Categories: Museums
Chicago History Museum
Author: Amber Holst
The city's oldest museum, The Chicago Historical Society reopened its doors a multi-million dollar renovation, unveiling not only its new name—The Chicago History Museum —but a new philosophy that Chicago history begins here. So trek on up to Lincoln Park , and immerse yourself in Chicago's spectacular history.
Chicago: Crossroads of America
Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted by 'L' Car No. 1 , Chicago 's first elevated train, which carried visitors from the Loop to Hyde Park (on the near South Side) during the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. Clamber atop a replica L station, and transport yourself back in time as three sculpted figures tell their stories as they wait to board the train. One, an anonymous German immigrant steelworker who helped construct the Fair's ferris wheel; Ida B. Wells, the reknowned African-American activist; and Jane Treseder, a teenager visiting from Wisconsin . (Curators were able to piece her story together based on diary entries detailing her experiences at the fair.)
City on the Make
Constructed from actual remnants from Fort Dearborn , Chicago 's days as a trading post are explored in the “City on the Make” section of the gallery. Other notable artifacts include the Pioneer, the first steam railroad locomotive to work in Chicago. "City in Crisis" investigates how Chicago responded—and recovered—from trajedy. From the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to the Eastand Disaster (an excursion steamer loaded to capacity that rolled over at its dock on the Chicago River killing thousands) the artifacts here take you through Chicago 's darker past.
My Kind of Town
Chicago's role in culture and entertainment is revealed in the "My Kind of Town" gallery. Installations include an actual Jazz Club, artifacts from the two world's fairs (1893 & 1933), and Chicago's love affair with sports teams. The first exhibit being the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox, of course.
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Sweet Home Chicago
A "Sweet Home Chicago" gallery will explore the history of the city's myriad neighborhoods and suburbs. A portion of which is the community gallery, composed of changing exhibits of artifacts, interviews, and photos honing in on a specific neighborhood starting with the Mexican-American community of Chicago's Southeast Side.
Sensing Chicago
The museum also boasts a new children's gallery, called "Sensing Chicago". Kids can explore Chicago 's history by using their five senses. From tasting a hotdog and catching a fly ball at the old Comiskey Park to smelling an onion (" Chicago " being a Native American word for "stinky onion") kids may even lost sight of the fact that they are, indeed, learning. (We won't tell them if you don't.)
Other Exhibits
Dior: The New Look
A costume and textile gallery devoted to the museum's huge collection of period clothing is on display on the first floor, with the first exhibit focusing on Dior. "Seeing clothing from certain time periods always gets the wheels turning," says Russell Lewis, Museum vice president and chief curator. "Things as basic as 'I like it" and 'I don't' to 'why were people so much smaller back then'." So, what's Dior's connection to Chicago ? "There's always been a strong connection between Chicago and Paris," Lewis says. "Aside from the fact that all of the items were worn by Chicagoans, there was actually a protest that took place here opposing Dior's extravagant use of materials."
Treasures
From bustling street scenes with neon signs and low rider to Abraham Lincoln artifacts compete with his deathbed, experience Chicago 's history in an interactive way through these building-wide installations.
Imagining Chicago : The Dioramas
The Chicago History Museum 's beloved dioramas are back on display, and better than before. Now more interactive, these gems take your through Chicago 's rise from a frontier outpost to the busting metropolis that played host to two world's fairs.
Other notable exhibits:
* Ed Paschke
* Chicago Roots Music
* Louis Sullivan at 150
Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Co. Stop
The History museum is one of the places that can be found on the Brown line trolley stop, this trolley only works on weekends and holidays. The stop before the museum is the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Check out places of interest near Chicago History Museum:
ZED451
739 N Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
ZED451 offers a guest-focused, intimate dining experience. Chefs not only prepare the meal, but present it as well.
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street,
Chicago, IL 60614
More than a century of Chicago history, including relics from the Great Chicago Fire and more. Admission $10-12.free admission for children 12 and younger. "Cross roads of America" (ongoing); "Children's Gallery" (ongoing).
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60637
The Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most beloved and visited museums in the world, has origins that are tied to two great World's Fairs and to civic spirit and imagination of Chicago businessman Julius Rosenwald.
Spertus Museum
610 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
At Chicago's Spertus Museum, expect to see a permanent collection of Judaica, a hands-on archaeology exhibit for children, and temporary and raveling exhibitions.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.
