Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
City on Fire: Chicago 1871
CLOSING JAN. 26, 2025 - Designed for families to learn, explore, and discover the impact the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 had on the city and the people who lived here.
Learn MoreDesigning for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
Chicago activists in the 1960s and ‘70s used design to amplify their visions of a more just world and to fight for social change.
Learn MoreDressed in History
Featuring 70 rarely seen objects, from glamorous gowns and sharp suits to housedresses and sneakers, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective explores how clothing captures the material, social, and changing cultural values throughout history.
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 MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
City on Fire: Chicago 1871
CLOSING JAN. 26, 2025 - Designed for families to learn, explore, and discover the impact the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 had on the city and the people who lived here.
Learn More
Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s
Chicago activists in the 1960s and ‘70s used design to amplify their visions of a more just world and to fight for social change.
Learn More
Dressed in History
Featuring 70 rarely seen objects, from glamorous gowns and sharp suits to housedresses and sneakers, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective explores how clothing captures the material, social, and changing cultural values throughout history.
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 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.
Aquí en Chicago
The Chicago History Museum’s new project, Aquí en Chicago, celebrates the historically persistent cultural presence of Latine communities in Chicago. Follow along as the project evolves.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Presented in partnership with Chicago Sinfonietta, join us for a FREE screening of The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, complete with Q&A with author and Chicago Sinfonietta cellist Edward Kelsey Moore, and performance by the Chicago Sinfonietta’s String Quartet. Learn more
RSVP
Michelle Nickerson of Loyola University Chicago presents “Spiritual Criminals: How the Camden 28 Put the Vietnam War on Trial.” Learn More
RSVP
Join us at this family-focused celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ongoing influence on the fight for civil rights in the United States. Learn more
Reserve Tickets
Jill Wine-Banks takes us inside her trial by fire as a Watergate prosecutor as she discusses her book The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President. This event will be held at the Saddle & Cycle Club. Learn more
BUY TICKETS
Inspired by buttons featured in Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s, members are invited to a lecture and button-making workshop led by Chicago-based artist, educator, and curator Juarez Hawkins. Learn more
RSVP
Artist and public historian Ann C. Saunders presents “Doris E. Saunders: Overlooked and Forgotten Bronzeville Trailblazer and Media Game Changer.” Learn more
RSVP
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!
Screening of The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat
Presented in partnership with Chicago Sinfonietta, join us for a FREE screening of The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, complete with Q&A with author and Chicago Sinfonietta cellist Edward Kelsey Moore, and performance by the Chicago Sinfonietta’s String Quartet. Learn more
RSVPVirtual Urban History Seminar | “Spiritual Criminals”
Michelle Nickerson of Loyola University Chicago presents “Spiritual Criminals: How the Camden 28 Put the Vietnam War on Trial.” Learn More
RSVPFamily Event | Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Join us at this family-focused celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ongoing influence on the fight for civil rights in the United States. Learn more
Reserve TicketsThe Guild Presents | The Watergate Girl with Jill Wine-Banks
Jill Wine-Banks takes us inside her trial by fire as a Watergate prosecutor as she discusses her book The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President. This event will be held at the Saddle & Cycle Club. Learn more
BUY TICKETSMember Event | Designing for Change Button Workshop with Juarez Hawkins
Inspired by buttons featured in Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s, members are invited to a lecture and button-making workshop led by Chicago-based artist, educator, and curator Juarez Hawkins. Learn more
RSVPVirtual Urban History Seminar | “Selling Ebony Magazine”
Artist and public historian Ann C. Saunders presents “Doris E. Saunders: Overlooked and Forgotten Bronzeville Trailblazer and Media Game Changer.” Learn more
RSVP