The National Public Housing Museum, the first institution in the US to explore the history of social housing, has opened in Chicago.
Founded by residents of public housing, the new museum has debuted after an 18-year adaptive reuse project of the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes in Chicago.
Built in 1938, the Jane Adams Homes are one of America’s first examples of public housing.
“This museum was built by hundreds of dedicated people who have made it a reality,” said Sunny Fischer, co-founder and board chair for the National Public Housing Museum.
“They shared their stories, and they patiently provided their labor and love and support over the last 18 years.
“As a Site of Conscience, we join museums around the world committed to telling complicated and difficult stories, preserving history, and imagining a more just future.”
Honouring public housing residents
The National Public Housing Museum is a new cultural destination in Chicago where guests can experience stories of hope and personal achievement.
The museum is filled with history, memories, music and art. It also serves as a public gathering space and honours the stories and experiences of public housing residents.
“The National Public Housing Museum is dedicated to the belief that housing is a human right,” said executive director Lisa Yun Lee.
“The dazzling stories, precious keepsakes, compelling cultural production of public housing, and activism of public housing residents have much to teach us.
“And because housing insecurity and injustice is such a critical issue facing so many people across our nation, the National Public Housing Museum will be an important civic anchor that brings people together to imagine innovative solutions and envision a more equitable future.”
“This museum is personal”
The Chicago Housing Authority’s Francine Washington, board member of the National Public Housing Museum, said: “This museum is personal.
“It’s the first in the country to tell our stories – not just the bricks and buildings but the people who made public housing, home.”
Through partnerships and programmes, the museum is also a civic incubator that inspires visitors to take action to advance housing justice.
Images courtesy of National Public Housing Museum
