Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Pritzker Military Museum & Library, History Museum, 104 S Michigan Avenue, Fl 2nd, Chicago, IL.
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library features books, exhibits, live webcasts, and audio podcasts about military history, military affairs and national security.
Operating as usual
Have you heard the good news? We have a new page to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library! Follow our new page to stay updated on some new and exciting programming, compelling conversations, free events for families, pictures, videos, and our new traveling exhibit coming to the PMML.
Be sure to follow us as we will be saying goodbye to this page starting MARCH 31st.
bit.ly/FB-ChicagoPMML
Join the exciting conversations and learn about our new programming on our new page! Get the latest details and find out what’s on the horizon!
We will be saying farewell to this page on March 31st, 2023.
bit.ly/FB-ChicagoPMML
We’re looking forward to staying connected with you! If you haven’t already done so, follow our new page . Be sure to follow us as we will be saying goodbye to this page on March 31, 2023.
bit.ly/FB-ChicagoPMML
Have you followed our new page ? Whether you are a long-time scholar or a first-time explorer, we’ve added more ways for everyone, to learn about our military, understand our democracy, and be better informed to make decisions for tomorrow.
Be sure to follow us to discover the future of the PMML: bit.ly/FB-ChicagoPMML
Help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library by following our NEW page ! Our new account will highlight even more new & exciting diverse programming, compelling conversations, free events for families, pictures, videos and our new traveling exhibit coming to the PMML.
Be sure to follow us by March 31, 2023 before we delete this page! We look forward to seeing you there: bit.ly/FB-ChicagoPMML
We are celebrating the 20th anniversary year of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library! To kick off this momentous year, we’re launching a NEW page Pritzker Military Museum & Library - PMML to highlight all the new & exciting diverse programming, compelling conversations, free events for families, pictures, videos, and our new traveling exhibit coming to the PMML. Be sure to follow us here as we will be saying goodbye to this page starting MARCH 31st.
As our mission continues to grow, we are also pleased to officially add our newly built Pritzker Military Archives Center (PMAC) and our future Cold War Veterans Memorial (CWVM), located in Somers, Wisconsin, to the PMML family. Pritzker Military Museum & Library - PMML will continue to share information about the Archives Center and CWVM.
Stay up to date on the latest Museum & Library details by following our NEW PMML page. We’re looking forward to staying connected with you!
bit.ly/PMML-20thAnniversary
Save the date for Saturday, March 25 as the Glessner House honors Women’s History Month and the 145th birthday of Frances Glessner Lee at their Murder in a Nutshell: A Frances Glessner Lee Whodunit Event.
Frances McNamara will discuss her newest novel, Molasses Murder in a Nutshell, based on Frances Glessner Lee’s “Dark Bathroom” Nutshell Study. In the book, Lee and Dr. George Burgess Magrath set out to determine what happened to the unfortunate Maggie following the devastating 1919 molasses flood in Boston. A life-size version of “Dark Bathroom” will be installed so attendees can walk through it, and try to determine if Maggie’s death was accidental, su***de, natural causes, or murder!
Buy your tickets today.
This program, in honor of Women's History Month and the 145th birthday of Frances Glessner Lee will explore her pivotal role in forensic science, as we examine a life-size version of her "Dark Bathroom" Nutshell Study, looking for clues and trying to determine if it was murder or a tragic
PMML Family Programs is excited to introduce Medals for my Hero, a tailored program perfect for young learners.
Participants will have the opportunity to look at a real-life Medal of Honor and learn more about the history of this important award. After that, we will create special medals to show our appreciation for the heroes in our own lives. Learn more: bit.ly/3xaNXWK
"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happy Hour!"
If you loved watching MASH on tv, then be sure to join us on Friday, March 10 as we discuss the story of the 4077th that was told in Richard Hooker’s hilarious and moving novel, M*A*S*H: A Novel About Three Army Doctors. Reserve your spot here: bit.ly/3yditQa
During the American Civil War, between 5,000 and 10,000 civilian women offered their services as nurses and hospital administrators, including Dr. Mary Edwards Walker who remains the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor. Follow her story in our upcoming student webinar on Thursday, March 9.
Share this post with students or teachers who may be interested! TEACHERS: Register your students for this inspirational webinar here: bit.ly/3JP5ZVT
Learn the story of the first female accredited correspondent during World War II in the SPY Museum's upcoming webinar detailing the double life of Katharine Clark.
Join us on Monday, March 8 to hear the untold story of the fearless journalist who risked her life for truth and justice. The International Spy Museum and The Pritzker Military Museum & Library welcome author Katharine Gregorio to discuss this intense and too little-known Cold War story, The Double Life of Katharine Clark. Reserve your spot here: bit.ly/3EZ6edT
The Museum & Library is pleased to welcome talented poets from the Chicago-based organization Poems While You Wait on Saturday, March 18th.
