Urban History: Associations, Organizations, Institutes

Resources for planners, students, commissioners, educators, engaged citizens, and allied professionals — everyone who is committed to creating communities that thrive and prosper.

Provides leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history to make the past more meaningful.

Founded in 1856 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization under the laws of the state of Illinois in 1857, the Chicago Historical Society (CHS) is the city’s oldest cultural institution and home to millions of historical objects, images, and documents. Nationally recognized for its holdings, CHS is devoted to collecting, interpreting, and presenting the rich multicultural history of Chicago, as well as selected areas of American history. In 2006, following an extensive building renovation and rebranding initiative, CHS created a new public identity for itself as the Chicago History Museum (CHM), which operates as the building and institutional public presence under the auspices and legal oversight of CHS.

Supports and encourages the historical study and teaching of cities, suburbs and metropolitan regions in all time periods throughout the world.

Connects with more than 300 cities having on their territory a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.