Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson was born and raised here in Rockford. He is an Architect and his career has spanned over 50 years. His firm is now known as Studio GWA  and has been involved in Rockford's downtown revitalization and redevelopment.  Rockford's  history has been one of his passions. Each summer Gary hosts walking and bike tours of our community talking about the history of the neighborhood being toured or what's the latest developments that are occurring or about to happen. He recently completed a history of Rockford's industrial development  from 1850 to 1930 that was just published as a book. 

Immigrants played a huge role in how Rockford developed. Tonight's concert tells some of those stories of the passage to achieve the American Dream. These recollections are very representative of the story each of our own ancestors experienced. 

These immigrants changed the course of our American history  in what they brought to our American Shores. Their ingenuity,  perserverence, craftsmanship, loyalty, and drive to be successful are evident all around us. Gary will highlight some of their vital contributions  and impact on our community’s growth as well his grandparents immigration experience.