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Chicago Map: DuSable Museum of African-American HistoryDuSable Museum of African-American History Frommer's Recommended

Hours Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm
Address 740 E. 56th Place
Transportation Bus: 6 or Metra Electric train to 57th St. and Lake Park Ave., and then a short cab ride
Phone 773/947-0600
Web site www.dusablemuseum.org
Prices Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors, $1 children 6-13, free for children 5 and under. Free admission Sun
Season Closed major holidays

Frommer's Review

The DuSable Museum is a repository of the history, art, and artifacts pertaining to the African-American experience and culture. Named for Chicago's first permanent settler, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a French-Canadian of Haitian descent, it is admirable not so much for its collections and exhibits as for the inspiring story behind its existence. Founded in 1961 with a $10 charter and minimal capital, the museum began in the home of Dr. Margaret Burroughs, an art teacher at the city's DuSable High School. In 1973, as a result of a community-based campaign, the museum took up residence in its present building (a former parks administration facility and police lockup) on the eastern edge of Washington Park. With no major endowment to speak of, the DuSable Museum has managed to accumulate a respectable collection of more than 13,000 artifacts, books, photographs, art objects, and memorabilia. Its collection of paintings, drawings, and sculpture by African American and African artists is excellent.

In 1993, the DuSable Museum added a 25,000-square-foot wing named in honor of the city's first and only African-American mayor, Harold Washington. The permanent exhibit on Washington contains memorabilia and personal effects, and surveys important episodes in his political career. The museum also has a gift shop, a research library, and an extensive program of community-related events, such as a jazz and blues music series, poetry readings, film screenings, and other cultural events, all presented in a 466-seat auditorium. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's Chicago 2009 Frommer's Chicago 2009

Author: Elizabeth Canning Blackwell
Pub Date: December 03, 2008
Price: $17.99

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Chicago For Dummies, 4th Edition
Frommer's Chicago 2008
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Home > Destinations > North America > USA > Illinois > Chicago > Attractions > DuSable Museum of African-American History