Thank you to all of the healthcare professionals, emergency services, volunteers, and everyone on the frontlines fighting COVID-19. We are grateful for your efforts to keep us all safe and healthy.

We’re living in unprecedented times, but Chicago has experienced hardship before. Explore how the city overcame epidemics of the past and how they ultimately helped improve public health, sanitation, and development. View the encyclopedia of Chicago.

Above: American Red Cross volunteers make face masks for Chicagoans during the deadly 1918 influenza epidemic. World War I offered women many new opportunities, both paid and volunteer, and the Red Cross was one of the most popular volunteer agencies. DN-0070539, Chicago Sun-Times/Chicago Daily News collection, CHM.

Explore CHM’s photo collection.