Lockport Area Genealogical
& Historical Society
Preserving the past is our 'present' to the future!
Who We Are
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to bring the people of the Lockport, IL area together
to preserve and share our family histories and our local heritage.
SLOGAN
"Preserving the past is our present to the future."
WHO ARE WE?
The Lockport Area Genealogical & Historical Society is a volunteer
staffed, 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in
January 2002.
HOW THE SOCIETY WAS FOUNDED
In 2000, lifelong resident of Lockport, Dr. Reno G. Caneva, noticed
a sign on the new stone entrance to the parking lot at the South
Public Landing: "Lockport, an I & M Canal Town, 1830." Calculating
that the 175th Anniversary of the area's first settler loomed not
too far in the distant future, Reno called friends with an idea
about how to commemorate the date. Reno proposed that an anniversary
book be produced. Informal meetings eventually developed into a
formal society of individuals with bylaws and articles of
incorporation as a not-for-profit organization. The Society's
Mission Statement has evolved to include the collection,
preservation and sharing of the family histories and local heritage
of the Lockport area.
HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSION:
To collect, preserve, and make accessible relevant information on
the Lockport area.
The Archive committee is comprised of the Archivist, Genealogist,
Historian, and Librarian. The committee and its volunteers conduct
oral histories and catalogue family genealogies and local history.
To promote an interest in the genealogy and history of the Lockport
area.
The Membership's Outreach Committee and volunteers share local
history and genealogy at Old Canal Days.
To publish a Society newsletter and to issue other publications
related to genealogy and history.
The Society publishes at least 10 newsletters each year.
To foster high standards of research and professional ethics.
All officers and directors observe ethics, standards, and practices
as set forth in the LAGHS Society Management Handbook.
To work in cooperation with other organizations for the furtherance
of these stated objectives.
The Society maintains the following: reciprocal newsletter
exchanges; joint event participation; memberships in the Lockport
Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Genealogical Societies, National
Genealogical Society, Illinois State Genealogical Society, Illinois
State Historical Society, and Illinois Association of Museums. LAGHS
special interest is Dellwood Park and the preservation its history
as a famous amusement park of the early 1900s.
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Meetings of the general membership are held at least 10 months out
of the year, usually at the White Oak Library Lockport Branch. Members and the general public are invited to attend
our meetings, programs and outings. The heart of each get-together
is our Share & Tell session when everyone has a chance to share
memories and memorabilia. Some meetings are held, courtesy of the
Lockport Township Park District, at the Gladys Fox Museum located at
the SW corner of 9th and Washington streets.
NEWSLETTER
The newsletter is published and mailed to members at least 10 months
out of the year.
LAGHS Executive Board – June 2023
President-Marty Timm
Vice President-Gary Ward
Correspondence Secretary-Ron Lif
Recording Secretary-Laura Gillogly
Treasurer-Ann Lopez-Caneva
Archivist-John Johnson
Genealogist-Paul Burandt
Historian-Brian Boland
Librarian-
Directors
- Tina Keller
- Donna Likar
- Meredith Morris
- Marc Worst