The Gaylord Building Historic Site received an Innovation Award from the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM) for its exhibit Rise from Ruins: The Great Lockport Fire of 1895. The Innovation Award recognizes Illinois museums that break new ground in design, engagement, or presentation.
The exhibit, which debuted alongside Lockport’s first Fire Festival in August 2024, captured one of the most defining moments in Lockport’s history—the 1895 fire that ravaged the city’s downtown and led to the establishment of the Lockport Fire Department.
Central to the exhibit’s success was a creative partnership with local artist Kevin Traynor, whose large-scale chalk murals were drawn directly on the gallery walls. His artwork vividly depicted Lockport before, during, and after the devastating fire, telling the story in a way that appealed to art and history lovers.
“We wanted to bring the past to life in a unique way that would resonate with both longtime residents and first-time visitors,” said Clint Cargile, Manager of Public Programs. “Kevin’s chalk murals, combined with a rich story, helped us do just that.”
The exhibit kicked off with a history presentation from Gary Ward, lifelong Lockport resident and former president of the Lockport Area Genealogical and Historical Society. Over the next six weeks, the gallery welcomed hundreds of visitors, including school groups, art and history students, and many local families.
At the IAM awards ceremony, committee chair Debbie Fandrei praised the exhibit’s fresh approach: “Drawing on the walls is usually frowned upon in museums. Congratulations to the Gaylord Building for taking their exhibit to a new immersive level… The judges look forward to the next creation.”
For the Gaylord Building, a National Trust for Historic Preservation site, this award marks a major milestone in revitalizing public programming and community outreach after the Covid 19 pandemic.
“Lockport’s history is full of powerful stories,” said Cargile. “This award tells us we’re on the right track—and that we can keep experimenting with how those stories are told.”
Rise from Ruins has since concluded, but new exhibits and events are always in the works at the Gaylord Building. The Think & Drink lecture series runs on the second Thursday of each month, the new Story Wall micro-exhibit space just opened featuring a wall of art from local sixth graders, and a new history exhibit is currently in the works to open in September.
Located in downtown Lockport, the Gaylord Building is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site and serves as a gateway to the I&M Canal National Heritage Area.
