Inspired by a curious community.

We are part of a broad network of writers, researchers, thinkers, teachers, and students — a vibrant community that fosters interest in our historical and cultural heritage. We are inspired by them and encourage community-wide engagement and open access.

Here are just some of a few of the individuals and organizations we’re proud to follow. We encourage you to check them out and learn from them as well.

  • Chicago Metro history Education center

    The Chicago Metro History Education Center (CMHEC) sparks students’ love of history and works to improve history education in Chicago-area schools. The Chicago Metro History Day, CMHEC's signature program, motivates students to develop and present original historical research projects. 

  • history on tap

    Getting the world excited about history through tavern & beer history. Talks, tours & boozy history experiences happening often.

  • blair kamin

    Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic; author of Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago and Terror and Wonder: Architecture in a Tumultuous Age.

  • AIA Chicago

    News, ideas and resources from AIA Chicago, the nation's 2nd largest AIA chapter, from the city that gave the world the skyscraper.

  • Black Metropolis Research Consortium

    The Black Metropolis Research Consortium is dedicated to making accessible materials documenting African American culture, history, and politics in Chicago.

  • The WFMT Studs Terkel Radio Archive

    The Studs Terkel Radio Archive celebrates 5,000+ discussions, over 46 years, with movers, shakers, intellectuals, artists, celebrities, and working folks.

  • Calumet 412

    A pictorial love letter to the city and people of Chicago.

  • Geoffrey Baer

    Chicago's best tour guide, Geoffrey Baer is known for his masterful storytelling, conversational style, and contagious enthusiasm. He is the host and writer of WTTW’s extraordinarily popular feature-length TV specials about Chicago architecture and history.

  • colonel tribune

    The Colonel knows Chicago. He is the “social media face” of The Chicago Tribune.

  • Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special events

    The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy.

  • Lake Forest College Digital Chicago

    Lake Forest College's Digital Chicago website brings historical research to light, based on faculty-undergraduate student collaborations. 

AIA Chicago

News, ideas and resources from AIA Chicago, the nation's 2nd largest AIA chapter, from the city that gave the world the skyscraper.

Black Metropolis Research Consortium

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium is dedicated to making accessible materials documenting African American culture, history, and politics in Chicago.

blair kamin

Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic; author of Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago and Terror and Wonder: Architecture in a Tumultuous Age.

Calumet 412

A pictorial love letter to the city and people of Chicago.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy.

Chicago Metro history Education center

The Chicago Metro History Education Center (CMHEC) sparks students’ love of history and works to improve history education in Chicago-area schools. The Chicago Metro History Day, CMHEC's signature program, motivates students to develop and present original historical research projects. 

colonel tribune

The Colonel knows Chicago. He is the “social media face” of The Chicago Tribune.

Geoffrey Baer

Chicago's best tour guide, Geoffrey Baer is known for his masterful storytelling, conversational style, and contagious enthusiasm. He is the host and writer of WTTW’s extraordinarily popular feature-length TV specials about Chicago architecture and history.

history on tap

Getting the world excited about history through tavern & beer history. Talks, tours & boozy history experiences happening often.

Lake Forest College Digital Chicago

Lake Forest College's Digital Chicago website brings historical research to light, based on faculty-undergraduate student collaborations. 

The WFMT Studs Terkel Radio Archive

The Studs Terkel Radio Archive celebrates 5,000+ discussions, over 46 years, with movers, shakers, intellectuals, artists, celebrities, and working folks.