How to Tour the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, located in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood, stands as one of the nation’s oldest and most respected institutions dedicated to African American history and culture. Founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs and her husband Charles Burroughs, the museum was established to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the rich and often overlooked contributions of Black people across the African diaspora. Unlike many institutions that treat Black history as a sidebar to mainstream narratives, the DuSable Museum centers it as the core of American and global heritage.

Touring the DuSable Museum is not simply an educational outing—it is a transformative experience. Whether you’re a local resident, a student, a historian, or a visitor from abroad, understanding how to navigate this space effectively enhances your connection to centuries of resilience, innovation, and cultural expression. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you plan, engage with, and reflect on your visit to the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago. From logistical preparation to deep cultural immersion, this tutorial ensures your experience is both meaningful and memorable.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Museum’s Mission and Core Exhibits

Before setting foot on the grounds, invest time in understanding the museum’s foundational purpose. The DuSable Museum was created to correct historical omissions and to affirm the dignity of Black life through artifacts, art, and storytelling. Begin by visiting the official website to review current exhibitions, permanent collections, and upcoming programs. Key permanent exhibits include “The African Presence in the Americas,” “Black Chicago: The First Century,” and “African Art and Culture.”

Understanding the thematic arcs of these exhibits allows you to approach your visit with intention. For example, “Black Chicago: The First Century” traces the journey of African Americans from the 1700s through the Great Migration, highlighting figures like Ida B. Wells, Louis Armstrong, and Harold Washington. Knowing this context helps you recognize the significance of each artifact, photograph, or document you encounter.

2. Plan Your Visit Date and Time

The museum operates on a fixed schedule: open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on select Thursdays for evening events. Mondays are closed. Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter experience; weekdays—especially Tuesday and Wednesday—are less crowded and allow for more personal interaction with docents and staff.

Check the museum’s calendar for special events, lectures, film screenings, or family days. These events often include guided tours, live performances, or panel discussions that deepen your understanding. For instance, the annual “Black History Month Celebration” in February features artist talks and youth poetry readings that are not to be missed.

3. Purchase or Reserve Tickets in Advance

Admission to the DuSable Museum is pay-what-you-wish, but advance reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for groups of 10 or more. Reserving online through the museum’s website ensures entry and allows you to select a preferred time slot, reducing wait times. While walk-ins are accepted, capacity limits during peak seasons may result in delays or temporary closures to new visitors.

Students, educators, and seniors receive discounted admission. Bring a valid ID to qualify. Children under 12 enter free with a paying adult. Consider contributing above the suggested amount if you’re able—your support directly funds educational outreach and preservation efforts.

4. Arrive Early and Prepare Logistically

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time. The museum is located at 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637, near the southern end of Washington Park. Public transportation options include the CTA 4 and 6 buses, which stop within walking distance. If driving, limited on-site parking is available, and additional street parking can be found along the surrounding residential blocks. Avoid parking in unmarked areas to prevent towing.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The museum spans multiple galleries and includes stairs and uneven flooring in older sections. Bring a light jacket—the climate control is often set to preserve artifacts, and interiors can be cool. Do not carry large bags or backpacks; lockers are available near the entrance for secure storage.

5. Begin at the Welcome Center and Orientation

Upon entry, head to the Welcome Center where a museum ambassador will greet you and provide a printed floor map. This map highlights exhibit zones, restrooms, the museum store, and the café. Don’t skip the orientation video—a brief 7-minute film that introduces the museum’s founding story and the philosophy behind its curation. This video sets the emotional and intellectual tone for your entire visit.

Ask questions here. Staff are trained to guide visitors based on interest. If you’re focused on art, they’ll direct you to the African sculpture collection. If you’re interested in civil rights, they’ll recommend the Ida B. Wells exhibit. This personalized guidance is invaluable and often overlooked by first-time visitors.