Reserve your spot to explore what made the propaganda poems of World War I so impactful and craft your own poem! bit.ly/41McQWB
in 1918, an Army cook becomes case zero for the Spanish Flu in the United States. Learn more by reading Kenneth C. Davis’ More Deadly Than War: the Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War: bit.ly/3Jde9Xl
Members of the Museum & Library can watch Davis' interview with the PMML here: bit.ly/3Yo25XA
in 1943, aviators from the United States 5th Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force attacked a Japanese naval convoy in the Bismarck Sea in the vicinity of Lae as part of the New Guinea Campaign of World War II. The Japanese units took heavy damage with all eight Japanese transports and four of the accompanying Japanese destroyers being sunk.
Learn more by reading Bill Yenne’s MacArthur’s Air Force: bit.ly/3Ym2IRI
OR
John E. Happ’s The Navigation Case: bit.ly/3SV2Fer
We are saddened to hear the last known Tuskegee Airman in the Chicago area, Oscar Lawton Wilkerson, passed last month at the age of 96, a day before his 97th birthday. His spirit and legacy will live on forever.
Oscar Lawton Wilkerson Jr. told generations of kids about being one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation's first Black aviation combat unit.
Congratulations to Craig L. Symonds, recipient of the 2023 Pritzker Military Museum & Library’s Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing! Symonds will be presented with the award and honored at the 2023 On War Symposium on April 13-14, 2023: bit.ly/3KRnZzF
The Pritzker Literature Award—which includes a gold medallion, citation, and $100,000 honorarium—recognizes and honors the contributions of a living author for a body of work dedicated to enriching the understanding of military history and affairs.
A distinguished historian of the American Civil War and maritime history, his books include The Battle of Midway, Lincoln and His Admirals, World War II at Sea, and more. Browse Symonds’ collection of books available in our library catalog: bit.ly/3y7AwXT
Save the date for April 13-14 as the Pritzker Military Museum & Library honors the 50th anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force at the 2023 On War Military History Symposium.
Join us as we welcome a stellar group of civilian experts, scholars, and active duty and retired service members to share their knowledge and insights on the All-Volunteer Force's history, health, and future. In-person and virtual attendance options are available. Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates and sponsorship opportunities: bit.ly/OnWar2023
in 1836, Texans fortified at the Alamo Mission began to hold against a siege of the Alamo by the Mexican Army under the leadership of President General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana. The 13-day siege ended with the Mexican Army killing all the Texans present at the Alamo, instead of taking prisoners.
Read Paul Calore’s "The Texas Revolution and the U.S. Mexican War:" bit.ly/3IlIKBN
For younger readers, check out "The Battle of the Alamo" by Cory Gunderson: bit.ly/3xkYyP1
in 1847, under the leadership of General Zachary Taylor, the United States Armed Forces fought the larger Mexican Army, under the leadership of Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana, in one of the battles of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).
Learn about the Mexican-American War by reading Amy Greenberg’s "A Wicked War" or by watching her discussion of the book on Pritzker Military Presents:
A Wicked War - bit.ly/3I0sB3p
Pritzker Military Presents Amy S. Greenberg: A Wicked War - bit.ly/3XuzzmH
Originally recognized as George Washington's Birthday in 1885, Presidents' Day is federally observed as a day to celebrate U.S. presidents, past and present. Check out some of our book recommendations in honor of Presidents' Day, available in our PMML Shop:
Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer - bit.ly/3IkNur9
For younger readers, Who Was George Washington by Roberta Edwards and WHO HQ - bit.ly/3E6BJ5f
Here's your last chance to experience ! Our latest exhibit focuses on POWs from World War II and the Vietnam War, and how those experiences highlight the perseverance of the citizen soldier when faced with insurmountable odds.
Featuring never-before-seen collections and artifacts, visitors can learn how the POW experience has changed throughout American military history. Learn about the drastic differences that exist including different living situations, successful and unsuccessful ways that prisoners attempted to escape, medical treatments, and much more. On view through April 2023: bit.ly/Life-Behind-The-Wire
Did you know the Museum & Library has eBooks and audiobooks available in our library? Members of the Museum & Library have FREE access to books varying from a wide array of genres such as history, political science, fiction, and so much more! Browse our site here: bit.ly/PMML-Library
Even during the cold winter of brutal fighting during World War I, there were still brave Cupids delivering valentines to soldiers. The emotions experienced by couples were heightened in the midst of wartime. Check out this Valentine's card pulled from our archives, which was sent to Mr. J. Harlan Richards from Geno.
