Returning Home from War
Available through March 15, 2025
Explore the Returning Home from War exhibit digitally by clicking here
Nestled between Naval Station Great Lakes and Fort Sheridan, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff history links closely to that of our military service members and veterans. Thousands of local men and women have served in the armed forces during wartime, each carrying with them not just the weight of their service, but the hopes and challenges of reintegration into society.
This exhibit explores the experiences of American veterans as they transition from the battlefield to civilian life. Our local stories illustrate the triumphs and struggles of veterans from conflicts dating back over a century, highlighting the complex realities they have faced upon returning home. Artifacts, photographs, and firsthand accounts illuminate the paths taken by veterans from World War I to today, revealing both progress and persistent hurdles across different eras.
From the physical and psychological impacts of war to the challenges of finding employment, attaining education, and navigating healthcare, the narratives of "Returning Home from War" underline the resilience of those who have served. They also showcase the efforts of communities, organizations and families to support our local veterans and ensure that sacrifices made in service are honored and remembered.
Photo by Lee Avison Photography Ltd.