Come together to celebrate the year, explore our newest exhibition, and find new meaning in the stories that have shaped our past.

The Chicago History Museum’s Members’ Annual Meeting is an exclusive opportunity for members to reconnect with the Museum community, catch up on the Museum’s highlights and developments over the past year, and explore our newest exhibition, Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing.

Hear from Michael Anderson, the Edgar D. and Deborah R. Jannotta President and Chief Executive Officer, and Warren Chapman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, as they share updates on the Museum’s work and accomplishments. Then, discover the stories behind Threads of a Nation with guest curator Olivia Mahoney, former Senior Curator at CHM, in an engaging presentation on the art and science of preserving history.

Featuring garments and accessories associated with John Adams, George and Martha Washington, and Abraham and Mary Lincoln, Threads of a Nation offers a rare look at how conservators care for the objects that connect us to our nation’s past. Extraordinary artifacts and documents provide historical context, while the exhibition highlights the meticulous work required to preserve these remarkable materials for future generations. Presented in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the exhibition reflects the Museum’s enduring commitment to caring for its renowned collection.

The evening includes a 45-minute presentation by Ms. Mahoney, followed by an audience Q&A and time to experience the exhibition firsthand. Explore the gallery, discover fascinating details alongside fellow members, and share in the stories these objects tell—from our nation’s history to the histories we carry with us.

Free for CHM members; registration required.

Lead Sponsor

Thank You to Our Sponsors of Style

George Washington Sponsor

Liz Stiffel

 

Abraham Lincoln Sponsors

D. Elizabeth Price
The Gregory Shearson Family
VLS Private Foundation
Richard and Diane Weinberg
 

John Adams Benefactors

Pamella and Alfredo Capitanini
Karen Peters and Charles Frank
Heritage Auctions
Alicia and David Schafer
Carlette McMullan
Lyssa Mashek Piette
Karen Zupko and Mike McCahon

Pattern Friends

David Hiller and Darcy Evon
Courtney and Tobin Hopkins
Neiman Marcus
Rhonda Marcucci
Frank J. Rubel III

Threads Patrons

Anika Allen and Baird Capital
Constance K. Barkley
Katie Beard
Kathleen M. Boege
Jonathon and Jacqueline Cwiok
Bon French
Athena Golianis
Vicki Hood
Katherine Klehr
Lissette Cortes Lade and David Lade
Betty Latson
Lizzy Lopez
Diane Lovejoy
Erica C. Meyer
Randolph Street Market
Cheryl Tama Oblander and Scott Oblander

Conservation of the presidential costumes and objects is being supported in part by a federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

   

Contact Melinda at [email protected] to learn more about exhibition sponsorships.

Guest Speaker

Olivia Mahoney headshot NC_317_02-5×7-300ppi

Olivia Mahoney formerly served as Senior Curator at the Chicago History Museum. She developed numerous exhibitions related to Chicago and US history, including Edward Worst: Craftsman and Educator (1985), A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln with Eric Foner (1990), Go West! Chicago and American Expansion (1995), Chicago: Crossroads of America (2006), Modern by Design: Chicago Streamlines America (2018), Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s-70s (2024), and Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing (2026). Since 2019, Mahoney has been a freelance curator/researcher for the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, the Obama Presidential Center, and the Chicago History Museum.

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