CHM’s Bug Buster
Just as it’s impossible to keep insects out of our homes, it’s impossible to keep them from entering museums as well. While insects in general are not harmful to humans, … Learn More
Author: chm_admin
The Afro-American Patrolmen’s League
Collections volunteer Robert Blythe details the history and contents of the African American Police League records in our Abakanowicz Research Center. “Black Police League Has Tough Job Ahead.” This headline … Learn More
Documenting LGBTQ History
Archives intern Brienne Callahan talks about a newly processed photograph collection that highlights Chicago’s LGBTQ nightlife and rights activism in the 1980s and 1990s. After years of gay rights activism … Learn More
What’s Glove Got to Do with It?
When you work at a museum, you wear specific gloves when handling certain artifacts, most of the time. Researchers and visitors often ask us why, so here’s a bit more … Learn More
The Marshall Field & Company Collection
Collections volunteer Robert Blythe details the history of artifacts in our Marshall Field & Company collection. In 2006, many Chicago-area residents were crestfallen when all Marshall Field & Company stores … Learn More
History in Your Hands Introduction
History in Your Hands is an innovative, object-based instructional resource. The Chicago History Museum partnered with nineteen Chicago Public School teachers to develop classroom artifact kits and accompanying learning activities … Learn More
The Hidden Life of Artifacts
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 3D OBJECTS Introduce students to historical inquiry through hands-on exploration of artifacts. Each lesson can be adapted for use with objects from any historical era. Artifact Analysis … Learn More
Industry and Innovation
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 3D OBJECTS Complete an in-depth exploration of a common household item to uncover the history hidden in everyday objects. Show Me a Flowerpot By comparing and contrasting … Learn More
Transportation History
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, 3D OBJECTS Explore Chicago’s prominent role in the history of the railroads through transportation artifacts—both past and present. The Golden Spike Students will read “Joseph’s … Learn More
The Great Migration
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, 3D OBJECTS Gain empathy and understanding of the people who participated in one of the biggest population shifts in US history. Travelers in Time By … Learn More