Chicago History Museum
Reading Artifacts
History detectives put their keen observation skills to the test as they closely examine artifacts. Drawing on visual and tactile clues, they formulate a theory about who done it, or in this case who made it, why, and for what purpose...
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: World War I
World War I brought turmoil to Chicago because of its large immigrant population, especially Germans. Read about how the war affected the politics and industry of Chicago both during and after the war.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Welfare Capitalism
An interesting look at how some businesses in Chicago practiced welfare capitalism, a way to give noncash compensation to workers primarily to stave off unionization, but also to promote a loyalty to the company. Many examples are given.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum: History Files: Al Capone
Provides a thorough biographical profile and pictures of the well-known Chicago mobster, Al Capone.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Historical Society: The Dramas of Haymarket
The Chicago Historical Society presents extensive information about the 1886 bombing at Haymarket Square that helped change the course of the labor movement. Read about the bombing, arrests, trial, executions, and other events that...
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum: My Chicago
Come explore the history and culture of Chicago through this resource. There are lots of activities for kids with different sections for teachers and parents.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Gang Map
A map of the gang territories during the 1920s in Chicago. Shows where each of the gangs had a dominant presence.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum: History Files: The Black Sox
Media coverage of the 1919 World Series involving the players from this team and the scandal that became so well known.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Great Migration
Read this historical account of events that became known as the Great Migration, the movement of African Americans from the South to the North, and the effect this had on Chicago and other urban northern cities.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Knights of Labor
Encyclopedia of Chicago has an interesting article about the rise of the Knights of Labor. Read about union's acceptance of all workers, its successes, and its legacy.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Charity Organization Societies
As urban populations increased along with poverty in urban areas, charities began to offer help. Read about the Charity Organization Society that attempted to coordinate charitiable giving. Read about the evolution of the coordination of...
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Women's Trade Union League
Read about the Chicago branch of the Women's Trade Union League and its alliance between women workers and upper-class women who supported their cause.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Carl Sandburg, the Chicago Race Riots, July 1919
Read a part of an article written by Carl Sandburg for the Chicago Daily News reporting on the Chicago Race Riots of 1919.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Railroad Strike of 1877
This article from the Encyclopedia of Chicago explains how a strike by railroad workers in West Virginia eventually made its way to Chicago and was taken up by workers from many industries. See how city officials resolved this general...
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum: Pullman Luxury Rail Car
Read about the luxurious rail car George Pullman introduced that made transcontinental rail travel so desirable.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum: George Pullman: Social Reformer
Click through four pages on this larger website about the Pullman Rail Car Company. Read about George Pullman's ideas about establishing a company town for his workers that would address their housing, recreation, and even moral needs.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Historical Society: The Chicago Flag
A brief, kid-friendly examination of the Chicago flag that explains what a symbol is and that also reveals what the colors and symbols of Chicago's flag represent. An excellent introduction to the symbolic content of images or a lesson...
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Historical Society: History Files: Parades, Protests and Politics
Summary of events with photos and artifacts about the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Historical Society: History Files: Century of Progress 1933 34
In the midst of the Great Depression, Chicago managed to put on an incredible World's Fair, complete with Hall of Science, Transportation Building, and Enchanted Island.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Bilingual Education
A good look at bilingual education in Chicago beginning with German immigrants in the 19th century. The bulk of the article deals with changes brought about by the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 and its implementation in Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Historical Society: A Scrapbook of Chicago Photographs and Drawings
Printable drawings and photos about events in Chicago's history, such as the Great Fire of 1871, and of Chicago's architectural landmarks.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Certificates of Freedom 1844
View authentic certificates of freedom for John and Mary Jones issued in 1844.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Adler Planetarium
Examine the history of famous Chicago landmark, the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Al Capone
A brief historical account of infamous member of the Chicago's underworld, Alphonse Capone.