The McCord House In 1834, when Native Americans still inhabited and traveled through the area, several families settled on a high elevation in what is now Palos Park, and like other settlers, built rough log cabin homes. The McCord and McClaughry Families inhabited the property and building now known as the McCord House. The house was expanded through the years, and during the Civil War period, an elegant Italianate-style addition was completed. It is distinguished by a classic entry, long and narrow arching "eyebrow" windows, carved moldings, balustrade ornamentation and natural hardwood floors. This is the McCord House that stands before us today, serving as a stately reminder of an elegant time gone by. Ownership of the farm passed from the McCord family in the early 1940's. In 1944 Frank Connell purchased the home, then in poor condition, with eighteen acres of farmland. The Connell family worked extensively to restore the home. Through their thoughtful and detailed renovation, they preserved this historic building. It remains today very close to its original form. In the 1980's Frank Gasior purchased the home and the immediate surrounding property, much of which was later developed. After a number of years the Village of Palos Park annexed the property and became the owners and official stewards. Through a village-appointed ad hoc committee, the McCord House 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Corporation was formed in February 2003. The corporation currently leases the property from the Village of Palos Park and the operating name of the facility is McCord Gallery & Cultural Center. Due to the Chicago fire of 1871 and a fire within the personal records of the McCord family, the entire history of McCord House may not be able to be recovered. The Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of Palos Park, McCord NFP and an independent researcher continue to uncover pieces of the history. McCord Gallery & Cultural Center looks forward to preserving the jewel that is McCord House by sharing it with the community. McCord Gallery & Cultural Center The McCord Gallery & Cultural Center was formed through the interests and hard work of the local community. A passionate group of volunteers assembled by the Village of Palos Park determined the fate of the McCord House...to be an arts center. Incorporated with 501(c)(3) status in February 2003 the group took time to develop a fundraising campaign before opening in September of 2004. Palos Fine Arts, Palos Park Women's Club and the District 118 Foundation were integral in McCord's capital campaign and helped the organization raise over $30,000. Initially, three bodies were developed to run McCord Gallery & Cultural Center: a Board of Directors for policy, Volunteer Board for programming and planning and the Associate group for community outreach. Today McCord operates with the Board of Directors and a several smaller committees of volunteers for operations and programming. Sara Arnas, the Managing Director works closely with all committees, oversees day-to-day operations and is the chairperson of programming/curriculum. McCord Gallery is now open six days a week adding more accomplishments to the list each day. In less than three years McCord has become an important part of the community with nearly 45 full-time music students and 50 art students attending each quarter. McCord's immediate goals for the future include increasing staff, renovating a garage space for class use, installing a new sign for better recognition, increase community awareness and involvement, and continue to offer new and exciting artistic opportunities to the Chicago southland. McCord Gallery has received grants and support from Illinois Arts Council, Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Andrew Foundation, Great Lakes Bank, Palos Bank & Trust, and private donations. McCord has helped to raise funds for McCord NFP, Crisis Center for South Suburbia and AT Children's Project.