CHICAGO (June 12, 2025) – This summer, Civic Season returns to the Chicago History Museum with a series of exciting and informative programs focused on learning from Chicago’s past to write a better future. Presented in partnership with Made By Us, CHM collaborates with local community leaders, artists, and youth to set the stage every summer for Civic Season. Programming starts on Juneteenth and continues with Civic Saturdays all leading toward the final program on Independence Day.
“There is a myriad of people who have made the promises of our nation tangible over time, but their stories aren’t always known or fully understood. Using the past as a guide, we can draw a roadmap to future community participation so we may all be more informed and engaged citizens,” said Erica Griffin-Fabicon, Elizabeth F. Cheney Director of Education at the Chicago History Museum.
This year, presented in collaboration with the Floating Museum, CHM is hosting the “Founders” inflatable sculpture at the Museum on June 21, 2025, in support of Civic Season and to further promote awareness of underrepresented parts of Chicago’s history. During the program, the mobile monument will be further activated with performances and related hands-on arts-making activities for youth and families.
Civic Season Programming
Celebrating Juneteenth with The DuSable Black History Museum and Education
Thursday, June 19, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Join CHM at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center for their annual Community BBQ where guests will enjoy a vibrant mix of education, entertainment, food and local vendors as we honor Black history, culture and freedom. Learn more here.
Civic Saturdays
Saturdays, June 21 & June 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join CHM to explore the city’s civic legacy and explore ways to transform ideas into action through workshops, tours, art projects and documentaries about today’s issues. Leave with skills, connections and a roadmap for making real change.
Independence Day: Shaping Chicago’s Next Chapter
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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. Together, we’re learning from the past to write a better future. What will your chapter add to Chicago’s story?
During the events, guests will hear from civic leaders including Tonika Johnson, Folded Map Project; Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, Chicago Mahogany Tours; and Mikva Challenge. There will also be numerous opportunities for hands-on activities including outdoor games and facepainting, button-making, swag giveaways, trivia contests and more.
All Civic Season events are free admission days to CHM for Illinois residents. Learn more about the series of programs here.
Civic Season is celebrated nationally by more than 300 cultural institutions and museums gearing up to 2026, which will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Join us to lay the groundwork for a meaningful, vibrant commemoration for all with empowering and resonant opportunities to contribute to the American story.
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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.