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Shedd Aquarium
Exterior of Galena U.S. Grant Museum during summer.

History Museums in Illinois

Visit the History Museums of Illinois. From the vast collection of the Chicago History Museum to small town historical museums, you’ll discover the stories and heritage of our towns and our people.

A neon sign over an old car in the Chicago History Museum

Chicago History Museum

The history, stories and people of Chicago

Start your journey by exploring an ever-changing lineup of fascinating exhibitions at Chicago History Museum. Then take a Chicago Neighborhood Tour from the Chicago Cultural Center. These tours celebrate the history and traditions of Chicago, and include highlights like the Obama family home in the historic Kenwood neighborhood.

Explore More of Illinois' History

A temple with lights on behind trees and a river

Historic Sites in Illinois

Historic Sites

Presidential History

Presidential History

Historical Reenactments

Historical Reenactments in Illinois
A weathered bronze statue of a World War I-era "doughboy" solider adop a granite plinth

National Heritage Areas

National Heritage Areas in Illinois

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