Ragdale Foundation outlines 50th anniversary plans and secures $368,000 federal preservation grant
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Summary
The Ragdale Foundation told the council it will mark its 50th anniversary with performances, exhibits and fundraising; the nonprofit also said it received a $368,000 National Park Service 'Save America’s Treasures' grant (with $300,000 matching funds raised) to restore its arts & crafts garden, with work expected to complete in late 2027.
The Ragdale Foundation presented to the Lake Forest City Council on Feb. 17 about expansion of its residency programs, a slate of anniversary activities and a federal preservation grant.
Executive Director Paul described Ragdale House (built 1897) and the organization’s residency work, saying Ragdale awards roughly 150 residencies a year and supports interdisciplinary artists. Paul said Ragdale has expanded facilities, including a building completed in 2022 that increased dance and music programming and accessibility for artists who use wheelchairs.
Paul outlined plans for a brand refresh, a Ragdale Ring design‑build competition, a May 16 gala, a History Center exhibition and several public performances and alumni events that will run from May 2026 into 2027. He announced a $368,000 grant from the National Park Service as part of the Save America’s Treasures program to rehabilitate Ragdale’s arts & crafts garden; Paul said it was a matching grant and that Ragdale raised the required additional $300,000 in January. He said construction on the garden is expected to finish in late 2027.
Why it matters: Ragdale is a long‑running arts residency and cultural institution in Lake Forest. The federal grant both recognizes the site’s historic significance and supplies funds specifically tied to a preservation project that requires matching local fundraising.
Next steps: Ragdale plans a brand and marketing rollout in May; staff and the advisory group will continue coordinating anniversary programming with city partners.
