Jane Addams was the daughter of a wealthy miller, who leased a mansion on Chicago’s poor west side in 1889, welcoming the area’s residents, many of whom were poor immigrants, into the home, called the Hull-House. Today, that mansion is a museum that highlights the accomplishments of the social reformer, who provided childcare services so parents could work, supported the labor movement, drew attention to issues of immigration, pushed for universal education, and more. She went on to become the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The first floor gives an overview of the social services that Addams and her co-worker, Ellen Gates Starr (also most likely her lover at one time, although the museum doesn’t come right out and say that), provided to the neighborhood, all in the backdrop of a comfortable, welcoming home—a far cry from the kind of stripped-down soup kitchen of many charities. Wander up to the second floor and you can see Addams’ sparsely furnished room and the desk where she worked, which was the centerpiece. Around the halls are photos of former residents and reformists who joined in Addams’ mission to understand poverty in order to move beyond it. The Hull-House does assume a basic knowledge of Jane Addams, a household name in Chicago, where a tollway, elementary school and high school bear her name. I’ve tried to supply you with that here, so you should be set to explore. The Hull-House offers tours at 10am and 3pm. Get tickets online.
Chicago› Attraction
Hull-House Museum
University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 S Halsted St. (at Polk St.). , Chicago, IL 60607
Our Rating
Hours
Tues–Fri 9am–5pm; Sun 9am–5pm. Closed Mon & Sat
Transportation
Subway/El: Blue Line to Halsted/University of Illinois
Phone
312/413-5353
Prices
Suggested donation
Web site
Hull-House Museum
Other
Free admission. Closed university holidays

Map
University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 S Halsted St. 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.