The Chicago History Museum's purpose is to help people make meaningful and personal connections to history.

The Chicago History Museum (CHM) is the city's oldest cultural institution. Founded in 1856 and incorporated in 1857 by an act of the state legislature, the Chicago Historical Society and its collection grew and opened its first building at the corner of Dearborn and Ontario Streets. Today, the Chicago History Museum is a privately endowed, independent institution devoted to collecting, interpreting, and presenting the rich multicultural history of Chicago and Illinois, as well as selected areas of American history, to the public through exhibitions, programs, research collections, and publications.

Research Center
Education Programs
Exhibitions
Architecture
Archives and Manuscripts
Books and other Published Materials
Costumes
Decorative and Industrial Arts
Oral History, Film, and Video
Paintings and Sculp