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Elmhurst History Museum’s ‘History of Her’ exhibit highlights trailblazing women from Chicago area history

Posted May 22, 2026 10:46 pm

By Sarah Ficek, Elmhurst History Museum

The museum’s latest original exhibition will celebrate the achievements and influence of women in the Chicago area over the past 250 years.

During its 1923-24 season, the Chicago Brownies women’s basketball team were the first team from Chicago to compete for the Underwood Trophy, a North American women’s basketball championship in Edmonton, Canada.

The Elmhurst History Museum debuts its latest original exhibit, “History of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland,” opening Friday, May 29 through Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026.

Since its establishment in 1833, Chicago and its surrounding neighborhoods have watched generations of girls grow into influential leaders, innovators, and advocates for their communities.

Later this month, “History of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland” will explore the early pioneers who settled in the region, examine how girls were educated, and trace the career paths that propelled them forward. Other themes explored will be women in politics and news, social work, the arts, and sports.

Ella Flagg Young, the first woman to serve as superintendent of Chicago Public Schools (1909-1915) and the National Education Association elected her its first woman president in 1910.

From trailblazing activists to ground-breaking artists, educators, athletes, and community pioneers, the exhibit will feature countless women’s stories, including Ida B. Wells, journalist, sociologist, educator, and early leader in the civil rights movement; Alta M. Hulette, the first female attorney admitted to the Illinois Bar; Ella Flagg Young, the first woman to serve as superintendent of Chicago Public Schools; Jane Addams, a leading figure in Progressive era social reform; Jane Byrne, Chicago’s first female mayor; U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth; former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama; TV personality Oprah Winfrey; All American Girls Baseball League athletes, and many more.

The exhibition will feature artifacts, photographs, video, interactive elements, and archival materials that illuminate women’s journeys and highlight the lasting impact they have on history.

“For more than 250 years, women have made a great impact on the history of our country. They have played a vital role in shaping who we are and what is possible, inspiring generations of girls today,” said Sarah Cox, the museum’s curator of exhibits. “We are thrilled to be able to share these stories and honor the incredible women who have made their mark in the Chicagoland area.”

Women at work on bomber at Douglas Aircraft Co. in Long Beach, Calif.in October1942. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

“’History of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland’ will present more than an exploration of the past — it will celebrate how girls and women, both then and now, continue to shape the world around them,” Cox said.

The exhibition will come to life on selection Saturdays this summer in collaboration with GreenMan Theatre Troupe.

On June 20, July 11, and Aug. 8 from 2 to 2:30 p.m., guests can enjoy living history presentations right in the exhibition, with costumed actors portraying notable Chicago area women Bertha Palmer, Audrey Wagner, and Frances Willard, performing a brief monologue about the lives and accomplishments of these women.

Members of the Rockford Peaches, a professional women’s baseball team which played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1943 to 1954.

A short Q&A will follow, and performances change monthly.

Throughout the course of the exhibit, guests can dive deeper into the themes presented in “History of Her: Women who Shaped Chicagoland” by taking part in upcoming programs and events, including:

• Fearless & Fun Summer Jam, held in partnership with Elmhurst City Centre, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 12. This free family-friendly event features old-fashioned lawn games, patriotic crafts, and a performance by Fearless, a Taylor Swift tribute band on the museum’s outdoor stage.

• Summer Storytime at the Museum, held in partnership with the Elmhurst Public Library, on select Mondays, June 22, July 20 and Aug. 10, from noon to 2 p.m. Free.

• “History of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland” gallery talk with curator Sarah Cox at noon Sunday, July 19. $8 or free for members.

• “History in Your Hands: Journaling 101” at noon Saturday, July 25. Cost is $45 per person

• “An Afternoon with Abigail Adams” with actor and historian Leslie Goddard at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York St. $8 or free for members.

Additional programs and events details may be found at elmhursthistory.org.

The exhibit will be on display May 29 to Aug. 9. It is sponsored by: Feze Roofing, Dollars & Sense for Nonprofit Success, Slone Commercial, and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.

Jane Addams, a leading figure in Progressive era social reform, co-founded Hull House offering social services to poor, largely immigrant families.

The Elmhurst History Museum is open to all ages and offers free admission. The museum is open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. For additional information, visit elmhursthistory.org.

The Rockford Peaches compete against the Racine Belles in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.