The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum is excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary with the opening of a special commemorative costume exhibition in the fall of 2024. The exhibition will draw from the more than 50,000 pieces—from haute couture to homespun—in the Museum’s internationally renowned collection of historical clothing and accessories.

True to our mission, the Costume Council has a goal to fundraise for the 50th Fund, which will support the 2024 costume exhibition and exhibition catalogue. We can’t wait to see which items the Museum’s curators select for this special showcase. Dedicated supporters like you enable CHM to be a leader in the documentation and interpretation of history through fashion.

Levels of Support

$250 | Fund the construction of a mount or padded hanger

$500| Support ongoing preservation efforts

$1,000 | Underwrite the conservation of an object in the costume collection

$2,500 | Photograph an object from the costume collection

$5,000+ | 50th Fund Gold Sponsor

* $5,000+ supporters will receive special recognition online and in the 2024 costume exhibition. Recognition will be based on cumulative giving between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024.

The Costume Council Head to Toe Appeal Supporting the Chicago History Museum

The Costume Council Head to Toe Appeal

The Costume Council Head to Toe Appeal Supporting the Chicago History Museum