Can a small town hold big dreams? Here in front of the Robbins Illinois History Museum, the answer is a resounding yes. The Robbins Illinois History Museum isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the spirit of a community. It showcases the rich history of Robbins, Illinois, the oldest primarily Black town in the Chicago region. Founded in 1917 by formerly enslaved people and their descendants, Robbins became a haven from discrimination. The museum, opened in 2010 by historian Tyrone Haymore, tells these powerful stories. One of the museum’s highlights is the story of Robbins Airport. Founded in 1931 by Cornelius Coffey, John Robinson, and others, it was the first airport owned and operated by African Americans. Though a storm destroyed the hangar a year later, their dream took flight again with the Coffey Flying School. This school trained several of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Robbins Illinois History Museum also celebrates other notable residents. From Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols to NBA player Dwayne Wade, Robbins fostered talent and ambition. Even S.B. Fuller, one of the nation’s first Black millionaires, left his mark on Robbins. He donated generously to the town, contributing a fire truck, an air conditioning system for the village hall, and support for the town’s first water filtration system. The museum itself hopes to one day occupy Fuller’s former mansion, a symbol of his success and generosity. The Robbins Illinois History Museum stands as a tribute to a town built on resilience, ingenuity, and the pursuit of a better life. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can take flight.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to