Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop

The Chicago History Museum was founded in 1856, but unfortunately, most of its initial collection was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire. The destructive fire resulted in the loss of some of the museum's original artifacts, including the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln. Since its reconstruction, the Chicago History Museum has amassed an impressive collection of historical artifacts relevant to Chicago and the nation. The collection comprises furniture used by Abraham Lincoln, the clothing he and his wife wore on the night of his assassination, and the first passenger car used in the Chicago 'L' system. Additionally, the museum has other materials, such as manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and photographs that relate to the local history of Chicago. The Chicago History Museum also boasts an extensive collection of over 50,000 costumes and textiles from the late 19th Century to the present day.