Upcoming Events

Over the past seventeen years, the Making History Awards have honored eighty-two Chicagoans whose enduring contributions to our community have made Chicago a better and more vibrant place to live. This annual event supports the mission of the Museum, Chicago’s oldest cultural institution. The awards will be hosted by new Museum Trustee, Ali Velshi, CNN Chief Business Correspondent and Anchor. This year's gala will celebrate the accomplishments of four distinguished honorees who have left their marks on Chicago.

The 2012 Making History Award honorees

Walter E. Massey
The Enrico Fermi Making History Award for Distinction in Science, Medicine, and Technology

Adele S. Simmons
The Robert Maynard Hutchins Making History Award for Distinction in Education

Walgreens, accepted by Gregory Wasson
The Cyrus McCormick Making History Award for Historic Corporate Achievement

Miles D. White
The Bertha Honoré Palmer Making History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership

To make a reservation, contact Gina Scalise at gscalise@pjhchicago.com

Magic Events

Lesley Burr — 2012-05-14T20:55:00Z

Performance: Chicago Magic Competition 2012

Sunday, August 12, 2:00 p.m. in the Chicago Room

See ten of the Chicago area’s top magicians compete to win this annual event. Professionals and highly skilled amateurs representing the city’s magic clubs will perform tricks derived from Chicago’s tradition of close-up performance, redesigned for a larger crowd. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded by celebrity judges and an additional people’s choice award by the audience. Co-presented by Chicago Assembly No. 3 of the Society of American Magicians, founded in 1919 with a charter signed by the organization’s National President, Harry Houdini.

Cost: Free with Museum admission

Magic is made possible by gifts from the Kipper Family Foundation, the Crown Family Fund for Exhibitions and Programs, and the Segal Family Foundation. The object theater is made possible by The Jacob and Rosaline Cohn Foundation.

Shalom Chicago

Lesley Burr — 2012-10-18T20:55:00Z

Member pricing applies to Museum and Spertus Institute members.

Not a member?

> Join now!

Event Listing

Mah Jongg May

One table, 152 tiles, four players, plenty of snacks, and all the neighborhood gossip you can handle. Play the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jongg, as popularized by Jewish-American women in the early twentieth century. We are devoting the entire month of May to this game of strategy and luck!

Mah Jongg Open Play

Sunday, May 26, 2:00–5:00 p.m.

Already a player? Bring your Mah Jongg group to the North and Clark Café this May.

Shalom Sundays for Families

Join us on select Sundays for programming inspired by events held at the historic Jewish People’s Institute.

Cost: Children 12 and under are free. Adults are free with Museum admission.

Kosher Backyard BBQ Demo

Sunday, June 9, 12:00–4:00 p.m.

Kick off the summer with a kosher BBQ in the Museum’s backyard! Watch a demonstration from Chicago Tailgators: they’ll show us how to make three different delicious sliders. Enjoy picnic-table crafts and play backyard games. Tastings will be included!

Presented in collaboration with the Jewish Community Center of Chicago and Grandparents for Social Action

Taste and Tour!

Indulge your senses this summer and explore Jewish stories through sacred spaces and neighborhood bites.

Nosh and Kibitz: A Neighborhood Trolley and Walking Tour

Sunday, July 21, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Nourish your body and your mind! Sample neighborhood histories and food at a variety of kosher restaurants in Skokie. Explore the once-vibrant Jewish neighborhood on Devon Avenue, now home to a mix of cultures and identities.

Cost: $55, $50 members

> Purchase tickets

The Synagogue Speaks

Sunday, August 11, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Expert tour guide and architectural historian Rolf Achilles leads a bus tour of Chicago-area synagogues. From balustrades to bimahs, explore architecture, art, and sacred stories from the oldest synagogue to the most modern.

Cost: $55, $50 members

> Purchase tickets

Shalom Chicago programs are generously supported by The Covenant Foundation

Haunted Chicago

Lesley Burr — 2012-09-05T15:45:00Z

Chicago is one of the most haunted cities in the world, boasting a colorful past filled eerie events that range from the truly chilling to the light-of-heart. In celebration of Halloween, the Museum will host cemetery tours, dinners, seminars and other events that will showcase Chicago's very real and often shocking past!

Out at CHM

Lesley Burr — 2012-10-26T16:35:00Z

There are no Out at CHM programs at this time.

Tours

egonzalez — 2006-08-28T16:37:15Z

Films

egonzalez — 2006-08-28T16:40:00Z

Project Sunday

Join us for our monthly documentary series. Films are screened on select Sundays and begin at 1:30 p.m.

Location: Films are shown in the Rubloff Auditorium.

Cost:
Free for members; Free with Museum admission for nonmembers.

Chicago Drawbridges

Sunday, June 16, 1:30 p.m.

A Q&A with filmmaker Patrick McBriarty immediately follows the film. 60 minutes.

Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham & The American City

Sunday, July 7, 1:30 p.m.

60 minutes.

