Chicago History Museum

Chicago History Museum. Founded in 1856 as the Chicago Historical Society, the institution is dedicated to exploring and interpreting the rich history of the city and Illinois. Its mission encompasses collecting, preserving, and presenting historical materials and narratives that illuminate the diverse experiences of the region's people. The museum's current building in Lincoln Park houses extensive collections and serves as a vital center for public education and scholarly research.

History

The institution was established in 1856, just 19 years after Chicago received its city charter, by a group of prominent citizens including John H. Kinzie and William B. Ogden. Its first collections were largely destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and a second fire in 1874 further devastated its holdings. Under the leadership of figures like J. Seymour Currey, the society persevered, rebuilding its collections. A major milestone was the 1932 opening of its building at the corner of North Avenue and Clark Street, designed by the firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. The organization was renamed in 2006 to better reflect its public-facing mission, transitioning from the historical society model to a modern museum.

Collections and exhibitions

The museum stewards a collection of approximately 22 million items, providing an unparalleled resource on the history of Chicago and the Midwest. Permanent and rotating exhibitions draw from these vast holdings to tell stories of the city's development, from its origins as a Potawatomi trading post to its status as a global metropolis. Key permanent exhibitions include "Chicago: Crossroads of America," which explores themes like the Great Migration and the city's architectural innovation. The museum also presents major temporary exhibitions, often in partnership with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, focusing on diverse topics from the World's Columbian Exposition to the life of Oprah Winfrey.

Architecture and location

The museum is located at the intersection of Clark Street and North Avenue within the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The current structure, opened in 1932, is a Georgian Revival building designed by the noted firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, architects of several Chicago landmarks including the Merchandise Mart and Shedd Aquarium. A major renovation and expansion in 2006, led by Holabird & Root, added modern gallery spaces, a new research center, and public amenities while respecting the original building's historic facade. The site is easily accessible via CTA bus routes and the Clark/Division and Sedgwick 'L' stations.

Research and education

The museum operates a robust research center that provides access to its extensive archival collections, including manuscripts, photographs, prints, and architectural drawings. Scholars and the public utilize these materials for projects ranging from academic publications to family history. Educational programming is a core function, with offerings for students, teachers, and adults that align with Illinois Learning Standards. Programs include workshops, lectures featuring historians like Timuel Black, and community outreach initiatives that connect the museum's resources with neighborhoods across the city, often exploring themes related to social justice and urban development.

Notable artifacts

The museum's holdings include many iconic objects central to American history and Chicago's identity. Among the most significant is the deathbed of Abraham Lincoln, from the Petersen House in Washington, D.C.. The collection features the first locomotive to operate in Chicago, the *Pioneer*, and an extensive assemblage of materials from the Great Chicago Fire. Other highlights include the original trading ledger from Fort Dearborn, a vast costume collection with garments worn by figures from Marilyn Monroe to Michelle Obama, and the desk used by Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. The museum also holds the world's largest collection of artifacts from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Category:Museums in Chicago Category:History museums in Illinois Category:Lincoln Park, Chicago Category:1856 establishments in Illinois