About us

Mission

Chicago Collections is a collaboration among libraries, museums, and allied organizations working together to collect, preserve, and share freely, openly, and equitably the history and culture of Chicago with the world.

Vision

Chicago Collections envisions a world where the history of Chicago is made accessible to diverse communities to foster understanding, inspiration, and knowledge creation through engagement with primary sources.

WHO WE ARE

Chicago Collections is a membership organization composed of not-for-profit institutions with collections that chronicle the rich history of Chicago. The work of this collaboration is led by a Board of Directors drawn from the participating institutions. Their work is accomplished with guidance from several standing and advisory committees.

Chicago Collections is committed to preserving and sharing Chicago’s rich history and culture. Our region’s heritage should be available for all of us to explore— freely, easily, and openly. We want to keep Chicago’s history alive and evolving. Find out more about Chicago Collections' current and future programs and initiatives. 

Land Acknowledgement
Chicago Collections Consortium acknowledges and is grateful for the Native peoples who laid the foundation for the City of Chicago, and for the diverse Indigenous nations that reside in Chicago today.

When you visit our Member organizations and when you experience Chicago's outdoor spaces we invite you to join in offering respect and gratitude to the many Indigenous peoples that reside in the Chicagoland region, as well as their ancestors.

Inclusion, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and Accessibility Statement
Chicago Collections Consortium (CCC) pledges to support and foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) as part of our mission. CCC is committed to ensuring the well-being of the communities we serve to fostering an environment where different opinions, beliefs, and perspectives are sought, listened to, respected, and valued. Through IDEA, CCC is dedicated to expanding membership, participation, and leadership that reflects the broad diversity of Chicagoland.

STrategic Plan

Chicago Collections' current Strategic Plan focuses on the organizational goals of enhancing public access and engagement with Chicago-focused collections, fostering and supporting a strong, involved community of members and the public, and sustaining and growing an effective, efficient forward-looking organization. The Plan includes activities/programs, timelines, and measurements of impact.