They Never Walked Alone

Sunday, August 4, 1:30 p.m.

62 minutes.

Refund Policy:
Refunds for a tour will be given in the form of tour credit which can be applied to another tour. Credit will be given with a minimum of two weeks notice prior to the day of the tour. No exceptions.

Weather Hotline:
The Museum maintains a Weather Hotline to provide updates about weather-related delays or cancellations. If you think your program or tour may be affected by inclement weather, please call 312.799.2002 for the most current information.

Sign Language Interpretation:
The Chicago History Museum is happy to offer sign language interpretation at any of its public programs. Please contact the Public Programs Manager, at least 2 weeks prior to the day of the event in order to accommodate this request 312.642.4600

Special Events

egonzalez — 2010-08-04T21:28:13Z

Dinner Series

Lesley Burr — 2011-08-23T19:50:00Z

This spring we’ll head out to local eateries and combine history with good eats!

There are no Dinner events at this time.

Family Events

Lesley Burr — 2012-10-24T15:45:00Z

Event Listing

Second Saturdays

Drop by and explore the city’s stories with your family through interactive activities, make-and-take crafts, music, performances, and more.

Every second Saturday of the month, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free with Museum admission, Museum admission is free for kids 12 and under

I Heart Objects

Saturday, June 8

In June, we’re taking a closer look at the things museums collect. Complete a scavenger hunt, vote for your favorite artifact, and sketch an interesting object from our collection to add to a pop-up gallery.

Stuff to Stories

Saturday, July 13

Inspired by our photography exhibition Vivian Maier’s Chicago, we’ll focus on how objects tell stories about people. Learn how to talk about artifacts and craft your own story based our galleries.

Treasure Keepers

Saturday, August 10

Ever wonder how museums take care of important objects? We’re going behind the scenes to see how the Museum preserves artifacts. Get ideas on how to care for your own treasures and talk about how your family fits into Chicago history.

Second Saturdays at the Chicago History Museum is supported by a gift from the Siragusa Foundation.

Shalom Sundays

Join us on select Sundays for family friendly events inspired by the Jewish People’s Institute. Create craft projects, listen to music, and taste something new.

Cost: Free with Museum admission, Museum admission free for kids 12 and under

Kosher Backyard BBQ Demo

Sunday, June 9, 12:00–4:00 p.m.

Presented in collaboration with the Jewish Community Center of Chicago and Grandparents for Social Action

Family Trolley Tours

Our new family trolley tours are real urban adventures. Led by family guide Josh Eisenberg, each thematic journey takes in Chicago’s unique places and spaces.

Tours begin at the Museum and run on select Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Recommended for kindergarten through 6th grade; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Above and Below

Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Chicago is a city of many levels. Look down from a rooftop garden to see the tops of buildings and the noisy streets below. Go underground to discover the tunnels of the Chicago Pedway, and hunt for signs of the massive city above.

Cost: $20 adult, $10 child; members: $15 adult, $5 child

> Purchase tickets

Water, Water Everywhere

Saturday, July 27, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Cool off this summer with a tour of the city's waterways. Explore the coastline of Lake Michigan and splash in the city's fountains. Shed your sandals on this wet and wild trip!

Cost: $20 adult, $10 child; members: $15 adult, $5 child

> Purchase tickets

Extreme Chicago

Saturday, August 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Did you know that Chicago is home to some of the brightest, biggest, and boldest places in the country? Visit the site of the nation's most influential settlement house, see one of America's biggest buildings, and explore the largest green roof in the world.

Cost: $20 adult, $10 child; members: $15 adult, $5 child

> Purchase tickets

Special Appearance by the Radio Disney Road Crew

Thursday, June 27, 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Discover the Chicago Fire, famous landmarks, local music, and more through singing, dancing, and crafts. Performances are forty minutes long.

Cost: Free with Museum admission.

Member Events

nross — 2006-08-28T16:37:15Z

Educator Events

egonzalez — 2010-12-30T17:17:19Z

Lectures and Seminars

Lesley Burr — 2011-08-15T18:25:00Z

Red Squad Symposium

Saturday, June 1, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

For much of the twentieth century, Chicago’s Police Surveillance Unit monitored and infiltrated allegedly subversive organizations and stored its discoveries in its secret Red Squad records. Because of the relaxation of the legal restrictions controlling access to those files, this event will feature stories that have not been available to the public until now, including records focusing on the ACLU, the National Organization for Women, and the National Presbyterian Church.

Keynote speaker Richard Gutman, an attorney who helped lead the legal fight against the Red Squad, historians, and organization members, will address controversies surrounding the Red Squad’s records, including the constitutionality of surveillance and the subjective nature of the data collected. Join us for stories of activists, political figures, and progressive groups.

Cost: $30, $20 members; includes lunch

> Purchase tickets

Chicago Rocks! Music Series

Lesley Burr — 2012-02-09T21:40:00Z

Grab your dancing shoes and groove with us this Spring for a slew of events that celebrates Chicago’s rich musical past. Over the course of four weeks, we’ll explore various genres that have dominated the Windy City’s sound scene. From lectures and concerts to tours and dinners, the series will have something for any music aficionado and lover of Chicago history.

