Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn MoreCity on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn MoreFacing Freedom in America
Based on the central idea that the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts over what it means to be free, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore familiar and not-so-familiar stories from the nation’s past.
Learn MoreChicago: Crossroads of America
Explore the city’s history through a series of galleries that highlight artifacts from the Museum’s remarkable collection.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn More
City on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn More
Facing Freedom in America
Based on the central idea that the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts over what it means to be free, this exhibition uses images, artifacts, and interactive elements to explore familiar and not-so-familiar stories from the nation’s past.
Learn More
Chicago: Crossroads of America
Explore the city’s history through a series of galleries that highlight artifacts from the Museum’s remarkable collection.
Learn MoreWHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHM?
Explore the city with our expert guides, delve into our exhibitions through thematic programs, or discover Chicago history through family-friendly activities.
Aquí en Chicago
The Chicago History Museum’s new project, Aquí en Chicago, celebrates the historically persistent cultural presence of Latine communities in Chicago. Follow along as the project evolves.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Professor Siobhan Moroney of Lake Forest College discusses her new book Chicagoland Dream Houses: How a Mid-Century Architecture Competition Reimagined the American Home. The program begins with a CHM member-exclusive book signing, followed by the public author talk. Learn more
RSVP
Delia Fernández-Jones of Michigan State University presents “Telling Our Stories: Using Historical Scholarship to Combat Black and Latinx Displacement in Grand Rapids, Michigan.” Learn more
RSVP
LaDale Winling of Virginia Tech and Maura Fennelly of Northwestern University present “The Chicago Covenants Project: Excavating the Documents of Exclusion.” Learn more
RSVP
CHM members and Historical Alliance are invited to join director of research and access Ellen Keith and reference librarian Maggie Cusick as they demonstrate the process of conducting research on your house’s history. Learn more
RSVP
Join us to celebrate the opening of Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s! Learn more
BUY GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
LEARN AND CONNECT WITH CHM
CHM strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, programs, digital resources, and special events, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other.
ABAKANOWICZ RESEARCH CENTER
Home to the Chicago History Museum’s archives, manuscripts, photographs, and more, the Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is one of the premier research facilities in Chicago. With free admission, the ARC helps fulfill the Museum’s mission to be a destination for learning and to connect people to Chicago’s history. We look forward to welcoming you!
Learn MoreSupport the Museum
SUPPORT OUR MISSION BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Membership offers ways to engage with others who love the city of Chicago and its history and opportunities to interact with our award-winning staff. Enjoy free admission, behind-the-scenes experiences, special discounts, and more!
SOLD OUT! Author Talk | Chicagoland Dream Houses by Siobhan Moroney
Professor Siobhan Moroney of Lake Forest College discusses her new book Chicagoland Dream Houses: How a Mid-Century Architecture Competition Reimagined the American Home. The program begins with a CHM member-exclusive book signing, followed by the public author talk. Learn more
RSVPVirtual Urban History Seminar | “Telling Our Stories”
Delia Fernández-Jones of Michigan State University presents “Telling Our Stories: Using Historical Scholarship to Combat Black and Latinx Displacement in Grand Rapids, Michigan.” Learn more
RSVPUrban History Seminar | “The Chicago Covenants Project”
LaDale Winling of Virginia Tech and Maura Fennelly of Northwestern University present “The Chicago Covenants Project: Excavating the Documents of Exclusion.” Learn more
RSVPSOLD OUT! Member Event | House History Workshop
CHM members and Historical Alliance are invited to join director of research and access Ellen Keith and reference librarian Maggie Cusick as they demonstrate the process of conducting research on your house’s history. Learn more
RSVPOpening Weekend of Designing for Change
Join us to celebrate the opening of Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s! Learn more
BUY GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS