in American studies and U.S. history as well as a master’s degree in theater. Leslie is a former museum director and educator, and the author of two books on Chicago history. Her nationally recognized presentations have been presented at sites around the country.

Her portrayal is based on Eleanor Roosevelt’s own letters, diaries, newspaper columns and other writings. She brings all this knowledge to life with a warm and engaging performance that make the First Lady and stateswoman come to life!

On Monday, February 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., the Lansing Historical Society in partnership with the Lansing Public Library will host Art. T. Burton presenting his program on Black Cowboys and the Wild West.

The author of three critically acclaimed books on this subject, Art Burton spent the better part of 20 years researching and reclaiming the heritage of African Americans in the American West.

Art T. Burton has a distinguished career in education and the arts. He has taught history and ethnic and cultural studies at Prairie State College, South Suburban College and Governors State University. He has held administrative positions at UIC and Illinois Benedictine University, Loyola University and Columbia College.

In addition, Burton is an accomplished percussionist, playing conga and bongo drums with many famous jazz musicians.

Burton’s latest book, “Cherokee Bill, Black Cowboy—Indian Outlaw,” was published this month by Eakin Press.

Monday, December 2, 2019 will be the grand opening of this year’s Festival of Lights.  The evening will kick off with a choral program by the TF South Choir under the direction of Samantha Elliot. This will be held upstairs on  the Lansing Public Library stage at 6:00 p.m.  The group will then proceed downstairs to the museum to view over 30 trees and exhibits highlighting the Christmas customs from 24 countries as well as different aspects of community life. New this year will be a collection of antique toys and a tree representing India.

The Lansing Historical Museum is located in the lower level of the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL 60438.

Hours for the Festival of Lights are Mondays and Tuesdays, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tours at other times can be arranged by calling Barb Dust at 708-474-7497. barbd728@aol.com

Lansing Historical Society had a booth at Autumn Fest again this year.  We are pleased to announce the winners of the  ceramic adorable holiday pieces that Jan Bockel of Just Beautiful Ceramics donated: Margaret Gist won the Snowman, Paul Schultz won the Ghost, and Jen Saia won the Thanksgiving Pumpkin!  Thanks to Jan and all who participated!

Monday, October 28, 2019, 6:00 p.m.  Lansing Public Library stage, 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing, Il 60438

Mr. Jim Kijewski, longtime director of the Lan-Oak Pool and TF South swim coach, will share memories of running the pool.  The public is invited to come and share their memories too. Whether you worked there or just enjoyed the summer fun it afforded, come on out and tell your story! No charge for admission. Wheelchair accessible.

For more information, call Barb Dust, 708-474-7497

The Lansing Historical Society will conduct a walk on the Oak Glen side of town on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.  We will meet at the parking lot of the Walter Schultz Agency, 18119 Torrence Ave. and walk on the east side of Torrence to the corner of Indiana Ave. and Torrence, the heart of the once thriving separate community know as Oak Glen, and before that, Cummings Corner.  Lansing Historian Paul Schultz will tell  the stories of all the businesses and families that made this a bustling community in its own right.  The walk will proceed as far as Crescent Jewelers, which is housed in the old Bock Hardware Building. In case of inclement weather, we will have a slide show on Oak Glen on the stage of the Lansing Public Library. For more information, call Barb Dust, 7088-474-7497.

The Lansing Historical Society is proud to present the School District 258 Time Travelers’ musical production of “Greatest American Heroes of the 20th Century.” Monday, August 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. on the Lansing Public Library stage, 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL 60438.  Free Admission. For more information, call Barb Dust, 312-969-0385

The “Brides through the Decades”  exhibit will be up in the museum through the month of August. We have over 70 gowns and other articles of vintage clothing on display along with photographs of many of the brides and notes on fashion trends of the time periods.  Come on in to immerse yourself in the eras of the past or just to enjoy the overall beauty of the display. Hours are Mondays, 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. and Saturdays 11 :00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Tours at other times can be arranged by calling 708-528-5806.

Monday, June 24, 2019, 6:00 p.m.  Meet at municipal parking lot behind Kilroy’s, Ridge Rd. & William St.

This year the History Walk on Ridge will feature information along the east end of Ridge Rd.  We’ll meet behind Kilroy’s and walk to the corner of Wentworth and Ridge to learn about Lansing’s first business. Paul Schultz will once again lead the walk assisted by fellow long-time resident, Herb Krumm. Then we’ll wend our way back to the center of town as Paul & Herb trade stories about the businesses and people along the way.

There is no sign-up required and no fee. For more information, call Barb Dust, 708-474-7497.