About Us

Who are we...and what are we doing?

Fair questions to ask of any new organization. Especially fair to ask when we step into a crowded space that includes genealogists, social groups, “roots” tracers, etc.

It’s not easy to be different, but we are going to try.

First and foremost, we intend to be scholarly, with sound research and documented findings. We hope that other serious researchers will respect our efforts.

Secondly, the focus of our research is somewhat narrow: Our goal is
to capture the history of the Belgian immigrant population in Chicago, including their “old country” roots.

While this effort may carry us to other locales, we will always try to make the Chicago connection.

Finally,through our work, we are striving to make this history recognized by the current community leaders of the old Fullerton Avenue Belgian enclave. If we do our job well, the Belgian immigrant heritage will live in this community forever.

How did we get here?

In September 2004, an exploratory meeting was held to discuss he organization of an historical society. We have had several meetings since then and we are now a legal entity known as the Belgian American Historical Society of Chicago or BAHSC. Our application for tax-exempt status is in progress.

Executive Commitee & Officers

PRESIDENT
James Vertenten

SECRETARY
Marie Bousfield

TREASURER
Christi Debrauwere

GENERAL COUNSEL
Lynne R. Ostfeld

NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Bart Ryckbosch