The Making History Awards pay tribute to the positive and enduring impact of some of our city’s extraordinary leaders.
We look forward to saluting our outstanding honorees while supporting the History Museum and its mission to “share Chicago stories” through a vast collection of artifacts, innovative exhibits, public programs, tours and web-based outlets.
2026 Honorees
Debra Cafaro, The Cyrus McCormick Making History Award for Historic Corporate Achievement
Fred J. Eychaner, The Daniel Burnham Making History Award in Visionary Leadership
John W. McCarter Jr., The Marshall Field Making History Award for Distinction in Corporate Leadership and Innovation
Linda Johnson Rice, The Bertha Honoré Palmer Making History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership
If possible, kindly consider check or wire transfer payment for gifts of $5,000+.
Please send payments to:
Chicago Historical Society
c/o PJH & Associates
70 West Madison Street
Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60602
Event Contact: Colleen Woodhouse
About Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum cares for, showcases, and interprets millions of authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history. Their ability to illuminate the past is a reminder of what really happened once upon a time, and sheds light on the present while informing our future.
With more than 20 million authentic artifacts, the Chicago History Museum stands at the crossroads of our city’s – and America’s – past and future. The Museum offers unique, innovative and informed glimpses into our shared history and continues to evolve and adapt to our world’s changing needs, with a number of digital resources including online exhibitions, virtual tours, and a host of educational materials for the whole family that reach a global audience in the millions.
For more information on Chicago History Museum, please visit https://www.chicagohistory.org.