Support the Collection

Unexpected Chicago is your chance to see treasures from the Museum’s collection of over 22 million artifacts. Help us share our beloved city’s history with the world. Please consider donating $10 or more to help enable the Museum to offer the city’s history to the public in surprising and fascinating ways.

> Donate  Now! 

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> Become a donor to the Annual Fund

Contributions support all areas of the Museum

School Visits

The Museum hosts more than 700 visiting school groups every year. Your generosity ensures that these field trips remain free.

Conservation of Our Collection

The Museum’s collection of more than 22 million artifacts is preserved through contributions, which cover cleaning, storage, and upkeep for fragile artifacts.

Research

A key priority of the Museum is keeping our collection accessible to the public, so we assist more than 10,000 patrons each year in our Research Center.

Museum Staff

Our entire staff is supported by contributions, from lobby receptionists to curators, exhibition designers, educators, and more.

Chicago History on Display

Contributions enable us to offer the city’s history to the public with the highest level of scholarship.