Michael Anderson to lead city’s oldest cultural institution
CHICAGO (July 29, 2026) – Michael J. Anderson has been chosen as the new Edgar D. and Deborah R. Jannotta President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago History Museum. Anderson, previously vice president of external affairs and development, was named Interim President after his predecessor, Donald Lassere, resigned in January. The announcement was made by Board Chair Warren Chapman.
“Michael is the right person to lead the Museum as cultural institutions nationwide rethink how to offer the best experience possible to visitors and members,” Chapman said. “People changed their leisure-time habits during the COVID pandemic, and we need to make sure our Museum offerings are compelling and meaningful. Michael has the vision and experience to lead these efforts.”
Anderson joined Chicago’s oldest cultural institution in 2014 and has worked with senior management and trustees to build and solidify relationships with major donors. He previously held key administrative positions at Columbia College Chicago and Southern Utah University. He earned his undergraduate degree in marketing from Southern Utah University, a master’s in arts administration from Wayne State University, and a certificate in high-impact leadership from the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University Chicago.
“Leading the Chicago History Museum at this transformative moment gives me a unique opportunity to continue making it the go-to place for all things Chicago—topical, thoughtful, fearless,” Anderson said. “By embracing new technologies, partnering with communities, and presenting dynamic, playful, and probing exhibitions and programs, our committed museum staff not only preserves the past but helps shape our city’s future.”
Anderson’s appointment is effective immediately. He was selected after a six-month search that attracted more than 70 applicants from a nationwide pool, Chapman said. Anderson has been active in Chicago’s arts and cultures scene for more than 30 years, first as a dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, then a fundraiser at Columbia College Chicago. He has served on several nonprofit boards, including Chicago Dance Health Fund and the Gerald Arpino Foundation.
“We were able to narrow the list of candidates pretty quickly, and it was apparent Michael was the ideal choice because of his deep experience and familiarity with the staff and culture of the Museum.” Chapman said. ”As interim president, Michael demonstrated his willingness and ability to tackle complex issues, and to ensure we remain a trusted and valued resource for scholarly research and a destination for learning, inspiration, and community engagement. We envision this transition to be seamless.”
CHM typically welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually, including student group visits of more than 30,000. To celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, the Museum has a variety of exhibitions, including four foundational documents in the Museum’s collection, as well as a refreshed “Facing Freedom” exhibition that asks visitors, “What would you do for freedom?” In October, an exhibition “Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing” will feature garments worn by former U.S. presidents George Washington, John Adams, and Abraham Lincoln, to name a few. The clothing is from the Museum’s extensive costume collection.
A photo of Anderson is available here.
More information about upcoming exhibitions and programs can be found at chicagohistory.org.
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ABOUT THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
The Chicago History Museum is situated on ancestral homelands of the Potawatomi people, who cared for the land until forced out by non-Native settlers. Established in 1856, the Museum is located at 1601 N. Clark Street in Lincoln Park, its third location. A major museum and research center for Chicago and U.S. history, the Chicago History Museum strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration, and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. The Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents, and images to assist in sharing Chicago stories. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.