6. Follow a Strategic Exhibit Path

To maximize your experience without becoming overwhelmed, follow this recommended route:

• Start with “The African Presence in the Americas” – This gallery explores pre-colonial African civilizations and their influence on the New World. Pay attention to the Yoruba masks, Benin bronze plaques, and textiles that illustrate the sophistication of African societies before transatlantic enslavement.
• Move to “Black Chicago: The First Century” – Trace the arrival of Black settlers in the 1700s, the development of Bronzeville, and the rise of Black entrepreneurship, journalism, and politics. The replica of a 1920s barbershop and the original typewriter used by Ida B. Wells are highlights.
• Visit “African Art and Culture” – This rotating exhibit features contemporary and traditional pieces from across the continent. Look for the intricate beadwork from the Zulu and the ceremonial drums from the Congo Basin.
• Explore “The Civil Rights Movement and Beyond” – This section includes protest signs from the 1960s, photographs of the Chicago Freedom Movement, and oral histories from activists who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the city.
• Conclude at “Contemporary Voices” – Here, emerging Black artists, writers, and filmmakers display work that connects historical struggles to present-day issues like police reform, identity, and cultural reclamation.

Allow 30–45 minutes per major exhibit. Pause at the seating areas provided between galleries. These quiet zones are designed for reflection, not just rest.

7. Engage with Interactive and Multimedia Elements

The DuSable Museum integrates technology thoughtfully. In the “Black Chicago” exhibit, touchscreen kiosks allow you to listen to interviews with elders who lived through the Great Migration. In “Contemporary Voices,” augmented reality panels overlay historical images onto modern-day Chicago streets, showing how neighborhoods have transformed.

Don’t rush these features. Sit down, use headphones, and absorb the stories. One visitor shared that listening to a 92-year-old woman describe her first day in Chicago in 1942 moved them to tears. These moments are why the museum endures.

8. Visit the Museum Store and Café

Before leaving, stop by the museum store. Unlike commercial gift shops, this space offers curated items that extend your learning: books by Black authors, African-inspired jewelry, children’s history books, and reproductions of historical documents. Proceeds support educational programs.

The café, “Sankofa Café,” serves soul food with a modern twist—think collard greens with smoked paprika, sweet potato pie with cardamom, and hibiscus iced tea. The menu is designed to reflect culinary traditions rooted in African, Caribbean, and Southern influences. Enjoy a meal here to complete the sensory experience of your visit.

9. Participate in a Guided Tour or Docent Program

While self-guided tours are valuable, guided tours offer unparalleled depth. The museum offers free docent-led tours at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily. Docents are trained historians, educators, or community members with deep ties to the content. They share anecdotes, correct misconceptions, and answer nuanced questions you might not think to ask.

For school groups or organizations, private tours can be arranged by request. These include pre-visit curriculum materials and post-visit discussion guides—ideal for teachers and community leaders.

10. Reflect and Document Your Experience

Before exiting, take a moment in the Reflection Garden—a small outdoor space with benches, native plants, and engraved quotes from Black thinkers like Langston Hughes and Audre Lorde. Many visitors journal here or take photographs of the garden as a closing ritual.

Consider writing down three things you learned, one question that remains, and how this experience connects to your own life. This practice transforms a visit into lasting learning.

Best Practices

1. Approach with Humility and Curiosity

Black history is not a monolith. It is layered, contested, and deeply personal. Avoid approaching the museum with preconceived notions or assumptions. Instead, come with an open mind and a willingness to be challenged. The museum does not offer a sanitized version of history—it presents truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

2. Respect the Artifacts and Spaces

Many objects on display are irreplaceable. Do not touch exhibits, use flash photography, or speak loudly near fragile items. The museum’s climate-controlled environment is maintained to preserve textiles, paper, and wood—your quiet demeanor supports this mission.

3. Prioritize Listening Over Speaking

When engaging with staff or fellow visitors, listen more than you speak. Many of the stories shared are deeply personal. Allow space for silence, for emotion, for processing. This is not a passive tour—it is an act of witness.

4. Avoid Tokenization

Do not reduce Black history to a checklist of “firsts” or “onlys.” While milestones like the first Black president or the first Black Supreme Court justice are important, the museum’s power lies in showing the everyday resilience, creativity, and community-building that sustained generations. Look for the unnamed seamstress, the teacher who taught literacy in secret, the grandmother who saved money to buy land.

5. Connect Visits to Broader Learning

One visit is not enough. Supplement your experience with books like “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson, “Black Reconstruction in America” by W.E.B. Du Bois, or “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. Watch documentaries such as “Eyes on the Prize” or “13th.” The museum is a starting point, not an endpoint.

