Categories: Press Releases

Chicago History Museum Explores the Work of Museum Conservators in New “Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing” Exhibition

Opening to the public in late October, “Threads of a Nation” highlights the work and expertise required to protect and preserve rare artifacts, clothing associated with U.S. presidents for future generations 

CHICAGO (September 22, 2026) – The Chicago History Museum is thrilled to announce that its newest exhibition, “Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing,” will open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Featuring an array of artifacts related to U.S. history, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the conservation process of garments and accessories associated with several presidential figures, including John Adams, George and Martha Washington and Abraham and Mary Lincoln, alongside rare objects and documents that provide historical context. 

“An exhibition like ‘Threads of a Nation’ gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the remarkable work—that often goes unseen—to ensure these historic pieces, and the stories they carry, can be shared for generations to come,” said Chicago History Museum President & CEO Michael Anderson. “We are deeply grateful to the National Park Service and the Institute of Museum and Library Services for their support through the Save America’s Treasures grant, which made this important conservation work and exhibition possible. As we continue to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we are especially proud to recognize the staff whose work helps preserve our shared history for the future.” 

Not only does “Threads of a Nation” display several rare and unique pieces from the Chicago History Museum’s rich collection of artifacts related to the nation’s history beyond the city, it also explores how conservators protect and preserve these materials for future generations. Whether it involves conservation and preservation, researching and interpreting an object’s provenance and authenticity, or the behind-the-scenes mountmaking and photography, “Threads of a Nation” dives deeper into the layers of work and expertise required to get these historic materials ready for the spotlight. 

“It’s been a privilege to work with the conservators and my other colleagues at the Chicago History Museum to develop ‘Threads of a Nation,’” said exhibition curator Olivia Mahoney, Chicago History Museum Guest Curator. “We hope the exhibition will enlighten visitors about the importance of preserving historic materials and connect them to the essential stories that continue to shape our nation.” 

Along with examining, documenting and treating artifacts, conservators take steps to control environmental conditions and manage how objects are handled to prevent damage and slow deterioration. This includes rotating objects on and off exhibit, which is an important strategy that museums use to help protect objects from exposure to potentially harmful conditions or agents of deterioration while on display. Most artifacts in “Threads of a Nation” will be on view the entire duration of the exhibition, but a handful of them will be rotated and replaced with similar objects or reproductions. 

Some of these objects include: 

• Suit associated with John Adams, c. 1783;
• Watercolor paintings of the U.S. flag, 1779;
• Dress fragment, 1862, associated with Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckly;
• Abraham Lincoln’s order to affix the U.S. Seal to the Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863;
• Proclamation of Protection for the Kaskaskia Indians signed by George Washington, May 7, 1793; and
• Black velvet suit coat associated with George Washington, c. 1793.

“Threads of a Nation” is supported, in part, by a more than $450,000 grant from the Save America’s Treasures program, jointly administered by the National Park Service and Institute of Museum and Library Services. Ongoing conservation and preservation work on presidential-related items in the Chicago History Museum’s costume collection is made possible through generous funding awarded by Save America’s Treasures, which supports conservation and preservation of nationally significant historic collections and properties and is now administered by the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

“‘Threads of a Nation’ highlights the important work being performed by the Chicago History Museum staff, funded in part by the federal Save America’s Treasures grant researching, preserving and sharing forgotten American history stories through original objects with visitors for generations to come,” said Chicago History Museum Collection Manager of Costume and Textiles Jessica Pushor. 

“Threads of a Nation” and the behind-the-scenes work are also part of the Museum’s recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary and demonstrate the institution’s long-standing commitment to caring for its collections. With more than 50,000 costumes and textiles dating from the 18th century to the present, the Museum’s world-renowned Costume and Textiles Collection is noted for both its size and the quality of its holdings. The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum supports the Museum as a leader in the documentation and interpretation of the history and the art of fashion. The Council also generously supports the Museum’s costume-based exhibitions. Learn more about the Council here: https://www.chicagohistory.org/join-and-give/costume-council/. 

The Chicago History Museum invites the public to visit and explore “Threads of a Nation,” which will be on display from Oct. 24, 2026, to July 18, 2027. The exhibition will be presented in both English and Spanish. 

A preview week for “Threads of a Nation” will be held Oct. 19‒23, during which members of the press are invited to tour the exhibition and hear from the staff. For more information, please visit chicagohistory.org/threads or contact Emily Miller, Public Communications Manager, at [email protected] or (312) 799-2161. 

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ABOUT THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM 

The Chicago History Museum is situated on ancestral homelands of the Potawatomi people, who cared for the land until forced out by non-Native settlers. Established in 1856, the Museum is located at 1601 N. Clark Street in Lincoln Park, its third location. A major museum and research center for Chicago and U.S. history, the Chicago History Museum strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration, and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. The Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents, and images to assist in sharing Chicago stories. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.