What is Civic Season?

CHM is reimagining our celebrations, together. Instead of one commemorative event on Independence Day, CHM will present “Civic Season” in partnership with Made By Us. Our celebrations and programming will kick off at Juneteenth, and will continue with Civic Days all leading towards a reimagined Independence Day celebration with traditions new and old. The Museum will serve as a space to help Chicagoans connect with their community, build new skills, and provide a roadmap to future community participation so we may all be more informed and engaged citizens.

Last Year's Civic Season

2023 Highlights

Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Civic Season at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Poems While You Wait at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Chicago Votes at the Chicago History Museum.
CHM202307-CivicSeason-IndoorActivities-13-resized Civic Season at the Chicago History Museum.
Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum. Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area at the Chicago History Museum.

Hands-On History + Community

Civic Days @ CHM

Sunday, June 23 + Saturday, June 29
TBA
IL Resident Free Days

Presented in partnership with Made By Us, Civic Season is a new tradition anchored by Juneteenth and July 4 to acknowledge our complex national story and consider pathways to a more perfect union. Activities include hands-on arts and crafts with local teaching artists, facilitator-led exploration of Designing for Change, musical performances, and more family-friendly fun.

Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.

Connect + Nurture Community

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom

Wednesday, June 19, 2024
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Free for all; RSVP required.

We’re excited to be a part of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center’s Juneteenth celebration! This community event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and features musical performances, children’s activities, local vendor tables, food trucks, and more.

The_DuSable_Museum_Logo

Virtual History

Chicago's Own Civic Superheroes

Learn more about some of Chicago’s civic superheroes on display at the Chicago History Museum. Dive into the interactive map to learn more about their contributions to the city. Easily browse the digital exhibitions—organized here by civic superpower—to learn more about some of Chicago’s civic superheroes and draw inspiration from their actions.

Facing Freedom 1

Connect + Family Fun

Independence Day

Thursday, July 4
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
IL Resident Free Day

What actions will you take to be a more engaged citizen? How will you stay informed about issues affecting your community? Find inspiration for your civic participation. Connect with community-serving organizations, learn about the civic superheroes of our past, and explore your creativity during multiple art workshops.

Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum.
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