Jane Addams, 1912, Chicago History Museum, DN-0059240, Sun-Times/Chicago Daily News collection
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
On the Wings of Change, Chicago Suffrage Mural by Artist Diosa
Intersection of Harrison and Wabash
Affirming the Civil and Human Rights of All Chicagoans
At Chicago Women’s History Center, we offer a safe space, a sanctuary space for ALL people in our community.
The recent acts of violence towards women, children, and families in our city is inhuman, unjust and it is heartbreaking to witness the separation of children from their parents. We are witnessing the collapse of democratic rights and the dismantling of governance. We are aghast that these acts are being committed by Federal Agents. The violent aggression perpetrated by Federal Agents has created an unsafe and dangerous environment and potentially, causing long-term health impacts and community-wide trauma. This is psychological cruelty that is unacceptable in any society and in particular, in our democratic society.
Documenting, Preserving, & Sharing Chicago Women’s History
The Chicago Women’s History Center is a non-profit 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.
We are celebrating 54 years!
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 our stories. Over the last two years we’ve expanded our work and to learn more about what we’ve been up to this year please click on the link below.
We celebrated our 54th Anniversary celebration at Columbia College Film Row on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025. The evening included an Award Ceremony, a panel conversation with Awardees facilitated by Esther Nieves, poetry by Yessi Oasis, a Silent Auction, Interactive performances by Catherine Schwalbe and queen of luxuria, music by Ella Grace Jazz Trio and flute with Anisa. Cocktails were provided by Steering Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Chef Patricia Pertusot from Cook au Vin.
To find out more about our work please watch the video below.
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.
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Stay informed and find out about upcoming programs