The Chicago History Museum – 59th Annual Fourth of July Celebration

The Fourth of July at the Chicago History Museum
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Looking for a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July? The Chicago History Museum is your answer.

Gather your friends and family for a Chicago tradition at the 59th Annual Fourth of July Celebration at the Chicago History Museum, free and open to the public on Wednesday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to noon. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke to Deliver Keynote

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke, founder of the Chicago Special Olympics, will deliver a keynote address during the official program that begins at 11 a.m. Justice Burke will deliver the speech with three Special Olympic Chicago athletes Heather Farrell, Joshua Nykiel and Carrie Nykiel

Justice Burke, whose work is recognized in the Museum’s newest display celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics, conceived of the idea of the Special Olympics in the fall of 1967 while working as a physical education teacher at the Chicago Park District. On June 6, 2018, Justice Burke was presented with The Jane Addams Making History Award for Distinction in Public Service by the Chicago History Museum.

The event begins with a concert of patriotic music performed by the Americana Concert Band, directed by Randy Szostek. Additional highlights of the program include opening remarks from Chicago History Museum President Gary T. Johnson, the presenting of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Michele Smith, 43rd Ward alderman.

Kids and caregivers are invited to celebrate with face painting, patriotic crafts, a juggler and a children’s parade led by the World’s Tallest Uncle Sam.

 

Following the event, the Museum is open from noon until 4:30 p.m. with free admission for Illinois residents.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Museum’s newest display that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics, a worldwide movement of human inclusion and equality that began in Chicago.

 

A full schedule of the day’s activities can be found at chicagohistory website.

This program is sponsored in part by the Musicians Performance Trust Fund. The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.

 

ABOUT THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
The Chicago History Museum serves as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration and civic engagement. The Museum has dedicated more than a century to celebrating and sharing Chicago’s stories through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events and programming. Located at 1601 N. Clark Street in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents and images to help audiences connect to the city and its history. To learn more visit chicagohistory website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.

 

All Photos: Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum

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