We thank you in advance for helping us maintain a safe environment for staff and visitors. Learn more about the Museum’s safety policies and procedures.
Free. We encourage you to email research@chicagohistory.org to ensure that an on-site visit is best for your needs.
Please present a valid driver's license, state-issued identification card, or passport at the Ticket Desk when you arrive.
Fall Hours (September 9-December 23): Tuesday-Friday: 12:00-3:30 p.m., Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Closed November 22-25, December 24, 2023-January 1, 2024
The Abakanowicz Research Center holds the printed material, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, architectural drawings, and assorted ephemera of the Chicago History Museum. Visitors include authors, university and college teachers; independent scholars; photo researchers; members of the press; elementary and secondary school students; undergraduate and graduate students, including PhD candidates; architects; building developers; family and house historians.
Please direct inquiries regarding this collection to research@chicagohistory.org. We regret we cannot take phone calls.
For licensing or reproduction inquiries related to the Museum’s holdings, contact Rights and Reproductions.
To perform a complete search of all collections available in the research center, search ARCHIE and all of the following:
If you require a detailed or time-critical response, we may suggest that you hire a freelance researcher
Information about Museum Collections is here.
If you would like to donate material to the Museum, please submit a Collection Donation form.