Dinner

Punk ‘n’ Brew Beer Dinner

Monday, April 9, 7:00 p.m.

Location: Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Join us for an evening of history, punk music, and rockin’ good food. We’ll enjoy four courses and beer pairings inspired by punk music. Learn about Revolution Brewery’s punk connections while rocking out to a kickin’ playlist. Price includes four courses, beer pairings, tax, and gratuity.

Cost: $60, $55 members

This event is sold out

History Pub Crawl

Drink To The Music!

Tuesday, April 10, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Windy City bars have historically been a hotbed for the city’s often edgy music scene. Chicagoans have been jammin’ to an assortment of tunes in various taverns ever since we blew out this town’s first birthday candle. Join us on this trolley excursion to local bars that have played pivotal roles in Chicago’s rich music scene.

Cost: $30, $25 Members

> Purchase tickets

Lecture and Concert

Our House: A Retrospective of Chicago's Dance Music

Thursday, April 12
Doors open at 7:30 p.m., Lecture 8:00 p.m.-9:00p.m., Music 9:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Location: Smart Bar, 3730 N. Clark St.

Since its emergence in the1980's, Chicago House Music has universally influenced dance music from the industrial landscapes of Detroit through the fogs of London and around the European Empires. House was a movement that began in the basements and bedrooms of teenagers who purchased second hand electronic instruments to achieve self expression. These DIY producers created atmospheric and textural qualities which became the cornerstones of individualism and experience. Art, literature and music generated and championed by subcultures shape and mold the social structures and nuances of the metropolitan landscapes. Join us with local DJ aficionado and SmartBar resident Justin Long as we investigate and explore the foundations of Chicago’s most celebrated and yet unknown House Music sound. A dance genre that is specific in nature, characteristics and form.

Concert: Following the discourse, pioneer spin artist, Justin Long, will perform a DJ set comprising of producers and labels that were key to the constructions of the Chicago House scene.

Cost: $25, $20 members. Ticket price includes admission to this private event and free cover for the entire evening.

This event has been cancelled.

Bus Tour

Journey to the Center of the Chicago House Sound

Saturday, April 14, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Chicago House sound is synonymous with its urban topography. Chart-breaking dance tracks materialized from modest recording studios, attained prized positions in local disk jockeys’ milk crates, and eventually influenced the shape of dance music across the globe. DJ, producer, and longtime SmartBar resident Justin Long leads this expedition exploring the physical landscape of Chicago House, from specialty record shops to the sites of legendary musical events.

Cost: $45, $40 members

This event has been cancelled.

Concert

The Music of John Cage: Concert (2) of A John Cage Festival

Saturday, April 14, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

John Cage (1912-1992), was one of the most unique and influential composers of the 20th Century. Cage had a special connection with Chicago, having lived here early on in his career, later returning to Northwestern University, and finally putting his collection of scores, correspondences, and recordings at the Northwestern University Library. The Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble presents Living Room Music (1940), scored for percussion and speech quartet and Amanda DeBoer interprets Cage’s Aria (1958) a piece for solo voice which employs a graphic notation of curved lines in various colors marked with vowels, consonants and words from 5 different languages. In addition this concert will offer a unique opportunity to hear Four (1989) for String Quartet, one of Cage’s Number Pieces.This second concert is part of a three day festival devoted to celebrating the music of John Cage. Presented by a.pe.ri.od.ic.

Cost: Free with Museum admission

> Make a reservation

Chicago Rocks! Film Fest

On Sunday, April 15, three films round out our Chicago Rocks! music series.

Location: Films are shown in the Rubloff Auditorium.

Cost: Free for members; Free with Museum admission for nonmembers.

Chicago Blues

Sunday, April 15, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Filmed in 1972, this groundbreaking film looks at the history of Chicago blues. Artists discuss the importance of migration, the rise and fall of Delta Blue, and the conquering heavy electric Mississippi sound that followed. Featuring Muddy Waters, Johnnie Lewis, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and J.B. Hutto.

Heavy Metal in Baghdad

Sunday, April 15, 1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.

During the 2006 insurgency, filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi traveled to Baghdad to interview Acrassicauda, Iraq’s only heavy metal band. From 2003 to 2006, as Iraq disintegrated, the band struggled to stay together and stay alive, always refusing to let their heavy metal dreams die. Their story echoes the unspoken hopes of an entire generation of young Iraqis.

I Am Hip Hop: The Chicago Hip Hop Documentary

Sunday, April 15, 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Featuring interviews with 130 artists and 500 live performances, I Am Hip Hop offers a snapshot of rap music in Chicago between 2004 and 2009. In Chicago’s subterranean scene, lyrical wars are waged nightly by hungry MCs. Socially conscious backpackers, hardcore gangstas, and everyone in between appear to explore universal themes of class struggle, violence, stereotypes, and authenticity.

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