Give the gift of Chicago!

Support the Museum by sponsoring one of our most popular artifacts.

Adopting an artifact is a fun and easy way to share a piece of Chicago's history with a friend or loved one. After you adopt, visit the Museum to see the artifact in person along with a display listing your name as sponsor of your selected item. In addition, your tax-deductible contribution to the Annual Fund will provide the necessary care to conserve our treasured artifacts as well as support all Museum activities, including exhibition and program development.

Adopting an artifact is fun and easy!

Step 1: Choose an artifact.

Step 2: Use our online form to make a secure tax-deductible donation at the level of your choosing. See the Benefits of Adoption for more information.

We will then send a personalized adoption packet to you or a friend or loved one.

> Adopt an artifact now!

Artifacts

Norman Rockwell's
Mrs. Catherine O'Leary Milking Daisy, c. 1935

For many years, Mrs. O'Leary's cow was blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire. The alleged perpetrator looks sublimely innocent in Rockwell's depiction of the O'Leary's barn on DeKoven Street.

Kukla, Fran and Ollie's Mme Ophelia Ooglepuss

In 1937, Burr Tillstrom created Madame Ophelia Ooglepuss, a retired opera diva and the second of the Kuklapolitan Players. Although once-betrothed to Colonel Crackie, she often looked to Kukla to soothe her ruffled feelings.

Scepter presented to Daniel Burnham, c. 1895

Created by Spaulding and Company of Chicago, this ivory and gold scepter was presented to city planner Daniel Burnham in honor of his work on the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Urn designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

This copper urn, designed to hold dried floral arrangements, is a Prairie School masterpiece. The urn's geometric design and burnished tones complemented Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural interiors.

Michael Jordan's jersey and shoes, 1989

During the 1990s, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships. Long accustomed to mediocre sports teams and dry spells, Chicagoans reveled in the success of one of the best teams in NBA history.

Platinum album for
Chicago's Greatest Hits 1982–1989

Released in 1989, Chicago's third greatest hits album included "Hard Habit to Break," "You're the Inspiration," and "Will You Still Love Me?" Featuring appearances from both Peter Cetera and Jason Scheff, the album remains a best-seller.

Benefits of Adoption

Donors at the following levels will receive a personalized adoption packet, which includes a certificate of adoption, a photograph of your chosen item, and a description of its historical significance, plus:

$35–99

• Your name listed in the Museum as a sponsor of your chosen item
• A one-year subscription to our quarterly newsletter, Calendar

$100–249

• Your name listed in the Museum as a sponsor of your chosen item
• A one-year subscription to our donor newsletter, Chicago Treasures
• A free pass to visit the Museum for you and a guest

$250–499

• Your name listed in the Museum as a sponsor of your chosen item
• All of the benefits of Museum membership, including free admission, free subscriptions to Calendar and Chicago History magazine, invitations to member-only events and exhibition previews, and more!
• A special Donor Card that entitles you to VIP status throughout the Museum

$500–999

• Your name listed in the Museum as a sponsor of your chosen item
• Your name listed in our donor newsletter, Chicago Treasures, and Annual Report
• All of the benefits of Museum membership (see details under $250–499)
• A special Contributor Card that entitles you to VIP status throughout the Museum

$1,000 and above

• Your name listed in the Museum as a sponsor of your chosen item
• Your name listed in our donor newsletter, Chicago Treasures, and Annual Report
• All of the benefits of Museum membership (see details under $250–499)
• All of the benefits of involvement with the Chicago History Museum's Historical Alliance
  For more information, please call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 312.799.2118.