Buddy Guy, Debra Cafaro, Fred Eychaner, Linda Johnson Rice and John McCarter Jr. to be recognized for shaping Chicago’s cultural and economic legacy.
CHICAGO (May 28, 2026) – The Chicago History Museum will honor a cross-section of Chicago’s most influential leaders from blues icon Buddy Guy to top executives and civic visionaries at the Museum’s 32nd Annual Making History Awards, which will occur on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
The Making History Awards is the Museum’s premier annual fundraising event, supporting its mission to serve as the primary destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement to connect people to Chicago’s history and each other.
This year’s honorees represent the breadth of leadership shaping Chicago today across business, culture and civic life:
Debra A. Cafaro
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ventas
Recipient of the Cyrus McCormick Making History Award for Historic Corporate Achievement
Award Presenter: Laura Ricketts
Fred J. Eychaner
Chairman, Newsweb Corporation; President, Alphawood Foundation
Recipient of the Daniel Burnham Making History Award in Visionary Leadership
Award Presenter: Art Johnston
George “Buddy” Guy
Iconic blues guitarist, singer and songwriter whose influence has shaped generations of American music
Recipient of the Theodore Thomas Making History Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts
Award Presenter: Ronnie Baker Brooks
John W. McCarter Jr.
Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Field Museum of Natural History; Chair, Board of Regents, Smithsonian Institution; Interim President, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Recipient of the Marshall Field Making History Award for Distinction in Corporate Leadership and Innovation
Award Presenter: Marshall Field V
Linda Johnson Rice
Chairman, Johnson Publishing Company
Recipient of the Bertha Honoré Palmer Making History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership
Award Presenter: Marc Schulman
“The Making History Awards celebrate individuals whose work reflects the spirit, resilience and innovation that define Chicago,” said Michael Anderson, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago History Museum. “This year’s honorees represent extraordinary leadership across business, culture and civic life, and we are proud to recognize their enduring contributions.”
Media opportunities with select honorees and Museum leadership are available upon request.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or tickets, please visit chicagohistory.org/mha or contact Eric Miller, Development Coordinator, at miller@chicagohistory.org or (312) 799-2110.
MEDIA KIT AVAILABLE HERE: https://app.box.com/s/sk2ed94lyowl0kazfi3jqxree2cajdgr