Welcome to the Chicago History Museum
EXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn MoreRemembering Dr. King: 1929–1968
Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968 invites visitors to walk through a winding gallery that features more than 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights Movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago.
Learn MoreCity on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn MoreSEPT. 30! Haunted Dolls 2: The Riddles of the Wayward Spirit
When we created Haunted Dolls and History's Horrors last year, we accidentally released a wayward spirit—and it wants to let its friends out too! As you explore Chicago: Crossroads of America, find the dolls, solve the riddles using your knowledge of Chicago history, and help us put an end to this wayward spirit's sinister plan!
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Back Home: Polish Chicago
Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.
Learn More
Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968
Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968 invites visitors to walk through a winding gallery that features more than 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights Movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago.
Learn More
City on Fire: Chicago 1871
A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.
Learn More
SEPT. 30! Haunted Dolls 2: The Riddles of the Wayward Spirit
When we created Haunted Dolls and History's Horrors last year, we accidentally released a wayward spirit—and it wants to let its friends out too! As you explore Chicago: Crossroads of America, find the dolls, solve the riddles using your knowledge of Chicago history, and help us put an end to this wayward spirit's sinister plan!
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 Latino/a/x communities in Chicago. Follow along as the project evolves.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Betsy Schlabach of Lawrence University presents “Tracking Black Women’s Informal Labor in Chicago’s Municipal and Carceral Archives: A Closer Look at Bronzeville’s Policy Game.” Learn more
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Whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
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Author and historian Bernard Turner leads this walking tour that highlights Chicago’s most influential African Americans and their contributions to the city. Learn more
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Join us as Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Emmett Till’s cousin and best friend, and Associate Professor Christopher Benson of Northwestern University discuss A Few Days Full of Trouble. Learn more
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Join tour guide and researcher Tony Szabelski to explore Lincoln Park’s history from the Couch Tomb to the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Learn more
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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!
Virtual Urban History Seminar
Betsy Schlabach of Lawrence University presents “Tracking Black Women’s Informal Labor in Chicago’s Municipal and Carceral Archives: A Closer Look at Bronzeville’s Policy Game.” Learn more
RSVPWalking Tour | Glitterati on the Gold Coast
Whisk away to a time when Chicago’s rich and famous caroused on the coast. Learn more
BUY TICKETSWalking Tour | Bronzeville
Author and historian Bernard Turner leads this walking tour that highlights Chicago’s most influential African Americans and their contributions to the city. Learn more
BUY TICKETSAuthor Talk | A Few Days Full of Trouble
Join us as Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Emmett Till’s cousin and best friend, and Associate Professor Christopher Benson of Northwestern University discuss A Few Days Full of Trouble. Learn more
RSVPNEW! Walking Tour | Lincoln Park's Lost History
Join tour guide and researcher Tony Szabelski to explore Lincoln Park’s history from the Couch Tomb to the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Learn more
BUY TICKETS