6. Bring a Journal or Notebook

Writing enhances memory and emotional integration. Jot down names, dates, quotes, or emotional reactions. You might later use these notes for a school project, blog post, or personal reflection. Many alumni of the museum’s youth programs credit journaling during visits with sparking their career in history or education.

7. Involve Others

Bring family, friends, or colleagues. Discussing what you saw deepens understanding. Ask: “What surprised you?” “Which story stayed with you?” “How does this connect to what we see today?” These conversations turn a solitary visit into a communal act of remembrance.

8. Support Beyond the Visit

Consider becoming a member. Annual memberships offer free admission, exclusive previews, and invitations to lectures. You can also donate artifacts, volunteer as a docent, or help with archival digitization projects. The museum thrives on community participation.

Tools and Resources

Official Museum Website

The DuSable Museum’s website (www.dusablemuseum.org) is your primary resource. It features current exhibitions, event calendars, educational resources for teachers, and digital archives. The “Learn” section includes downloadable lesson plans aligned with Illinois and national history standards, ideal for K–12 educators.

Virtual Tour Platform

For those unable to visit in person, the museum offers a high-resolution virtual tour. Navigate through 360-degree views of key galleries, zoom in on artifacts, and listen to audio commentary from curators. The virtual tour is accessible via desktop or mobile and includes closed captions and screen-reader compatibility.

Mobile App: DuSable Explorer

Download the free “DuSable Explorer” app (available on iOS and Android). It provides audio guides in English and Spanish, location-based alerts when you enter an exhibit zone, and quizzes to test your knowledge. The app also includes a “Story Map” feature that links artifacts to historical events on a digital timeline of Chicago.

Archival Databases

The museum partners with the Chicago Public Library and the University of Illinois Chicago to host digitized collections. Access photographs, oral histories, and newspaper clippings through the “Chicago Black History Digital Archive.” Search terms like “Bronzeville,” “Black newspapers,” or “Great Migration” yield rich primary sources.

Recommended Reading List

• “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander – Understanding systemic oppression in the modern era.
• “Black Boy” by Richard Wright – A memoir of growing up Black in the South, with relevance to Chicago’s Great Migration.
• “Stony the Road” by Henry Louis Gates Jr. – A history of Reconstruction and its erasure.
• “The Blacker the Berry” by Wallace Thurman – A 1929 novel exploring colorism in Black communities.
• “They Were Her Property” by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers – A groundbreaking look at white women as slaveholders.

Podcasts and Documentaries

• “1619” by The New York Times – A podcast series reimagining American history through the lens of slavery.
• “Criminal” – Episode: “The Black Museum” – A true crime episode that intersects with museum ethics and representation.
• “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” (2015) – A documentary featuring interviews with former members and archival footage.
• “Chicago’s South Side: The Heart of Black Culture” (PBS) – A regional exploration of music, food, and politics.

Local Partnerships

The museum collaborates with institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Chicago History Museum. Check their websites for joint ticket packages or “Culture Pass” programs that offer discounted or free access across multiple venues.

Real Examples

Example 1: A High School History Class

In 2022, a group of 11th-grade students from Englewood High School visited the DuSable Museum as part of their U.S. History curriculum. Their teacher, Ms. Rivera, assigned pre-visit readings on the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. During the tour, students were stunned to see the actual newspaper headline from the Chicago Defender that read: “White Mob Kills 15 in Race Riot.” One student, Jamal, later wrote: “I thought I knew what racism looked like. But seeing that paper, smelling the ink, knowing someone held it the day after the violence—that made it real. I cried in the Reflection Garden.”

After the visit, the class created a digital exhibit titled “Voices from the Riot,” using museum archives and interviews with community elders. Their project won the Illinois State History Fair and was displayed at the museum for a month.

Example 2: A Retired Teacher from Atlanta

After retiring, Dr. Evelyn Carter, a former English teacher from Atlanta, traveled to Chicago to reconnect with her roots. Her mother had moved from Mississippi to Chicago in 1947. At the museum, she found a photograph of a woman in a 1940s dress holding a child—her mother. The caption read: “Mildred Carter, Domestic Worker, Bronzeville, 1948.”

She contacted the museum’s archivist, who helped her locate her mother’s employment record and a letter she had written to her sister in 1952. The museum included the letter in a new exhibit on “Black Women’s Voices.” Dr. Carter now volunteers monthly, sharing her mother’s story with school groups.

