Chicago Historic Plaque ProgramCelebrating Spectacular Vernacular Homes
A row of nineteenth-century brick houses on Sheffield Avenue at Dickens Avenue in Lincoln Park

Chicago Historic
Plaque Program

Helping homeowners recognize and celebrate the architectural and historical significance of their home.

Request a Plaque How it works
Sheffield Avenue at Dickens Avenue, in the Sheffield Historic District. Photo credit: Chris Cullen

Purpose

The homes between the landmarks matter too.

Chicago’s historic neighborhoods are defined not only by landmark buildings, but by the many individual homes that together create a distinctive architectural fabric. Each year, historic residences are lost to demolition, redevelopment, or significant alteration.

The Chicago Historic Plaque Program helps homeowners and neighbors better appreciate the history of these properties — and recognize the importance of preserving them. Participating homeowners will receive a short researched summary of their home’s history, based on available historical records.

A partnership between Lincoln Park Neighbors and Neighborhood Leaders, Preservation Chicago, and the University of Chicago, the pilot has already begun in selected historic areas of Lincoln Park, including the Sheffield Historic District and nearby historic residential blocks. Our hope is to expand this program to other historic neighborhoods in Chicago.

“The hope is that it creates a little bit of pride of place. Maybe it makes people a little more preservation-minded when they own these properties.”

Peter Millen, Lincoln Park resident who leads the program (Block Club Chicago, 9/17/26)

The Plaque

A dignified marker with a timeless format.

Each plaque is a cast bronze oval that mounts on a building or stands on a freestanding stake — a permanent recognition of the home’s place in Chicago’s history.

Cast bronze oval plaque reading Otto and Theodora Kroeschell House, 2231 North Dayton Street, 1884, Preservation Chicago

A mock-up plaque. Photo credit: Preservation Chicago

Vendor
The Bronze Memorial Company in Broadview, Illinois, whose work includes landmark plaques for the City of Chicago, is the official partner for producing the plaques.
Cost
Preservation Chicago handles the historical research and plaque wording approval at no cost. Homeowners order and pay Bronze Memorial Company directly for production.
Typical Content
Date of construction · Original owner, builder, or notable historic use · Preservation Chicago
Mounting Options
Building-mounted or freestanding / staked, depending on property conditions and homeowner preference

Process

From inquiry to installation.

The program will follow the following steps, but will become more refined as the project grows and evolves.

1
Homeowner inquiry

A homeowner expresses interest through this form or by contacting Preservation Chicago directly.

2
Initial review

Preservation Chicago or a designated research assistant conducts an initial review to determine whether the property appears to qualify.

3
Research and verification

Researchers establish the construction date, the original owner or builder, and the relevant historical context.

4
Plaque text approval

Preservation Chicago reviews the proposed wording before production, for consistency and accuracy.

5
Ordering and payment

The homeowner receives final cost information and payment instructions. Homeowners order and pay Bronze Memorial Company directly.

6
Production and delivery

Once approved and paid for, the plaque is produced and shipped to the homeowner or designated address.

7
Installation

Installation is expected to be handled by the homeowner. Mounting guidance will be provided.

Request a Plaque

Interested in a historic plaque for your home?

Please fill out this form to express interest. Submitting the form does not commit you to participation or any cost. A representative will follow up soon after.

Learn more at About and FAQ.