Jackson Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ann Dunham
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
1. Ann Dunham Marker
"My mother, Ann Dunham, was the biggest influence on my life. She had a core belief in our common humanity, and she made sure I recognized the inherent dignity in every person."
Ann Dunham, President Obama's mother, was an anthropologist whose work encompassed expanding opportunities for women through microfinance, investing in women and girls, and the economic and rural development of Indonesia. Her belief in our common humanity shaped President Obama's values and taught him to see the dignity in every person-a touchstone vital not only for a political career but for a life of service.
Erected 2026 by Barack Obama Presidential Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Women. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #44 Barack Obama series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 4, 2022.
Location. 41° 47.165′ N, 87° 35.108′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Jackson Park. It can be reached from South Stony Island Avenue near East 60th Street, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Chicago’s South Side. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Maya Lin, b. 1959 (here, next to this marker); The First Automobile Race in America (within shouting distance of this marker); Let's Keep Moving (within shouting distance of this marker); Alison Saar, b. 1956 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Congressman John Lewis, 2020 (about 300 feet away); Julie Mehretu, b. 1970 (about 300 feet away); Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples' Land and Territory (about 300 feet away); History of Jackson Park
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
2. Ann Dunham Water Terrace at the Obama Center
A sculpture called Seeing Through the Universe, by artist Maya Lin, is on the right side.
Also see . . .
1. President Obama to honor mother at future presidential center (YouTube). A 2022 video about President Obama's mother Ann Dunham by the Obama Foundation. (Submitted on October 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. The 'Singular Woman' Who Raised Barack Obama. From NPR's Fresh Air. (Submitted on October 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
3. Ann Dunham Water Terrace at the Obama Center
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on October 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
