The Chicago History Museum responded to student protests over Latin American representation by creating a new exhibit called Aqui en Chicago. Elena Gonzales, curator of civic engagement and social justice at the museum, played a key role in its development.
A group of high school students from the Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy, located in Pilsen, had visited the museum in 2019. They were disappointed with the Chicago: Crossroads of America exhibition, which they found lacking in coverage of a significant portion of the city’s history.
These students spent a semester advocating for change through letters and discussions with community and museum leaders. Although the pandemic delayed progress, Gonzales joined the effort in 2021, collaborating with the students and advisers to bring the exhibit to life.
The exhibit highlights the enduring presence of Latine communities in Chicago over the past 170 years. It features diverse stories of social justice efforts, including protests, sit-ins, cultural traditions, arts, spiritual practices, and cuisine.
Gonzales described the exhibit as vibrant and youthful. Its color palette was designed by local muralist Cecilia Beaven from Mexico City, who contributed murals throughout the space. This approach not only honors the students who inspired the project but also resonates with the indigenous roots of the community.
Gonzales, as the lead curator, worked with a broad team of advisers, interns, fellows, and museum staff to select objects and craft the exhibit’s text. Many objects came from community members, the museum’s collection, and new acquisitions, supported by generous loans.
Featured items include a Paleta cart donated by Reina de Sabores Paleteria, which has traveled extensively across the city for over 35 years. Another notable object is a cooler used by The Tamale Guy, known for selling tamales in north side bars for decades.
The exhibit aims to educate visitors about the significant and enduring impact of Latine communities in Chicago. Aqui en Chicago runs until November 8 at the Chicago History Museum.
Gonzales will discuss the exhibit and her career highlights on October 6 at the Oak Park River Forest Museum. The event, included with regular museum admission, offers more information at oprfmuseum.org/events/aqui-en-chicago.
Event costs are $5 for Oak Park and River Forest residents, $7 for nonresidents, and $3 for students aged 7 through college.
Reporter Myrna Petlicki contributes to Pioneer Press.