Two Families, Two Towns: The Pioneer Connections between Oswego and Plainfield

The interplay between pioneer families in the Fox and DuPage River valleys was important to the early growth of communities in both areas, including Oswego and Plainfield. Michael Lambert, Plainfield architect, historian, author, and educator, will explain and illuminate the fascinating--and close--pioneer era connections between these two municipalities.

The cast of characters that had a hand in Oswego and Plainfield’s growth included Levi F. Arnold and the Mudgett clan, who were related by marriage to another of Oswego’s founders, Lewis B. Judson. Lambert will explain the connections between these families in the area’s early history and the impact they had on the growth and development of both Oswego and Plainfield.

Lambert is well known to area historians, and has had major roles in the recent restoration of the Opera House Block at Plainfield and Montgomery’s Settler’s Cottage. He is a past president of the Plainfield Historical Society, founding chair of both the Will County and Plainfield Historic Preservation commissions, and a visiting lecturer at the School of the Art Institute – Department of Historic Preservation.

Pre-registration will help the museum plan ahead by calling the Oswegoland Park District at 630-554-1010, but walk-ins the evening of the program are always welcome.

Park district registration barcode number: 28845