Pullman homes built in 1880 and typically used by company executives / PHOTO: Friends of Pullman.

From our Executive Director

Hello to the supporters of the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park!

I am delighted to have joined the team as Executive Director last month - it has been a whirlwind! I truly appreciate getting to meet so many people so quickly, community members, partners, supporters and of course the wonderful National Park Service team here at Pullman National Historical Park.

I have always been passionate about history and how it can inform us as we learn from our past. In these first few weeks, I am hearing great stories about Pullman – its past and today – and how this special place has changed so many lives over the years. While I grew up on the Iowa side of the Quad-Cities, I’ve been a Chicago resident for over 30 years.

I spent my early career working for the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, before moving over to run a small, international exchange nonprofit. And exploring the roots of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, including Pullman, has been a big part of both my professional career and our family life.

I am a huge fan of our national parks, which highlight the history, culture and beauty of this country and while my family and I have been to many – we still have many more to visit! I spent my first summer of college working at a state park outside of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, spending my free time hiking the Black Hills. I still love ice cream, even after serving it 10 hours a day to all the tourists!

As I get to know Pullman National Historical Park, I would love to meet you or hear from you – please share your story about how Pullman or its history made an impact on your life – and let me know your favorite national park!

My email is PParfenoff@FriendsofPullman.com

Hope to see you in the park,

Peggy

Workers engaged in the stabilization work for Market Hall. / PHOTO: Friends of Pullman

Saving Market Hall

Market Hall is a wonderful, unique building and once a bustling center of activity for Pullman Company workers and their families. But over the years fires and decay have taken their toll on the structure. Thanks to more than $1.4 million in grant funding from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Governor JB Pritzker and State Representative Nick Smith, and the Chicago Community Trust, together with funds raised by Friends of Pullman, we have been able to stabilize the historic structure to protect it from the elements and further damage.

With these grants we fixed and replaced masonry piers in the basement, placed a waterproof membrane over ground level surfaces, and improved stormwater drains to keep ice and water out of the basement. We also addressed failing limestone, reset and tuck pointed original brickwork and reconstructed one set of the historic stairs so visitors can understand the original design.

Our mission is to preserve and protect Pullman’s cultural heritage and now that this work is complete, we look forward to future renovation, building, and seeing Market Hall the thriving center of life it once was. Check out the complete history of Market Hall and Market Square on our site.

Learn the history

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. with A. Philip Randolph, and John Lewis / PHOTO: Bettman Archive/Getty Images

Black History Month

Exploring Pullman Porters' impact

In partnership with Pullman National Historical Park, we're hosting a special Black History Month event that explores the powerful connection between the Pullman Porters and the Civil Rights Movement at Pullman Exhibit Hall on Saturday, February 28th at 2pm.

This panel presentation features distinguished speakers including Bernard Turner, Executive Director of the Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area; Keith Richardson, Civil Rights activist and General President of the American Postal Workers Union Chicago Area Local 0001; and Deborah Pope, Vice President of the Illinois Labor History Society.

Join us for this exciting culmination of our Black History Month celebration. Space is limited.

Details

A volunteer tour guide gives a brief history of the Market Square buildings. / PHOTO: Friends of Pullman

Call for volunteers

Do you love history? Enjoy meeting new people? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring Pullman’s powerful stories to life.

Opportunities include serving as a tour guide, welcoming visitors at Pullman Exhibit Hall, assisting with special events, and supporting educational programs. Whether you’re a history buff, a people person, or simply passionate about preserving Chicago’s first national park, there’s a place for you here.

Training is provided, and schedules are flexible. Join us in preserving, protecting, and sharing Pullman’s remarkable legacy. Interested? Contact us today to learn more about becoming a volunteer at Pullman National Historical Park!

Be a volunteer

Events and Tours

Lunch & Learn

Dining á la Pullman

Thursday, February 19th / 12:15pm

Don’t miss this month’s virtual Lunch & Learn series as the park rangers explore the evolution of “Dining á la Pullman.”

DETAILS

Partner Event

Nathan Barrett, Pullman's Landscaper

Sunday, March 22nd / 2pm

Historic Pullman Garden Club member Andy Morgen shares the fascinating story behind Pullman’s lush gardens and distinctive landscape design.

DETAILS

First Sunday Walking Tour

Pullman National Historical Park

Sunday, May 3 / 1:30pm

Join us for a journey through Pullman—a town that helped shape America on our monthly walking tour beginning at Pullman Exhibit Hall.

DETAILS

School groups from across the region come to discover Chicago's national park. / PHOTO: Friends of Pullman

Group Tours

Discover Pullman National Historical Park

Our group tours offer an engaging, guided journey through one of the nation’s most significant historic communities—where industry, innovation, urban planning, and the labor movement intersect.

Your visit begins with an introductory orientation before heading out to explore beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share compelling stories about the Pullman Company, the Strike of 1894, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and the community that continues to thrive today.

Tours are ideal for schools, community organizations, professional groups, and lifelong learners.

Book your tour

Donate

Volunteer

As the official friends group for Pullman National Historical Park,

our mission is to preserve and protect its cultural heritage and amplify its uniquely American stories for current and future generations.