Learn About Your City at the Chicago History Museum

How much do you really know about the city that you call home? Sure, you know a little about the Great Chicago Fire, the history of the Sox and the Cubs and that Lincoln came from Chicago. An afternoon at the Chicago History Museum will give you and your family a great overview of the history of your hometown through special events and interactive exhibits.

The Chicago History Museum contains over 22 million artifacts. Books, manuscripts, architectural drawings, paintings, sculptures and photographs are used to tell the story of Chicago from its founding to the present day.

Do you have an architecture buff in the family? Not only are there architecture sketches and blueprints from some of the city's most famous buildings, but there are more than 50 models. These models were used in presentations to investors, potential building occupants and during zoning hearings. The architecture collection also contains many building fragments from structures that have since been torn down.

For those not into architecture there is also a very large costume exhibit. History buffs will be in awe in front of George Washington's uniforms while sports fans can see Michael Jordan's Bulls jerseys. The museum also has a large collection of work clothes from the 19th and 20th centuries. Everything from bell hop uniforms to flight attendant clothing is displayed.

The photograph displays at the Chicago History Museum are really impressive. See Chicago during the Civil War. Check out the archived pictures from the Chicago Daily News. See pictures from your neighborhood from the Chicagoland-In-Pictures project.

After a day at the Chicago History Museum you will have a new appreciation for your hometown. Admission is only $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and free for children under 12. Plus, Mondays are totally free for everyone! Admission includes two audio tours.

The Chicago History Museum is located on the southern end of Lincoln Park at 1601 N. Clark Street. For more information contact the museum at 312-642-4600.