Tune in to WTTW-PRIME PBS Channel 11/2 to watch our original program series, Pritzker Military Presents. View the full broadcasting schedule here: bit.ly/PMML-TV-Sch
In honor of Black History Month, we'd like to share the story of Millie Bailey, one of the first African American officers in the Women's Army Corps.
Bailey served as a commander of the Women's Colored Detachment and was one of only two black women to earn superior rank at her officer's course. For her 100th birthday wish, Bailey expressed a desire for true equality for future generations. She would have turned 105 this month.
Vivian Mildred Corbett Bailey graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class and enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps
Tune in to the Hoover Institution’s upcoming Battlegrounds episode on Wednesday, February 15 at 11:00 am CST featuring the Museum & Library’s president, Dr. Krewasky Salter.
In this special episode, H.R. McMaster and Dr. Salter discuss his scholarship on African American military history and the implications of that history for the military and society today: bit.ly/3RLKiIt
Join the Pritzker Military Museum & Library on Wednesday, February 15 for a FREE live stream event with Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Alexander Vindman, Ph.D, and DePaul University's Dr. Richard Farkas.
Dr. Vindman and Dr. Farkas will discuss Russia's war on Ukraine from the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war, as well as the global impacts. In addition, Dr. Vindman will share his perspective on serving as the Pritzker Military Fellow at Lawfare Institute over the past two years: bit.ly/Russias-War-On-Ukraine
Throughout the year, the Museum & Library will be highlighting women who have served in the United States Armed Forces from the colonial era to the present day. Today, we shine a light on Dr. Mary Walker, who remains the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor.
Students and teachers are invited to join us on Thursday, March 9 for a FREE student webinar to follow the story of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker - a battlefield surgeon, American feminist, suffragist, prisoner of war, and accused spy.
Share this post with students or teachers who may be interested! Reserve your spot here: bit.ly/3JP5ZVT
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library is excited to launch our first-ever Fearless Readers Virtual Author Book Talk on Wednesday, February 22. Join us online as we welcome award-winning children's book author, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen to discuss her book, 'The United States v. Jackie Robinson.'
Learn about Jackie Robinson's fight against racism and segregation in the U.S. Army. Reserve your spot for this family-friendly event here: bit.ly/3l2HxGd
Calling all students and teachers! There is still time to sign up for our upcoming student webinar this Thursday, February 9! Register your students to learn about the adversities faced by African Americans in the United States during World War II, igniting a fire that became the modern Civil Rights Movement. Reserve your spot here: bit.ly/3ZxAuVU
in 1862, Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant marched twelve miles overland from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson in Stewart County, Tennessee with his troops. His forces made small probing attacks on the Confederate-held fort before being reinforced by the Union Navy’s gunboats under the command of Rear Admiral Andrew H. Foote.
The Union victory at Fort Donelson resulted in most of Kentucky and Tennessee being under Union control. Learn more by reading Benjamin Franklin Cooling III’s 'Forts Henry and Donelson -- the Key to the Confederate Heartland' or Jack Hurst’s 'Men of Fire,' available for loan from the Museum & Library:
Forts Henry and Donelson - bit.ly/3lbVl1o
Men of Fire - bit.ly/3wZfcmV
There is still time to register for our upcoming conversation on Wednesday, February 8, as we welcome author Matthew Delmont for a virtual conversation and discussion of his new book, Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad in observance and recognition of Black History Month.
Civil rights expert and Dartmouth history professor, Matthew Delmont narrates the hardships faced by Black Americans who contributed to the war effort only to be denied housing and educational opportunities on their return home.
Register for this FREE virtual program today: bit.ly/3kr6Ilz
This month's features powerful stories in honor of Black History Month. "The United States v. Jackie Robinson" by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen is an inspiring nonfiction picture book about the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. This is the perfect read for 4-8-year-olds! Reserve your copy of the book here: bit.ly/3RwgfEo
Interested in more? Join us on Wednesday, February 22 for a virtual read-aloud and Q&A with author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen! Register here: bit.ly/3l2HxGd
The PMML Family Programs presents Medals for my Hero, an educational event for young learners to understand the history and importance of the Medal of Honor. Participants will also have the opportunity to create a special medal to show appreciation for a hero in their life! Register for this family-friendly event here: bit.ly/PMMLFamily-Programs
104 S Michigan Avenue, Fl 2nd
Chicago, IL
60603
Adams/Wabash CTA elevated Monroe CTA subway
Since opening in 2003, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library has produced over 300 programs including events with award-winning authors, interviews with Medal of Honor recipients, and Emmy-nominated panel discussions on military issues. Programs are presented in front of a live audience, webcast live on the Internet, and recorded for later broadcast on WYCC-TV/Channel 20 and WTTW-TW/Channel 11, PBS affiliates. Programs are also available for download as audio podcasts. Winner of the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library features a collection of books and films on subjects covering the full spectrum of American military history, along with military-themed posters, photographs, medals, uniforms, and other artifacts from private donors and the collection of the Library’s founder, COL (IL) J.N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired).
| Tuesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 4pm |
| Friday | 10am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 4pm |
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In this week's episode, learn about the first U.S. H-bomb.
