Taylor, Paul E

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.

Embark on a journey back in time to the days of infamous mobsters like Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and John Dillinger with Untouchable Tours. This unique experience takes patrons to various famous areas in Chicago where notorious gangsters would hang out during the days of Prohibition. During the tour, you'll return to Prohibition-era Chicago and visit the hotspots where Al Capone and his allies and enemies became famous. The guides are actors who adopt the persona of a 1920s gangster and accurately recount the crimes and activities in Chicago during the 1920s and '30s. You'll hear about the exploits of Capone, Moran, Dillinger, and other notorious gangsters. Some sites included are the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the Biograph Theatre, and Holy Name Cathedral. The tour is educational and highly entertaining, and you even have the chance to win prizes at the end.