2026 Making History Awards

Each year, the Making History Awards celebrate the accomplishments of individuals or corporations who have left their mark on Chicago. Over the past 31 years, we have honored 144 individuals from all walks of life for their enduring contributions to art and culture, sports, business, and civic life. We have also celebrated 14 companies for their historic corporate achievements.

Join us on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago as we share each of our honorees’ unique stories and hear from esteemed colleagues on the importance of their contributions to our community. We will also hear from Chicago History Museum leadership and take a look at the Museum’s current initiatives and exhibitions.

The Chicago History Museum inaugurated this event in 1995 to provide vital financial support to the Museum’s operations and programs. More than 31 years later, this event is still a cornerstone of the institution, supporting the Museum’s mission to serve as the primary destination for learning, inspiration, and civic engagement to connect people to Chicago’s history and each other.

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Not Attending but Wish to Make a Donation

Spotlight on the 2026 Making History Award Honorees

Debra A Cafaro Approved 400×400
Debra A. Cafaro
CEO Ventas, Inc.

The Cyrus McCormick Making History Award for Historic Corporate Achievement

Fred Eychaner HiRes 33 400 x 400
Fred J. Eychaner
Chairman, Newsweb Corporation; President, Alphawood Foundation

The Daniel H. Burnham Making History Award for Distinction in Visionary Leadership

Buddy Guy Approved HiRes 400 x 400
George “Buddy” Guy
Iconic American Blues Guitarist, Singer & Songwriter

The Theodore Thomas Making History Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts

John McCarter 20 400 x 400
John W. McCarter Jr.
Former President & CEO, Field Museum of Natural History; Chair, Board of Regents, Smithsonian Institute; Interim President, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

The Marshall Field Making History Award for Distinction in Corporate Leadership and Innovation

Linda Johnson Rice Approved 400 x 400
Linda Johnson Rice
CEO, Johnson Publishing Company

The Bertha Honoré Palmer Making History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership

Contact Us

For more information on supporting or attending the Making History Awards, please contact Eric Miller, Development Coordinator, at (312) 799-2110 or miller@chicagohistory.org

View Some Past Recipients of the Making History Awards

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