Watch the lastest episode of This Week in Military History as we explore the Warsaw Pact Invasion of Czechoslovakia that occured on Aug 20 - 21, 1968.
In this week's episode, learn about the Korean War Armistice signed on this day in 1953.
In this week's episode, learn about the Berlin blockade & airlift in 1948.
Plan a visit to the Museum & Library to experience our newest exhibit - Prisoners of War: #LifeBehindTheWire. Focused on experiences from World War II and the Vietnam War, this exhibit explores the drastic differences that exist between varying POW experiences. Food was scarce for some, others received adequate meals, exercise, and camaraderie. Some endured long hours of work. Many were limited to just a few words for outside communication. Experience this thought-provoking exhibit in-person: bit.ly/Life-Behind-The-Wire
Memorial Day is a day when we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first introduced in the years following the Civil War, eventually becoming a federally recognized holiday by 1971. The Pritzker Military Museum & Library also recognizes Gold Star families – the immediate family members of service members who died in the line of duty. Originating from World War I, the Gold Star Service Flag is now flown by Gold Star families to honor those they have lost. Learn more about the holiday’s history and ways to get involved: bit.ly/PMMLMemorial-Day
Learn about Operation Linebacker during the Vietnam War.
Learn about the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty.
In this episode of This Week In Military History, we explore the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.
In this episode of This Week in Military History, learn about Operation Junction City during the Vietnam War.
The latest episode of This Week in Military History explores the repulse of the Americans at the Sault au Matelot barricade in Quebec City in 1775
In this episode of This Week in Military History, learn about why the sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse was a significant moment during WWII.
In our latest episode of This Week in Military History, we explore the fall of the Russian Provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky to the Petrograd forces led by Vladimir Lenin.
In today's episode of This Week in Military History, learn about the fall of the Russian provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky.
Watch our newest episode of This Week in Military History where we explore the 1973 Yom Kippur War which is also known as the Ramadan War.
The latest episode of This Week in Military History details the pivotal Inchon landing from the Korean War.
Tune in to our latest episode of This Week in Military History as we explore the career of World War I African-American aviator, Eugene Jacques Bullard.
Watch our newest episode of This Week in Military History as we focus on the American surrender of Fort Detroit to the British during the War of 1812.
Check out our new episode of This Week in Military History focusing on Operation Aphrodite during WWII on August 12, 1944.
In our new episode of This Week in Military History, we explore the aerial attack on a United States Army helicopter in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011.
Watch our newest episode of This Week in Military History as we explore the secret mission of the USS Indianapolis and its subsequent sinking of a Japanese submarine in WWII.
Check out our new This Week in Military History episode exploring the United States Army's 24th Infantry Division's defense of the South Korean city of Taejon.
Watch our new episode of This Week in Military History exploring the New York City draft riots of the summer of 1863.
Check out our latest episode of This Week in Military History as we explore the Kerensky Offensive by the Russian Army during WWI.
Check out our latest episode of This Week in Military History covering the first aerial refueling of an airplane in 1923.
Watch This Week in Military History as we explore the event known as Juneteenth when formally enslaved people in Texas finally learned they have been emancipated earlier in the American Civil War.
Watch our latest episode of This Week in Military History focusing on the Battle of Trevilian Station, a cavalry battle during the American Civil War.
Check out our latest episode of This Week in Military History exploring the Battle of France near the beginning of WWII. Tune in now!
In honor of Memorial Day, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library presents our 2021 Memorial Day commemoration video in dedication to our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve to protect our country and defend our freedom. Watch now!
Today's episode of This Week in Military History focuses on a treaty to end the production of chemical weapons signed by former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev.
Illinois Labor History Society
S Michigan Avenue 540 AudThe Richard H. Driehaus Museum
E Erie StreetThe DNA Discovery Center and Pritzker Lab at
S Lake Shore DriveUniversity of Illinois at Chicago - Museum an
W Harrison Street
Chicago Women's History Center
N Humboldt Boulevard
Bronzeville / Black Chicagoan Historical Soci
S. King Drive
The DNA Discovery Center and Pritzker Lab at
S Lake Shore Drive
The DuSable Black History Museum and Educatio
E 56th Place
Charnley-Persky House Museum Foundation
N Astor Street
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
E Erie Street