Jane Addams, 1912, Chicago History Museum, DN-0059240, Sun-Times/Chicago Daily News collection
54th Anniversary
Addie Wyatt, Vivian G Harsh Research Collection, Woodson Regional Library, CPL
Mujeres Latinas en Accion, Support Farm Workers, 1960's, Chicago History Museum, ICHi-028793
ERA March, 1974, courtesy of Suzanne French
Betty Friedan, Illinois ERA Rally in 1975, photo credit Alan Lee Koss
Women's March, 2017, photo credit Laurie Little
Documenting, Preserving, & Sharing Chicago Women’s History
The Chicago Women’s History Center is a non-profit, volunteer organization that takes an intersectional approach to documenting, preserving and sharing resources for the study of Chicago women’s history.
We are a dynamic community of academic scholars, teachers, archivists, librarians, media professionals, community organizers and leaders, activists, and members of the general public who are interested in the power of Chicago women’s history to inform the present and inspire the future.
Celebrating our 54th Anniversary
Chicago Women’s History Center was founded in 1971 to elevate the contributions of ALL women to the development of the city of Chicago by researching, preserving, and sharing their stories. Over the last two years we’ve expanded our work and we look forward to sharing what we have been doing at this upcoming Anniversary celebration.
Our 54th Anniversary celebration will be held at Columbia College Film Row on Thursday, October 23rd. The evening will include a 30-minute presentation, an Award Ceremony, a silent Auction, Interactive performances by Catherine Schwalbe and queen of luxuria, music with cocktails and light bites.
Our Current Project:
Documenting Women’s Activism and Leadership in the Chicago Area 1945-2000
The Chicago Women’s History Center’s current project combines scholarly research, identification and preservation of archival material, oral history interviewing and engagement with the Chicago women’s activist community to develop, preserve, and share resources for the study of women’s activism during the poser WWII period.
About our Book:
Women Building Chicago, 1790-1990
a Biographical Dictionary
Published in 2001 by Indiana University Press, Women Building Chicago is an award -winning research volume containing the biographies of over 400 Chicago women. This path-breaking reference work was the result of a 10 year research and publication project undertaken by the CWHC. The book was edited by former CWHC board members Rima Lunin Schultz and Adele Hast. The book is available online and for purchase.
Public Education
CWHC is committed to learning and dialogue on topics related to Chicago Women’s History. We regularly bring together scholars, community activists, and the general public for public programs.
Our Current Project:
Documenting Women’s Activism and Leadership in the Chicago Area 1945-2000
The Chicago Women’s History Center’s current project combines scholarly research, identification and preservation of archival material, oral history interviewing and engagement with the Chicago women’s activist community to develop, preserve, and share resources for the study of women’s activism during the poser WWII period.
About our Book:
Women Building Chicago, 1790-1990
a Biographical Dictionary
Published in 2001 by Indiana University Press, Women Building Chicago is an award -winning research volume containing the biographies of over 400 Chicago women. This path-breaking reference work was the result of a 10 year research and publication project undertaken by the CWHC. The book was edited by former CWHC board members Rima Lunin Schultz and Adele Hast. The book is available online and for purchase.
Public Education
CWHC is committed to learning and dialogue on topics related to Chicago Women’s History. We regularly bring together scholars, community activists, and the general public for public programs.
Our Conference 2025:
Past & Present Strategies to Advance the Rights of Women
Chicago Women’s History Center partnered with Black Metropolis Research Consortium, Evanston History Center, and Women & Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago to invite our community to submit proposals for presentations, panels, and workshops that reflected the theme.
The Conference included an inspiring Keynote Presentation by Jamila Woods, workshops, panels and presentations and Plenary performance by Pinqy Ring with Ms Mamas, Adilene, Anisa, Yesi Oasis. To learn more about our first annual Conference click on the button below.
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