Chicago History Museum

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in response to the extreme heat expected across the Chicago area, the Chicago History Museum will offer free admission to all Illinois residents.

We'll be open during our regular weekday hours, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing visitors with a safe, air-conditioned space to explore Chicago’s rich history while staying cool. Be sure to check in at the Museum’s front desk with a valid photo ID to receive free admission!

We’re pleased to announce that CHM has migrated ARCHIE, the Abakanowicz Research Center’s (ARC) online catalog for searching the Museum’s research collections, to a new system. The new ARCHIE will enhance research services for the public and CHM staff. ARCHIE helps users explore and access our collection of printed material, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, architectural drawings, and assorted ephemera.

On the CHM blog, you can find a brief step-by-step outline of basic and advanced searching and where to find the information you need to request research collection materials when visiting the ARC. And you can always find ARCHIE at chicagohistory.org/archie.

Read the blog: https://www.chicagohistory.org/a-new-look-for-archie-the-online-catalog/

In 1926, Chicago hosted the 28th International Eucharistic Congress, making it the first city in the United States to do so and “put[ting] Chicago on the map” for global Catholicism in a way never done before. Held June 20–24, the events took place across a network of sites across Chicagoland—some dedicated religious spaces such as Holy Name Cathedral, with others transformed specifically for the congress, including Soldier Field. The goal of Eucharistic Congresses was to reengage people with the Catholic Church and Christianity, especially during an age of what was then seen as increasing secularization. Church leaders believed that large, public displays would remind the public of the importance of the Church.

In our latest blog post, Rebekah Coffman, Curator of Religion and Community History, writes about the event and how public places in Chicago have been adapted into temporary sacred spaces. https://ow.ly/EicF50ZghvS