2024 Making History Awards
Each year, the Making History Awards celebrate the accomplishments of individuals or corporations who have left their mark on Chicago. Over the past 30 years, the Making History Awards have honored more than 151 prominent Chicagoans and Chicago-based corporations whose enduring contributions to our community have made Chicago a better and more vibrant place to live.
The Chicago History Museum inaugurated this event in 1995 to provide vital financial support to the Museum’s operations and programs. Today, this event is still a cornerstone of the institution, supporting the 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.
See our most recent awardees below.
Spotlight on the 2024 Making History Award Honorees
Guadalupe Arce
President, Tropical Optical Company
The Enrico Fermi Making History Award for Distinction in Science, Medicine, and Technology
Rick Bayless
Chef & Restaurateur
The Marshall Field Making History Award for Distinction in Corporate Leadership and Innovation
Mary Dillon
President & CEO, Foot Locker
The Bertha Honoré Palmer Making History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership
Leo Melamed
Chairman Emeritus, CME Group, Inc.
The Daniel H. Burnham Making History Award for Distinction in Visionary Leadership
Liz and Don Thompson
President and CEO/Founder, Cleveland Avenue, LLC
The Jane Addams Making History Award for Distinction in Social Service
Contact Us
For more information on supporting or attending the Making History Awards, please contact Eric Miller, Development Coordinator, at miller@chicagohistory.org or (312) 799-2110