Connect with the vibrant history of Chicago!

Established in 1856, the Chicago Historical Society is the city's oldest cultural institution. Comprising a museum and research center, CHS maintains more than 20 million documents and artifacts related to the history of the United States and metropolitan Chicago.

Visit us at Clark and North to see the following gallery exhibitions:

Richard H. Needham Chicago History Galleries
Learn how Chicago grew through its architecture, ethnic groups, sports and industry in pictures, memorabilia, miniatures and a special video presentation on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln
This exhibition illustrates American life in the mid-nineteenth century, along with its problems of slavery, the destruction created by the Civil War, and the rapid movement west.

On our award-winning web site you can visit the following:

Just the Arti-Facts
Connect artifacts from CHS's collection to some of the most important moments and trends in Chicago's history. Each feature highlights one artifact supplemented with classroom activities and resources for teachers.

The Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory
Learn about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and its tragic aftermath through printed reports, images, and other memorabilia.

Visit the Chicago Historical Society web site