Code of Conduct

The Chicago History Museum’s mission—to serve as the primary destination for learning, inspiration, and civic engagement to connect people to Chicago’s history and each other—is the foundation of the Museum’s programs and events, exhibitions, educational initiatives, publications, and collecting activities that touch the lives of all Chicagoans.

To maintain a welcoming and safe environment for our community to come together to learn from our collective history, we require visitors, members, donors, staff, and volunteers to observe the following guidelines at all times.

Be Welcoming: We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. This includes but is not limited to: members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, socioeconomic class, education level, sexual orientation, gender and gender expression, age, size, family status, religion, and mental and physical ability.

Be Respectful: Chicago and its history is representative of a diverse population of neighborhoods, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and experiences. These factors make us who we are, and our differences must be respected and embraced. Everyone contributing to the shared experience of the Museum must feel comfortable fully participating and learning. Our differing viewpoints may cause frustration, but that frustration must not escalate into personal attacks. This includes, but is not limited to: violence of any kind, including verbal or physical intimidation, sexual harassment or non-consensual physical interaction; ongoing disruption of a program or event; or any actions that threaten the safety of a member of our community, collection, or space.

Be Open-Minded: We come together to learn about the shared experiences of the people of Chicago. To learn, we must be free to learn about anything. We must embrace our varied perspectives and experiences to better understand ourselves and our own experience in this city. Do not insult or demean other participants or staff. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior are not acceptable. This includes but is not limited to: offensive comments related to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender and/or gender expression, sexuality, physical appearance, religion, ability, age, or economic background.

Be Compassionate: We all make mistakes. As an organization, we exist to share Chicago’s complex history. We are committed to learn from the triumphs and mistakes of the past and expect that all who participate in our programming will allow others the opportunity to do the same.

Persons who disobey this code of conduct or any other policies of the Chicago History Museum will be asked to stop such activity and may be required to leave the premises. The Museum reserves the right to remove from its premises anyone whose conduct, in the judgment of the Museum, is detrimental to its collections, activities, staff, users, volunteers, or guests.