Chicago History Museum Shop, Chicago

In the year 2010, the Chicago History Museum store underwent a complete makeover, and this transformation extended to its book selection, which now adorns a whole wall in the sun-soaked Lincoln Park boutique. Operated by Event Network, a retail specialist catering to cultural attractions nationwide, the store has restructured its book offerings to better align with the museum's purpose. Store director Jennifer Vlna explained, "We're trying to get a tighter selection of Chicago history books and things that are really focused on the museum's collections and exhibitions".

The store has strategically curated its book inventory to complement many of the museum's captivating exhibits. For instance, visitors can find books like Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America" to accompany exhibits like the dioramas on the Great Chicago Fire and the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Shelves are stocked with a variety of literary treasures, including works by Studs Terkel, volumes dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, picture books, and maps. You can also peruse both the latest and past issues of Chicago History magazines and explore local titles within the "Images of America" book series, complete with nostalgic sepia images depicting Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. Not to forget, there's "The Encyclopedia of Chicago" for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the city's rich history.

While the shelf dedicated to Chicago authors might appear a bit sparse for now, there are high hopes that it will flourish as part of the store's mission-oriented redesign.