Museum Mondays: How We Choose Our Exhibits
Ever wonder how exhibits at the West Chicago City Museum are chosen? Behind every display, there’s thoughtful planning, research, and a strong sense of purpose. From marking anniversaries to responding to community curiosity, we aim to create exhibits that educate, connect, and inspire. Here’s a look behind the scenes at what guides our exhibit planning process.
Second Floor of the West Chicago City Museum
Anniversaries and Milestones
Anniversaries are a natural time for reflection, commemoration or celebration. Whether it’s the centennial of a local institution, the 150th anniversary of the railroad, or a decade milestone for a beloved festival, we often use these moments as anchors for exhibits. They allow us to look back, highlight change, and celebrate progress—while also considering what the future might hold.
Local, State, and National Events
Exhibits also emerge in response to events impacting West Chicago and beyond. From statewide programming to national commemorations, we consider how larger conversations affect our community. These themes offer opportunities to draw connections between local history and broader cultural moments.
Our recent 1920s exhibit at the West Chicago Public Library to celebrate their National Library Week theme.
State Initiatives like America250
Major statewide initiatives like the upcoming America250—commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States—often inspire collaborative efforts across museums and cultural institutions. We’re already looking ahead to how we can participate in this milestone, with exhibits and programs that highlight West Chicago’s contributions to the state and nation. As part of efforts through our Museum Director’s seat on the state Illinois250 Commission, Illinois’s committee to showcase our state in the larger America250 anniversary, we are working to showcase West Chicago’s impactful history on the region.
Hosting Traveling Exhibits
From time to time, we also welcome traveling exhibits from other museums and cultural organizations. These exhibits give us a chance to share stories and artifacts we might not otherwise have access to, and allow our visitors to experience regional, national, or even international perspectives—right here at home.
Changing Worlds traveling exhibit hosted by the West Chicago City Museum
Your Questions Inspire Us
Sometimes, it’s as simple as this: a visitor asks a question we can’t stop thinking about. When certain topics come up again and again—about a historic building, a former industry, or a notable resident—we know it’s time to dig deeper. Community curiosity is one of our favorite starting points.
We believe exhibits should reflect not just where we’ve been, but who we are and where we’re going. That’s why we love hearing from you. So we’ll leave you with this question:
What exhibit would you like to see at the West Chicago City Museum in the future?
Let us know—your idea might be the inspiration for our next big display.
