Built in 1839 the Sheldon Peck House stands as a testament to courage and freedom. It’s the oldest house in Lombard Illinois. This unassuming clapboard structure served as a vital stop on the Underground Railroad. Sheldon Peck a self-taught artist and radical abolitionist welcomed freedom seekers into his home. He risked his life to help those fleeing slavery.
The Sheldon Peck House wasn’t just a shelter. It was a hub for anti-slavery activism. Peck held meetings there. He worked for the Western Citizen an abolitionist newspaper published in Chicago. His commitment to the cause was unwavering. He provided sanctuary to many.
Peck’s son Frank wrote a memoir detailing the house’s role. He recounted how many as seven formerly enslaved people stayed at the house at once. They likely found refuge in the barn while making their way north. Frank remembered a man called Old Charley a formerly enslaved man who spent time at the Sheldon Peck House. A portrait by Peck’s daughter Susan is believed to be of Old Charley.
The Sheldon Peck House wasn’t only significant for its Underground Railroad activity. It also served as the area’s first school. This humble building played a crucial role in the community’s early education. The family owned the Sheldon Peck House well into the 1990s. It was turned into a museum in 1999. In 2011 the National Park Service recognized the Sheldon Peck House. They inducted it into the Network to Freedom a list of verified Underground Railroad sites.
The Sheldon Peck House remains a powerful symbol. It represents the unwavering fight for freedom. It highlights the bravery of those who risked everything to help others. Today the house serves as a museum. Visitors can learn about Sheldon Peck his family and the significant role they played in the fight against slavery. Take a moment to reflect on the stories within these walls. Let the legacy of the Sheldon Peck House inspire you.