In 1856, a group of visionaries founded the Chicago Historical Society, the precursor to the Chicago History Museum we stand before today. Their mission? To safeguard the stories of Chicago, a city on the cusp of extraordinary transformation. The Chicago History Museum stands as a testament to their dedication. This institution has weathered its own storms, mirroring the resilience of the city itself. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 tragically consumed much of the Society’s early collection, including Abraham Lincoln’s final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. Yet, like Chicago, the Society persevered, rebuilding its collection and eventually finding a home in this magnificent building in Lincoln Park. Within these walls, you’ll discover a treasure trove of 22 million artifacts. From the first passenger car of the Chicago ‘L’ system, meticulously restored to its 1893 glory, to the vast costume and textile collection, second only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The Chicago History Museum offers a journey through time. Imagine riding the ‘L’ car to the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, a mere five cents transporting you to a world of wonder. Picture yourself amidst Chicago’s elite, adorned in the exquisite garments from the museum’s collection. The Chicago History Museum is more than just a repository of objects. It’s a portal to the past, a place where the stories of Chicago come alive.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one