We, the members and supporters of Vanished Chicagoland, would like to request that the Chicago History Museum recognize the work of Pete Kastanes in curating an online archive of the city's cultural history. 

Pete is the administrator of the Vanished Chicagoland group on Facebook, where he shares his personal memories of Chicago's people, places and products that have passed into the past. The group has nearly 240,000 members who also share photos, ask and answer questions, and tell stories of life in Chicago from past generations. It is an invaluable crowdsourced record of the city's art and architecture, buildings and businesses, commerce and culture which now exist only in memory. 

In addition to running thirty (30!) other Facebook pages about growing up on the South Side (as well as a podcast, a blog , and accounts on X and Instagram covering Chicago's rich history), Pete also shares regular updates on his battle with prostate cancer. We're all cheering for him to beat it again like he did last time, so he can devote himself more fully to the work that brings so much happiness to so many. His courage, dedication, and genuine love for the city are what make the Vanished Chicagoland audience feel like a true community. 

Thank you for considering this request. We hope you will agree that Pete has more than earned recognition for all he has given the people of Chicagoland.