Chicago History Museum Free Chicago Birthday Party.
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St., 312-642-4600
When: Monday, March 4, 2021, 4PM-8PM This event is open to the public. Families are welcome. *Cash bar available. Must be 21+ COTC note: 1/26/2021 NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE ABOUT THIS EVENT. to purchase alcohol. RSVP appreciated.
On March 4, 1837, Chicago was incorporated as a city. Enjoy free admission (Illinois residents with valid ID) and family-friendly activities, performances, readings and probably some speechifying.
Activities and performances are designed to honor and celebrate significant moments and figures in history.
Chicago History Museum Free Chicago Birthday Party – Activities & Entertainment
Chicago 00 – The newest virtual reality episode from CHM’s Chicago 00 Project! Chicago 00: 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition takes viewers on an immersive tour of the world’s fair. Experience Chicago’s past and present in 360° and fly 264 feet in the air on a virtual ride of the world’s first Ferris wheel. Due to limited capacity, advance sign up is required.
Entertainment
Smarty Pants Balloonist, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
KUD Bosna Chicago, 4:45–5:30 p.m.
Joel Paterson Group, 5:45–6:15 p.m.
Son Monarcas, 6:30–7:00 p.m.
Pop-up Activations – Explore the meaning behind each star on the Chicago flag with staff in our exhibitions. Get hands-on with history through objects from our teaching collection.
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About the Chicago History Museum
Founded in 1856 and incorporated in 1857 the Chicago Historical Society opened its first building at the corner of Dearborn and Ontario Streets. That building and the most of the collection, however, burned during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Original Museum after the 1871 fire. Photo Chicago History Museum
Location Dearborn and Ontario 1896-1932. Photo Chicago History Museum
After three years and a second fire that destroyed most of the remaining collection, the Society renewed its operations.
Occupying temporary buildings on the same site until 1896, the organization built a massive stone edifice designed by Henry Ives Cobb, which housed the Gilpin Library and exhibition spaces.
In 1920, the Society purchased thousands of manuscripts and hundreds of paintings and historical artifacts from the estate of Charles F. Gunther, including the bed on which Abraham Lincoln died and George Washington’s compass.
In the late 1920s, the trustees began planning a new $1 million museum to house its growing collection and to celebrate the city’s centennial.
Designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, the Georgian colonial building opened in 1932 in Lincoln Park at Clark Street at North Avenue. That building, with various additions, renovations, and improvements, has served as the organization’s home ever since.
Location 1932-present
In 1972, the Society unveiled a modern limestone addition by Alfred Shaw and Associates. In 1988, Holabird and Root “wrapped” the limestone addition in a red brick modern adaptation of the 1932 building and added underground storage and new gallery spaces.
Addition 1972 and 1988.
In February 2006, the Chicago Historical Society announced its new name: The Chicago History Museum.
Later that year, the Museum celebrated a grand re-opening, unveiling a dramatic new lobby and redesigned exhibition spaces.
Signature exhibitions such as Chicago: Crossroads of America and Sensing Chicago debuted, while an old favorite, Imagining Chicago: The Dioramas, was restored and updated.
The Museum continues to share the stories of the city and its people through exhibitions, programs, publications, and a website.
The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.
Cheryl says
Is this happening this year on 3/4?