The Chicago History Museum
Founded in 1856 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization under the laws of the state of Illinois in 1857, the Chicago Historical Society (CHS) is the city’s oldest cultural institution and home to millions of historical objects, images, and documents. Nationally recognized for its holdings, CHS is devoted to collecting, interpreting, and presenting the rich multicultural history of Chicago, as well as selected areas of American history. In 2006, following an extensive building renovation and rebranding initiative, CHS created a new public identity for itself as the Chicago History Museum (CHM), which operates as the building and institutional public presence under the auspices and legal oversight of CHS.
Board of Trustees
Chicago Historical Society Board of Trustees
Awards
Professional and civic awards granted to the Museum
Making History Awards
Learn more about the Making History Awards
Annual Report
The 2020 Chicago History Museum Annual Report
The 2019 Chicago History Museum Annual Report
The 2018 Chicago History Museum Annual Report
The 2017 Chicago History Museum Annual Report
Key Documents
Mission, Vision, Purpose, Past, Present and Future
Chicago History Museum Visioning Report
Chicago History Museum Collection Policy
Chicago History Museum Code of Ethics
Chicago History Museum Digital Future Committee 1.0 Report
Chicago History Museum Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Executive Team
Donald Lassere, Edgar D. and Deborah R. Jannotta President
Kris Nesbitt, Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer
Cheryl Obermeyer, Vice President of Finance
John Russick, Senior Vice President
Nancy Villafranca-Guzmán, Vice President for Education and Engagement