The Prairie Landscape

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award - 2006


Frank J. Lipo III

Nominated By The Honorable David Pope


Oak Park


Frank J. Lipo III

The contributions Frank Lipo III has made to preserving the history of Oak Park and educating his community about that history go well beyond his role as the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest to include numerous volunteer contributions as well. On his own time, he researched and wrote the nomination to place the Oak Park Conservatory on the National Register, which was approved and adopted in 2004, and he co-wrote the application resulting in the creation of Oak Park's third federally designated Historic District. However, Mr. Lipo emphasizes regularly that without education, preservation alone is hollow. Under his leadership, the Historical Society has nearly tripled its membership, and he has significantly expanded the Society's collections and archives. Early in his time in Oak Park, Mr. Lipo initiated a successful effort to install permanent markers at historic sites throughout the community and has recently expanded the project to include more residential structures. As a capstone to his contributions as historian and educator, Mr. Lipo was the unanimous choice to lead the 2002 Centennial Celebration and shepherded for nearly three years a corresponding set of activities that were funded by the Village. According to Village President David Pope, "in a community like ours that is defined by its history, Frank J. Lipo III is our rallying figure and a leading light. And for that we are most fortunate and eternally grateful."

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