Chicago’s story isn’t finished—it’s being written by you.

The Chicago History Museum collaborates with local community leaders, artists, and youth to set the stage every summer for Civic Season in partnership with Made By Us. Instead of a single commemorative event on Independence Day, our programming starts Juneteenth and continues with Civic Saturdays all leading toward our final program on Independence Day. Together, we’re learning from the past to write a better future. What will your chapter add to Chicago’s story?

What actions will you take to be a more engaged citizen? How will you stay informed about issues affecting your community? Find inspiration, connect with community-serving organizations, and explore your creativity with multiple civic art workshops.

Included with general admission. Free Ticket Day for Illinois residents.

Schedule

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Outdoor activities

Located in the East Plaza behind the museum.

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Our 250th Wish Wall

1st Floor, Guild Gallery

Design Together: Museums as Civic Spaces

1st Floor, Guild Gallery

Civic Superpower Quiz

2nd Floor, Jo Baskin Minow Lobby

League of Women Voters

2nd Floor, Jo Baskin Minow Lobby

“Ask Me Volunteers”

2nd Floor, Exhibition Galleries

Button Making for Change

2nd Floor, Chicago Room

Face Painting

2nd Floor, Chicago Room

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Freedom Song Sing Along with Lenny Marsh and Friends

1st Floor, McCormick Theater

12:00–2:00 p.m.

Poems While You Wait

2nd Floor, Jo Baskin Minow Lobby

12:00–1:00 p.m.

Hot Dog Trivia

2nd Floor, Chicago Room

1:00–2:00 p.m.

Keynote Speaker – Kate Masur

1st Floor, McCormick Theater

3:00–4:00 p.m.

July 4th Closeout Musical Performance with Wanye Williams

1st Floor, McCormick Theater

 

Presented in partnership with

The 2025 Civic Season is made possible thanks to generous support from Mars Wrigley AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate, P&G, StickerGiant, Frontline Impact Project, KIND and other supporters and collaborators.