Open today 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

The Glory of Galanos: America’s Haute Couturier

Please join The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum at The Casino for an evening of cocktails and conversation as we welcome journalist and fashion collector David Nash and designer and author Steven Stolman to celebrate the work of America’s beloved haute couturier James Galanos. This presentation will showcase the work of James Galanos More

Members’ Open House

Our annual Members’ Open House provides members and Historical Alliance with exclusive access to the Museum’s exhibitions, collections, and staff. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about the Museum! The North & Clark Café and Museum Store will also be open for members and Historical Alliance to redeem More

Guild Benefit for Back Home: Polish Chicago

The Guild of the Chicago History Museum warmly requests the pleasure of your company for a Guild Benefit celebrating the opening of Back Home: Polish Chicago. Guests will receive a first look at the exhibition, hear from project historian Dominic A. Pacyga and CHM chief historian Peter T. Alter discuss Chicago’s Polish history and the creation of the exhibition, listen to The Lira More

Family Event | Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Commemorate the enduring legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at our annual family-friendly event. Join us as we reflect on his life and work—particularly in Chicago such as the Chicago Freedom Movement—through special family-friendly activities and performances for all ages. As with all our Commemorative Days, the day’s activities are designed to honor More

Family Event | Guild Holiday Party

The Guild of the Chicago History Museum invites families and friends to ring in the holiday season with them! Enjoy an evening of good cheer and wintery drinks and nibbles with one of Chicago’s favorite caroling groups, the Great Lakes Dredge and Philharmonic Society. These festive fellows in tall top hats and long scarves known More

Family Event | Indigenous Peoples’ Month

November is Indigenous Peoples’ Month! Celebrate the rich heritage and histories of the people who were in Chicago first. Learn about the lives they still lead today as Indigenous artist and scholar Tony Tiger talks about his work. Included with general admission. RSVP not required for event, only if you would like a free print More

Family Event | Spectacularly Spooky Saturday

Looking for some family-friendly activities to do Halloween weekend? Come out to CHM for a day of fall-time fun! Enjoy face painting by Wina Shelley of Party Picassos Face Painting, doll making activities with Lori Bibbs, and, of course, CANDY! To round out your spooky time at CHM, be sure to check out our scavenger-hunt More

Fall Family Day

Join us for a day of activities celebrating the first-year anniversary of the City on Fire: Chicago 1871 exhibition, which explores the social, political, and economic dynamics of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This day will offer several family-friendly activities, including a musical performance, dollmaking activities, and character-led tours of City on Fire. All More

Back With You Again: Celebrating 75 Years of Kukla, Fran, and Ollie

Created by Chicagoan Burr Tillstrom, Kukla, Fran, and Ollie premiered on October 13, 1947, under the title Junior Jamboree. It quickly developed a local Chicago following, and then a national reach. Puppets Kukla, Ollie, and the various Kuklapolitans engaged Fran Allison and other guests in conversations, song, and make believe that delighted children and adults alike. More

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