About us

Mission

Chicago Collections is a consortium of libraries, museums, and other institutions with archives that collaborate to preserve and share the history and culture of the Chicago region.

Vision

Chicago Collections is the collaborative force in sharing, promoting and preserving the history and culture of the Chicago region.

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 to rich, Chicago-focused collections, fostering an engaged community through programming, building a strong involved membership and sustaining an effective, efficient organization. The Plan includes activities/programs, timelines and measurements of impact.