Chicago Historical Society

COLLECTIONS AND RESEARCH CHM houses a significant collection of artifacts, archives, and research materials, including over 23 million objects, over 30,000 linear feet of documents, and over five million images. Among these materials are numerous items pertaining to Abraham Lincoln, one of the largest clothing and textile collections in the country, the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times newspaper photo morgues, color photography taken by Vivian Maier, and the complete library of Studs Terkel's WFMT interviews. CHM seeks to maximize the discoverability and use of its collections through exhibition, digitization, and research. CHM's Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC), a non-circulating library, facilitates in-person access to books, periodicals, and archival materials, including photographic materials. CHM's website introduces hundreds of thousands of annual online visitors to its collection, including access to over 370,000 digital images and an online catalog. It also provides visitors with the ability to make research inquiries.

EXHIBITIONS CHM shares Chicago's stories, enabling visitors to explore historical themes and events and reflect on the city's diverse communities. CHM exhibits photos, videos, artifacts, and interactive displays that connect audiences to history. Exhibitions are designed, fabricated, and installed according to national industry best practices and with an eye for innovative methods of interpretation.