Example 3: A Young Artist from Nigeria

Chinedu Okoro, a 24-year-old visual artist from Lagos, visited the museum while studying in the U.S. He was drawn to the African art collection but was moved most by the “Contemporary Voices” exhibit featuring a mixed-media piece titled “Echoes of the Middle Passage.” The artist, a Chicago native, used fragments of slave ship manifests and woven Kente cloth to create a suspended sculpture.

Chinedu was so inspired that he created his own installation, “Roots in the Wind,” which combined Yoruba beadwork with Chicago street signs. The museum acquired the piece for its permanent collection and hosted a public dialogue with Chinedu and local Black artists.

Example 4: A Family Reunion

The Johnson family, spanning four generations, held their annual reunion at the DuSable Museum in 2023. Their patriarch, 94-year-old Robert Johnson, had been a member of the original board of directors in the 1970s. He guided his grandchildren through the exhibits, pointing out items he had helped acquire—like the typewriter used by a Black journalist who exposed police brutality in the 1950s.

At the café, the family shared stories across the table. The youngest, 8-year-old Maya, asked, “Why don’t we learn this in school?” Her mother replied, “Because someone had to build a place like this so we could learn it ourselves.”

FAQs

Is the DuSable Museum only for Black visitors?

No. The museum welcomes everyone. Its mission is to educate all people about the global contributions of African-descended peoples. Visitors of all backgrounds—racial, ethnic, and cultural—are encouraged to engage with the content. In fact, diversity among visitors is seen as essential to fostering empathy and shared understanding.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum?

Most visitors spend between two and three hours. If you’re deeply interested in history or art, you may spend up to four hours. The museum is designed for thoughtful pacing, not speed. Rushing defeats the purpose.

Can I bring my children? Are there activities for them?

Yes. The museum offers family days on the first Saturday of each month, with hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, and art projects. Children’s guides are available at the Welcome Center, and the “Kids’ Corner” in the education wing features interactive games about African kingdoms and civil rights heroes.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Audio descriptions are available for visually impaired visitors, and tactile models of key artifacts can be requested in advance. Sign language interpreters are available for guided tours with 48-hour notice.

Can I take photographs inside the museum?

Photography is permitted for personal, non-commercial use without flash. Some exhibits may restrict photography due to loan agreements or cultural sensitivity. Always check signage or ask a staff member. Commercial photography requires written permission.

Does the museum offer school field trips?

Yes. The museum provides tailored field trips aligned with state and national standards. Teachers can request curriculum kits, pre-visit materials, and post-visit assessments. Group rates are available for 10 or more students. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance.

What if I don’t know much about Black history? Will I feel lost?

Not at all. The museum is designed for all knowledge levels. Exhibits are clearly labeled, and staff are trained to answer questions at any depth. Start with the orientation video and ask for a “beginner’s path” when you arrive. You’ll be guided gently into the material.

Can I donate artifacts or documents?

Yes. The museum actively seeks artifacts related to African American life in Chicago and beyond. Contact the Collections Department to schedule an evaluation. They accept photographs, letters, clothing, tools, and oral histories. All donations are reviewed for historical significance and preservation needs.

Are there any free admission days?

Yes. The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Additionally, during Black History Month (February), the museum hosts “Free Admission Week” with extended hours and special programming.

How is the museum funded?

The DuSable Museum is a private, nonprofit institution. It receives funding from individual donors, private foundations, corporate sponsors, and government grants. It does not rely on public tax dollars for daily operations. Your admission fee and donations directly support preservation, education, and community programs.

Conclusion

Touring the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago is not a casual outing—it is an act of reclamation, remembrance, and renewal. In a world where history is often reduced to headlines and hashtags, this museum grounds the past in tangible, human stories. Every artifact, every photograph, every voice recorded on tape carries the weight of generations who refused to be erased.

By following this guide—from research to reflection—you transform from a visitor into a steward of memory. You become part of a lineage that values truth over comfort, depth over spectacle, and community over consumption.

Whether you come alone or with your family, as a student or a scholar, you leave not just with knowledge—but with responsibility. The DuSable Museum does not exist to make you feel good. It exists to make you feel something real. And from that feeling, action grows.

Plan your visit. Bring curiosity. Listen deeply. Walk out changed.