In 1920, the society purchased the remainder of the large historical collection from his estate, with the intention of changing its focus from merely a research institution to a public museum.

[12] After 36 years in the Henry Ives Cobb structure on North Dearborn Street, the museum and library moved to the current complex in Lincoln Park.

The oldest part of the museum, designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, was built in 1932 by the WPA, with the aim of creating expanded public exhibition space.

The second addition, designed by Holabird and Root, was done in 1988 and included refacing the earlier expansion in red brick to give a unified look to all three portions of the building.

Both expansions occurred on the west side of the 1932 structure, leaving intact its original porticoed entrance facing Lincoln Park.

Chicago: Crossroads of America is a 16,000-square-foot space that explores the city's development and its relationship to and influence on American history.

The Chicago Room, which overlooks the plaza in Lincoln Park behind the museum building, displays a collection of stained glass and is available to rent for corporate events, meetings or wedding receptions.

Passengers could ride the 1893 'L' from the Loop to Hyde Park station for 5 cents to attend the World's Columbian Exposition upon the line's opening.

It contains numerous couture pieces, items created by well-known Chicago manufacturers and designers, and garments worn by notable residents.

[17] The museum offers a variety of programs, publications, and online resources related to Chicago and American history.

The app uses GPS guidance that helps the user view photos of nearby sites from the era of the Great Chicago Fire.

Written by historians and heavily illustrated, this publication focuses on Chicago's complex past and the people who have shaped it.