Educator Programs
Powerful Content. Engaging Instructional Strategies.
From civic learning to core curriculum, we’ve got you covered. Our professional development programs provide rich and unique experiences with history. Connect with the Museum’s exhibitions and resources. Engage with staff and experts.
Educator Workshop | Examining Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till
Saturday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Free; advance reservations required. Recommended for educators of grades 7–12.
In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till and the criminal trial of his murderers sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Designed for middle and high school educators, this workshop explores our exhibition Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till and its themes. Dr. Christopher Benson, a journalist, lawyer, professor in the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and Till historian, will share his research and writing that examine the historical significance of the murder of Emmett Till. He has coauthored books with Till’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, and Till’s cousin Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. CHM educators will demonstrate a classroom activity based on the courtroom drawings from the trial by artist-reporter Franklin McMahon, which are part of a classroom resource packet for participants.
What happened to Emmett Till is a difficult part of US history, and Injustice uses photographs, drawings, and first-hand accounts from the time to demonstrate the impacts that systemic racism, inequality, and anti-Blackness can have on Black lives. Please consider your needs as you register for this workshop.
NEH Summer Institute | Rethinking the Gilded Age and Progressivisms: Race, Capitalism, and Democracy, 1877 to 1920
July 6–25, 2025. Applications due March 5, 2025.
The Chicago History Museum, University of Illinois Chicago, and Loyola University Chicago invite you to apply for our National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute, “Rethinking the Gilded Age and Progressivisms: Race, Capitalism, and Democracy, 1877 to 1920.” Thirty grade 6–12 teachers from across the country will gather in Chicago to learn from top Gilded Age and Progressive Era scholars, tour historic sites, explore archives and museums, and design classroom materials. Participant stipend: $2,850. Applications due: March 5, 2025.
Customized Planning with CHM Education Staff
Our educators are here to match Chicago History Museum resources to your needs, answer questions, and help brainstorm ideas. Simply email school programs staff and let us know what you’re working on. We’ll set up a FREE, one-hour Zoom meeting with you to share materials and answer questions. We look forward to meeting you and learning about all the amazing work you are doing! 1 PD hour per session.
Please email both Heidi Moisan moisan@chicagohistory.org and Megan Clark clark@chicagohistory.org to make an appointment.
In-Service Programs
Are you interested in a custom in-service experience?
We’re happy to plan with you. To get started, email Heidi Moisan, senior school programs manager, at moisan@chicagohistory.org.
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