Time Capsule

Written over four thousand years ago, the poem, “The Epic of Gilgamesh” opens with instructions to its discoverer on where to find a sealed copper box in the cornerstone of a temple. The poem was discovered almost 4,000 later!

The modern use of time capsules is believed to have started in 1937 when Westinghouse built one for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. It’s not meant to be opened for 5,000 years!

The two above statements are according to The Library of Congress.

Since then, capsules with more modest ambitions have been used by churches, governments, hospitals, schools, and other institutions to speak to the future; to give a snapshot of a time in history.

Now North Lawndale will capture time with its capsule, not to be opened until the year 2069, during North Lawndale’s bicentennial celebration.

What artifacts of our 150 years should we include in our capsule; community newspapers, photos, audio and/or video interviews with community stakeholders...?

Become a part of North Lawndale's future by preserving your past. Please use the link at the bottom of this and all of this website’s pages to submit your media.

VIADUCTS

North Lawndale, once a center of industry and commerce, is surrounded by railroad tracks. Regardless of which direction you’re coming from, you have to pass under a viaduct to enter our community.

Now mostly nondescript, our viaducts can be welcome signs, expressing the nature, culture, heritage, and dreams of our community.

Soon, we will be asking you, the past and present NL stakeholders to give your input on what those viaducts will look like.

GATEWAY

Although few match the scale of the two Puerto Rican flags on Division Street in Humbolt Park, the beauty of the Chinatown Gate on Wentworth, or the heritage rich arch on 26th Street in Little Village, a quick tour of towns and villages across the country reveals many and varied artistic structures identifying its community.

Where should our gateway be? What should it look like?

We will be reaching out to you in the near future for your input in what NL says to the world.