Lockport Area Genealogical and Historical Society

10/31/2026

Happy 10th birthday to Lockport’s Hellsgate Haunted House! On Sunday October 25 LAGHS treated our members to a lights-on scare-free walk through of Hellsgate during their annual Trick or Treat event. Congratulations Hellsgate, Zombie Army and your cast and crew on an amazing experience! Our community is so proud to be home to Illinois’ #1 Haunted attraction! 👻🏚️

10/21/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Workers inside the original lock at Lockport for gate repairs on July 9, 1929. Learn more about the Lockport Powerhouse ⬇️⚡⚓
https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/chicago-area-waterway-system-caws/lockport-powerhouse

10/19/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of the Butterfly Dam control trench on April 18, 1907. The dam was intended to prevent downstream flooding in the case of a failure of any part of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal structures including the channel walls, Lockport Powerhouse or lock. Learn more about the Chicago Area Waterway System ⚓⬇️
https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/reducing-flooding/chicago-area-waterway-system-caws

10/17/2026

Central Square Dedication

On May 30, 1981, Lockport's Central Square was dedicated. After an extended legal battle and twelve years of abandonment, the building was renovated and would be shared by the City of Lockport, Lockport Township, and the Lockport Twp Park District. Included are photographs from the ceremony and the cover and history of the building contained in the program. (LAGHS Archives)

09/24/2026

LAGHS SEPTEMBER MEETING
Please join us for our general meeting on Saturday September 26
“Uncovering the History of Central Square” presented by Gary Ward
Learn all about the fascinating history of the building that serves as Lockport’s City Hall today.
Lockport White Oak Library
10:30am
Free and open to the public

09/18/2026

📷 Construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal channel extension at Lockport, Illinois, on June 25, 1906, looking south toward the area where the Butterfly Dam was eventually built. The Butterfly Dam was built in 1907 and was intended to prevent downstream flooding in the case of a failure of any part of the channel extension structures including the channel walls, powerhouse or lock.

🖥️ Join our virtual tour on October 13 to learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

09/11/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Workers making repairs in the Lockport lock on May 13, 1924. The lock was replaced by a much larger lock by the state of Illinois and the federal government in 1933. Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience 📽⬇️
https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

08/22/2026

08/19/2026

August General Meeting!
Join us this Saturday August 22 at 10:30am
Lockport's White Oak Library
Ann Hintz & Kathy McDermott will lead an engaging exploration of the Lockport Woman's Club’s enduring influence and remarkable legacy within our community. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a longtime Lockport resident, or simply curious about the stories LWC has helped shape throughout our town’s history, this program promises to be a memorable experience you’ll be glad you attended.
As always, our meetings are free and open to the public.

08/16/2026

Summer is not over yet!
Join the Lockport Chamber of Commerce and City of Lockport for Old Canal Days Rewind on Friday, August 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Lockport City Hall for an evening of great music, delicious food, and community fun.
The Breakfast Club will perform! We are excited to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy this fantastic band. Grab dinner from one of the food trucks, bring your family and friends, and help us celebrate the final days of summer together.
We hope to see you there!