During the heat wave in 1995, I was teaching a remedial class at St. Gregory the Great High School on Bryn Mawr Avenue. Our building had no air conditioning. My classroom on the south side of the building became unbearable by the third day. I called the Chicago Historical Society. Officials there graciously and generously allowed me to bring my whole class to use their facilities every day until the crisis was over.
While at the Chicago Historical Society, now known as the Chicago History Museum, a transfer student asked me what those black things on a sign were. They were letters that made words that he did not know. The student somehow got to high school on his wit, auditory memory and ability to fake it. He did not know the alphabet. Because of our time at the museum, this young man was put in our Learning Resource Program. In two years, he learned to read on the level of an eighth grader. His whole life was changed as he continued to learn and read through graduation.
The heat wave cause untold suffering, and this young man learned to read because of the generosity of the Chicago Historical Society. An “only in Chicago story.”
Kelly Lytle, Forest Park
Chicagoans: Ramp up your support for the arts
Chicago is known globally for its architecture, renowned arts and culture and vibrant neighborhoods. A major reason lies in our extraordinary nonprofit cultural community: world-class art, literature, science and children’s museums, complemented by a diverse array of theater and performing arts organizations.
Our citywide festivals, libraries and vibrant neighborhood institutions are also testament to Chicago’s high quality of life; they create opportunities for learning and exploration, shape communities and attract millions of tourists annually.
But our area’s cultural institutions are here for Chicagoans first. Any local describing why they love living here will include these beloved places and events. We provide gathering spaces and educational resources, invite families to learn and play, fuel Illinois’ creative economy and invite visitors to experience our remarkable city. However, federal funding for the arts and humanities is rapidly declining. Agencies like the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which provide critical research and resources for libraries and museums, are discontinuing funding. These resources have been vital to our nation’s cultural infrastructure for 60 years; without them,
many essential civic resources face serious financial challenges.
To the Chicagoan wondering “What can I do?” — individual actions make the biggest collective impact:
- Get out and explore: Plan an outing to one of Chicago’s many museums or theaters. Reconnect with places that make your city special and discover what’s new.
- Attend an exhibition, festival or program: We bring artists, poets, thinkers and other tastemakers to the city for talks and other events. If you can, pay the suggested donation at our many street festivals — your support makes them possible.
- Become a member or subscribe: Your annual support brings our cultural community to life and comes with nice perks.
- Advocate for resources that support arts and culture: Reach out to your local, state and federal officials. Arts Alliance Illinois, Americans for the Arts and the American Alliance of Museums offer easy-to-use resources and scripts. Let elected officials know that these institutions are essential to our economy and quality of life.
When you visit a museum, spend a day at an aquarium or park, embark on an architecture tour, discover a band, get inspired by poetry or experience live theater, you’re declaring the value of the arts and humanities in our lives. You’re participating in a city inspired by its past, driven by the moment and shaping the future. Keep Chicago the vibrant cultural powerhouse we all love and every citizen deserves.
Leaders in Chicago’s Cultural Community:
Eleanor Gorski, president and CEO, Chicago Architecture Center;
Phillip Bahar, president and executive director, Chicago Humanities;
Michelle Boone, president and CEO, The Poetry Foundation;
Gregory Cameron, president and CEO, The Joffrey Ballet;
Andrea Change, executive director, Guild Literary Complex;
Bridget Coughlin, president and CEO, John G. Shedd Aquarium;
Juan Dies, executive director, Sones de Mexico Ensemble;
Lori Dimun, president and CEO, Harris Theater for Music and Dance;
Kate Dumbleton, executive and artistic director, Hyde Park Jazz Festival;
Natasha Egan, executive director, Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago;
Jennifer Farrington, president and CEO, Chicago Children’s Museum;
Brooke Flanagan, executive director, Steppenwolf Theatre Company;
Jean Franczyk, president and CEO, Chicago Botanic Garden;
Edward Hall, artistic director, and Kimberly Motes, executive director, Chicago Shakespeare Theater;
Jeffrey P. Haydon, president and CEO, Ravinia Festival;
Lisa Lee, executive director, National Public Housing Museum;
Janine Mileaf, executive director, The Arts Club of Chicago;
Billy Ocasio, president and CEO, National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture;
Jose Ochoa, president and CEO, National Museum of Mexican Art;
Lou Raizin, president and CEO, Broadway in Chicago;
Claire Rice, executive director, Arts Alliance Illinois;
and Adam Zanolini, executive director, Elastic Arts Foundation
Skipping voting has consequences
I agree with Sun-Times reader Warren Rogers Jr. The elephant in the room no one is talking about is that roughly 72 million U.S. adults are not registered to vote. A significant portion of the 2020 electorate did not participate in the 2024 election: Nearly, 90 million registered voters didn’t go to the polls. I hope these people are very happy with what is going on.
Richard Orrico, Melrose Park