This program will be held at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 North Main Street, Sycamore, IL

The second Brown Bag Lunch program for 2026 will offer a free presentation on Dr. Letitia Westgate, the first woman doctor, surgeon, chemist, and architect to design, build, and manage a hospital in the United States.

Denise Moran, author of Dr. Letitia Westgate: Medical Pioneer, will present information and vintage photographs of the physician who opened Sycamore Hospital at the corner of Somonauk and Elm Streets on May 1, 1900. The building, which now houses the DNA Holistic Center, is a contributing structure within the Sycamore Historic District that was established when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Copies of the book will be available for purchase during the lecture. She was the first woman doctor in Sycamore and later became the first woman chemist for the city’s health department in Aurora, Illinois.

For more information, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762. The program is free and open to the public.

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center are proud to host the monthly Brown Bag Lunch series that will focus on commemorating this historic anniversary. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. To learn more about how Illinois is commemorating the 250th visit il250.org