What is Civic Season?
Presented in partnership with Made By Us, Civic Season is one way we roll out the welcome mat for the future inheritors of the United States, unleashing access to history for informed, inspired civic participation.
Anchored by our newest and oldest federal holidays, the Civic Season event series mobilizes a movement to understand our past and shape our future. All Civic Season events are FREE admission days for Illinois residents.
Preview Civic Season
CHM and Civic Season
This summer, CHM is reimagining our celebrations, together. Instead of one commemorative event on Independence Day, CHM will be presenting our own “Civic Season” in partnership with Made By Us. Our celebrations and programming will kick-off at Juneteenth, and will continue with Civic Sundays all leading towards a reimagined Independence Day celebration with traditions new and old. The Museum will be serving as a space to help civic-curious Chicagoans connect with their community, build new skills, and provide a roadmap to future civic participation so we may all be more informed and engaged citizens.
Our democracy has been shaped by many super-powered hands. What is your civic superpower? How will you stay informed and use your powers to shape the future of your community? Discover what your civic superpower is with the quiz below and join us this Civic Season to find out how your story connects with history!
Start with this Civic Superpower quiz →
Hands-On History + Films
Civic Sundays @ CHM
June 18, June 25, July 2 (via Zoom)
IL Resident Free Day
Civic Sundays highlight the different civic superpowers Chicagoans have used when shaping our city. Each Civic Sunday will have a civic superpower theme with a related film screening, an opportunity to engage directly with community organizations, an art installation, and more. Through hands-on history and films, find and use your own civic superpower!
Connect + Nurture Community
Juneteenth @ Douglass Park
Monday, June 19
Free
Juneteenth reminds us of the struggles and hard-won victories in our ongoing journey to form a “more perfect union.” Join us in North Lawndale’s Douglass Park for the national Made By Us kick-off! Learn about our nation’s history and how to use it to inform and inspire civic participation for generations to come.
Connect + Family Fun
Independence Day
Tuesday, July 4
IL Resident Free Day
Independence Day commemorates the moment a new nation was born, based on ideals that each generation since has worked to bring to life: freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity.
What actions will you take to be a more engaged citizen? How will you stay informed about issues affecting your community? At this annual CHM event, hear from Illinois Civics Hub director Mary Ellen Daneels, enjoy family-friendly activities, and more. Illinois residents get free admission on this day.
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