Our exhibition American Medina: Stories of Muslim Chicago draws from more than 100 interviews with Muslim Chicagoans discussing their faith, identities, and personal journeys. By sharing their stories, we aim to exhibit the vibrant Muslim communities in the city and suburbs, honor individual experiences, and build connections in our communities through listening and understanding.

Listen to Imani Muhammad speak about what inspired her to start her business, Imani’s Original Bean Pies, on the South Side.

Storytelling is at the core of the Museum’s mission. The American Medina exhibition originated from the Chicago Muslim Oral History Project at our Studs Terkel Center for Oral History, which seeks to carry on the work of its namesake. By documenting diverse Chicago voices, we will ensure that the personal stories of those who are not always heard will be preserved for future generations. Learn more.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

The Chicago History Museum is situated on ancestral homelands of the Potawatomi people, who cared for the land until forced out by non-Native settlers. Established in 1856, the Museum is now at 1601 N. Clark Street in Lincoln Park, its third location. As a major museum and research center for Chicago and U.S. history, the Chicago History Museum strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. To share Chicago stories, the Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents, images and other items that are relevant to the city’s history. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.