Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Aquí en Chicago
Aquí en Chicago traces the lives of Latino/a/e communities that have maintained a persistent cultural presence and flourished in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Learn MoreDesigning for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
Chicago activists in the 1960s and ‘70s used design to amplify their visions of a more just world and to fight for social change.
Learn MoreInjustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till
In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, and the subsequent criminal trial in Mississippi attracted international attention and sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Learn MoreUS at 250: Carlos Flores & Deon Reed
From April to June, see portable, altar-inspired monuments by artists Carlos Flores and Deon Reed in response to the Northwest Ordinance.
Learn moreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Aquí en Chicago
Aquí en Chicago traces the lives of Latino/a/e communities that have maintained a persistent cultural presence and flourished in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Learn More
Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
Chicago activists in the 1960s and ‘70s used design to amplify their visions of a more just world and to fight for social change.
Learn More
Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till
In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, and the subsequent criminal trial in Mississippi attracted international attention and sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Learn More
US at 250: Carlos Flores & Deon Reed
From April to June, see portable, altar-inspired monuments by artists Carlos Flores and Deon Reed in response to the Northwest Ordinance.
Learn moreWHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHM?
Explore the city with our expert guides, delve into our exhibitions through thematic programs, or discover Chicago history through family-friendly activities.
US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago
On the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, we’re asking questions about our nation’s democracy in progress.
Learn More![Untitled-2 [Recovered]](https://www.chicagohistory.org/app/uploads/2026/01/USat250_Logo_stack_color-white-border-1280x1279.jpg){kind=logo}
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Guild of the Chicago History Museum invites you to a special talk by Liesl Olson, Director of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum and Professor of Art History and Museum Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, on the life and legacy of Jane Addams. Learn more
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The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to celebrate the dazzling artistry, creativity, and cultural impact of drag in Chicago! The evening features a lively panel discussion emceed by Chicago nightlife entrepreneur Mark Liberson, music by Mister Wallace, and live drag performances, including a special tribute to iconic female impersonator Chilli Pepper. Learn more
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Join CHM volunteer Carol Fitzgibbons to explore stories of recovery from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and when Old Town was the center of Chicago bohemianism in the 1960s and ’70s. Learn more
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Join a CHM History Buff volunteer guide and whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
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Join CHM History Buff volunteer guide Dave Gudewicz to explore the history of the Sheffield/DePaul neighborhood. Learn more
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Join storyteller and guide Connie Fairbanks on this exploration of the history of the Near West Side/West Loop from the late 1800s to the present. Learn more
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On this walking tour guide and researcher Tony Szabelski, explore the park’s history from the Couch Tomb to the tragic deaths along the High Bridge and the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Learn more
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The Making History Awards celebrate the accomplishments of individuals or corporations who have left their mark on Chicago. Join us as we share each of our honorees’ unique stories. Learn more
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Join us for the world premiere of Holding Pattern (2026), a documentary film that explores the divisive proposal of a third Chicagoland airport. Learn more
RSVP
LEARN AND CONNECT WITH CHM
CHM strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, programs, digital resources, and special events, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other.
ABAKANOWICZ RESEARCH CENTER
Home to the Chicago History Museum’s archives, manuscripts, photographs, and more, the Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is one of the premier research facilities in Chicago. With free admission, the ARC helps fulfill the Museum’s mission to be a destination for learning and to connect people to Chicago’s history. We look forward to welcoming you!
Learn MoreSupport the Museum
SUPPORT OUR MISSION BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Membership offers ways to engage with others who love the city of Chicago and its history and opportunities to interact with our award-winning staff. Enjoy free admission, behind-the-scenes experiences, special discounts, and more!
The Guild Presents | Why Jane Addams Matters Today
The Guild of the Chicago History Museum invites you to a special talk by Liesl Olson, Director of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum and Professor of Art History and Museum Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, on the life and legacy of Jane Addams. Learn more
BUY TICKETSThe Costume Council Presents | Legends of Chicago Drag
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to celebrate the dazzling artistry, creativity, and cultural impact of drag in Chicago! The evening features a lively panel discussion emceed by Chicago nightlife entrepreneur Mark Liberson, music by Mister Wallace, and live drag performances, including a special tribute to iconic female impersonator Chilli Pepper. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Historic Old Town
Join CHM volunteer Carol Fitzgibbons to explore stories of recovery from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and when Old Town was the center of Chicago bohemianism in the 1960s and ’70s. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Glitterati on the Gold Coast
Join a CHM History Buff volunteer guide and whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Sheffield Stroll
Join CHM History Buff volunteer guide Dave Gudewicz to explore the history of the Sheffield/DePaul neighborhood. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Union Park and Beyond in the West Loop
Join storyteller and guide Connie Fairbanks on this exploration of the history of the Near West Side/West Loop from the late 1800s to the present. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Lincoln Park’s Lost History
On this walking tour guide and researcher Tony Szabelski, explore the park’s history from the Couch Tomb to the tragic deaths along the High Bridge and the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Learn more
BUY TICKETS32nd Annual Making History Awards
The Making History Awards celebrate the accomplishments of individuals or corporations who have left their mark on Chicago. Join us as we share each of our honorees’ unique stories. Learn more
Register for the eventPartner Event | Dave Truitt Film Series – “Holding Pattern”
Join us for the world premiere of Holding Pattern (2026), a documentary film that explores the divisive proposal of a third Chicagoland airport. Learn more
RSVP