Lansing history on display in newest library exhibition

Lansing Historical Society brings photos and artifacts out of the basement

Lansing, Ill. (June 24, 2024) — On the upper level of the Lansing Public Library, the Lansing Historical Society’s new art exhibition features photographs and artifacts that are normally housed in the museum in the basement of the library.

The history display has been up since June 5 and will continue to occupy space in the library until around August 5. Library visitors can view it during the times that the library is open.

A history of working together

Noting public interest in the weather photo exhibition that was displayed earlier this year, Library Director Lisa Korajczyk reached out to the Lansing Historical Society for another locally focused display. According to Andrew Harootunian, community outreach director, Korajczyk and the Historical Society worked together to develop the concept.

“The general theme is really just an exhibit from the Lansing Historical Society and just bringing it more into light,” Harootunian said. “We just wanted to work with them and help them out as much as we could.”

Photos and more from our history

Along the stairwell partition are positioned three historical items from past Lansing residents: an old washing machine, a velocipede jigsaw, and a school desk with an ink well. Each piece features a description panel providing background to when the piece was used, who owned it, and where it was located in Lansing.

The gallery wall features photos that were part of the Lansing Historical Society’s pre-existing photo library. The history photos were enlarged, framed, positioned, and labeled by local photographer Dan Bovino, who is also a member of the Historical Society. The photographs depict old businesses on Ridge Road, the first-ever church built in Lansing, and scenes from Lansing schools, railroads, and industries.

Understanding history

Harootunian says the history display is from no particular time period and has no theme. Some photographs include previous Lansing families and residents. Others show different train tracks and lines. Some show buildings that are still present today.

The last photograph in the display features a compressed perspective of Ridge Road. The description panel states: “Who’d think that 34 years into our past would be considered history? Time keeps slipping into the future…. That’s why we at Lansing Historical are trying to preserve it all!”

The Lansing Historical Society’s history exhibition is available for viewing at the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Avenue, Lansing, Illinois.