Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Aquí en Chicago
Aquí en Chicago traces the lives of Latino/a/e communities that have maintained a persistent cultural presence and flourished in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Learn MoreInjustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till
In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, and the subsequent criminal trial in Mississippi attracted international attention and sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Learn MoreFacing Freedom
From women’s suffrage to a local school boycott, this exhibition asks the question: What can we do for freedom?
Learn MoreUS at 250: Dorian Sylvain
OPENING OCT. 6! "US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago" includes local artist responses to four founding documents. October–January, see "We Weave Our Future," an immersive mixed media installation by artist Dorian Sylvain.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Aquí en Chicago
Aquí en Chicago traces the lives of Latino/a/e communities that have maintained a persistent cultural presence and flourished in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Learn More
Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till
In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, and the subsequent criminal trial in Mississippi attracted international attention and sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Learn More
Facing Freedom
From women’s suffrage to a local school boycott, this exhibition asks the question: What can we do for freedom?
Learn More
US at 250: Dorian Sylvain
OPENING OCT. 6! "US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago" includes local artist responses to four founding documents. October–January, see "We Weave Our Future," an immersive mixed media installation by artist Dorian Sylvain.
Learn MoreWHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHM?
Explore the city with our expert guides, delve into our exhibitions through thematic programs, or discover Chicago history through family-friendly activities.
US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago
On the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, we’re asking questions about our nation’s democracy in progress.
Learn More![Untitled-2 [Recovered]](https://www.chicagohistory.org/app/uploads/2026/01/USat250_Logo_stack_color-white-border-1280x1279.jpg){kind=logo}
UPCOMING EVENTS
Explore the newly reimagined Facing Freedom exhibition, which examines how people in the United States have shaped freedom through civic action, service, innovation, and advocacy. Learn more
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Join a CHM History Buff volunteer guide and whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
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Join CHM volunteer Carol Fitzgibbons to explore stories of recovery from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and when Old Town was the center of Chicago bohemianism in the 1960s and ’70s. Learn more
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Join CHM History Buff volunteer guide Dave Gudewicz to explore the history of the Sheffield/DePaul neighborhood. Learn more
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The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to the opening night celebration of Threads of a Nation, featuring a presentation by fashion historian and curator Timothy Long. Learn more
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Led by Mike McMains of Tours with Mike, this tour explores the businesses and organizations in the Northalsted (formerly Boystown) area in Lakeview. Learn more
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On this walking tour with guide and researcher Tony Szabelski, stroll through the neighborhood that once boasted Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Richardson Romanesque-style homes. Learn more
BUY TICKETS
LEARN AND CONNECT WITH CHM
CHM strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, programs, digital resources, and special events, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other.
ABAKANOWICZ RESEARCH CENTER
Home to the Chicago History Museum’s archives, manuscripts, photographs, and more, the Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is one of the premier research facilities in Chicago. With free admission, the ARC helps fulfill the Museum’s mission to be a destination for learning and to connect people to Chicago’s history. We look forward to welcoming you!
Learn MoreSupport the Museum
SUPPORT OUR MISSION BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Membership offers ways to engage with others who love the city of Chicago and its history and opportunities to interact with our award-winning staff. Enjoy free admission, behind-the-scenes experiences, special discounts, and more!
Educator Seminar | Facing Freedom
Explore the newly reimagined Facing Freedom exhibition, which examines how people in the United States have shaped freedom through civic action, service, innovation, and advocacy. Learn more
RSVPWalking Tour | Glitterati on the Gold Coast
Join a CHM History Buff volunteer guide and whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
Buy TicketsWalking Tour | Historic Old Town
Join CHM volunteer Carol Fitzgibbons to explore stories of recovery from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and when Old Town was the center of Chicago bohemianism in the 1960s and ’70s. Learn more
Buy TicketsWalking Tour | Sheffield Stroll
Join CHM History Buff volunteer guide Dave Gudewicz to explore the history of the Sheffield/DePaul neighborhood. Learn more
BUY TICKETSThe Costume Council Presents | Threads of a Nation: A Celebration of Style & Statesmanship
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to the opening night celebration of Threads of a Nation, featuring a presentation by fashion historian and curator Timothy Long. Learn more
Buy TicketsOUT at CHM | North Side LGBTQIA+ Stories Walking Tour
Led by Mike McMains of Tours with Mike, this tour explores the businesses and organizations in the Northalsted (formerly Boystown) area in Lakeview. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Historic Prairie Avenue
On this walking tour with guide and researcher Tony Szabelski, stroll through the neighborhood that once boasted Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Richardson Romanesque-style homes. Learn more
BUY TICKETS