One of the first thoughts I had while reading the displays in this museum, was, “Wow, it’s nice to be reading the version of history that wasn’t written by old white men.” More specifically, I was reading a blurb on the Revolutionary War that focused on African Americans, rather than paying total attention to the colonies. You’ll get a lot of that at the DuSable Museum of African American History, located in Washington Park a few minutes’ walk from the University of Chicago campus. The museum was named for Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian man who is considered Chicago’s first permanent settler, or, as the museum somewhat awkwardly puts it, “the first non-Indian to establish a permanent settlement in the territory,” and showcases art, artifacts, and history related to the African and African-American experience. You’ll see exhibits about the march on Birmingham, Rosa Parks, segregation, white and black water fountains, and other more recent additions, such as a stirring quote from President Barack Obama: “I will never forget that the only reason I’m standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky.” While it does a good job of covering history, I think the museum misses a ripe opportunity to explore the strongly divided race relations that exist in Chicago. I look forward to checking out the museum’s expansion, the Round House, which promises to be a more modern institution, when it opens across the street sometime in 2014 or 2015, depending on funding. Allow 1 hour.
Chicago› Attraction
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 E 56th Place., Chicago, IL 60637
Our Rating
Hours
Tues–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm
Transportation

Subway/El: Green Line to Garfield, Bus: 6 or Metra Electric train to 57th St. and Lake Park Ave., and then a short cab ride or 1-mile walk.
Phone 773/947-0600 Prices Admission $10 adults, $7 students and seniors, $3 children 6–11, free for children 5 and under Web site DuSable Museum of African American History Other Free admission Sun. Closed major holidays.Map
740 E 56th Place. Chicago IL 60637 ChicagoNote: 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.