Chicago History Museum’s Latin American Exhibit Sparked by Student Protests

In response to student protests over the lack of Latin American representation, the Chicago History Museum launched a temporary exhibit named Aqui en Chicago. Elena Gonzales, curator of civic engagement and social justice, will discuss this exhibit’s creation on October 6 at the Oak Park River Forest Museum.

A group of high school students from the Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy initiated the protests. After visiting the museum in 2019, they noticed the existing exhibit, Chicago: Crossroads of America, did not adequately represent a third of the city. Their efforts included letter-writing campaigns and engaging with community and museum leaders. The project was paused due to the pandemic, but Gonzales joined in 2021 to help advance the initiative further.

The exhibition, according to Gonzales, highlights the enduring presence of Latine communities in and around Chicago over the past 170 years. It features stories of social justice efforts such as protests, cultural preservation, visual and performing arts, spiritual practices, and food traditions. Designed with a youthful and colorful palette by co-designer Cecilia Beaven, a Mexico City muralist, the exhibit offers a fresh perspective acknowledging the indigenous roots of this part of the city.

As the lead curator, Gonzales managed every aspect of the exhibit’s development, collaborating with numerous advisers, interns, fellows, storytellers, donors, and museum staff. The exhibit incorporates community-sourced objects and loans, including a Paleta cart donated by Reina de Sabores Paleteria and a cooler from a chef known as The Tamale Guy. These items evoke familiarity and connection among visitors.

Visitors to Aqui en Chicago are encouraged to learn about the deep-rooted and widespread presence of Latine communities in Chicago. The exhibit runs until November 8 at the Chicago History Museum. Gonzales will further elaborate on her work in a program at 7 p.m. October 6, held at the Oak Park River Forest Museum located at 129 Lake St., Oak Park. Additional information is available at oprfmuseum.org/events/aqui-en-chicago. Admission costs $5 for Oak Park and River Forest residents, $7 for nonresidents, and $3 for students.