About Us
In 2026, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will celebrate its 65th anniversary as the nation’s first independent Black history museum. Since 1961, The DuSable has served as a cultural beacon on Chicago’s South Side and a national leader in collecting, preserving, and sharing the history and culture of people of African descent. Founded by the visionary artist and educator Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs, The DuSable is the only major museum in Chicago to have grown directly from the Black community — a legacy of resilience, innovation, and purpose.
Over the past six decades, The DuSable has welcomed millions of visitors, built a collection of more than 15,000 objects plus some of the country’s oldest and richest archives, and delivered transformative exhibitions and educational programs that reach students, families, and communities across Chicago’s 77 neighbor hoods and beyond.
Why Partner Now?
The 65th anniversary is a pivotal milestone for The DuSable Museum: Historic Growth: We are continuing the redevelopment of the Burnham Roundhouse, transforming it into a new cultural hub — creating the first museum campus of its kind dedicated to Black history and culture.
National Spotlight: Our anniversary coincides with America’s Semiquincentennial commemoration in 2026, creating a powerful platform to connect local impact to national dialogue on history, equity, and democracy. The DuSable will take part in a nationally promoted speaker series in partnership with The Smithsonian Institution to highlight America’s 250th Anniversary.
Community Engagement: Our signature programs — including the city’s largest Juneteenth celebration and groundbreaking exhibitions such as Paris in Black: Internationalism and the Black Renaissance position The DuSable as a convening space for dialogue, pride, and cultural understanding.
Corporate and Philanthropic Partnership Opportunities
As a Corporate/ Philanthropic Partner of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, your company/organization will join a select group of leaders committed to advancing equity and cultural preservation. Partnership benefits include:
Brand Visibility: Prominent recognition in our 65th anniversary communications, exhibitions, programs, and media campaigns reaching over 150,000 annual visitors and millions more digitally.
Employee Engagement: Volunteer opportunities, private tours, and cultural competency workshops designed to inspire and engage your workforce.
Client & Stakeholder Experiences: Invitations to exclusive events, exhibitions, and thought-leadership forums.
Community Impact: Direct investment in education programs, archival preservation, and community engagement initiatives serving thousands of Chicago youth and families annually
Levels and Benefits of Support
Levels and Benefits of Support
All costs and benefits of support are valid for 24 months from date of signing.
Heritage Circle ($50,000+)
- Lead recognition across all museum events, exhibits, and programs both in-person and virtual.
- Partner name/logo on museum website, every e-newsletter (through the duration of partnership agreement), printed signage in the lobby, and exhibition signage.
- Private Reception and Tour for 50 people (catering not included).
- Three reserved tables (30 seats) at the DuSable Museum’s annual gala.
- Private employee volunteer day.
- Discounted family passes exclusive to employees.
- Three 1-hour “Lunch + Learn” history talks for employees.
- Discounted price and early bird access to DuSummer summer music series.
Legacy Partner ($25,000 - $50,000)
- Prominent visibility in select events, exhibitions and education programs both in-person and virtual.
- Partner name/logo on museum website, select e-newsletters (through the duration of partnership agreement), printed signage in the lobby, and select exhibition signage.
- Two reserved tables (20 seats) at the DuSable Museum’s annual gala.
- Private employee volunteer day.
- Discounted family passes exclusive to employees.
- Two 1-hour “Lunch + Learn” history talk for employees.
- Discounted price and early bird access to DuSummer summer music series.
- Community Investor ($10,000 – $25,000).
- Visibility in select events, exhibitions and education programs both in-person and virtual.
- One reserved table (10 seats) at the DuSable Museum annual gala.
- Discounted family passes exclusive to employees.
- One 1-hour “Lunch + Learn” history talk for employees.
- Discounted price and early bird access to DuSummer summer music series.
Community Investor ($10,000 - $25,000)
- Visibility in select events, exhibitions and education programs both in-person and virtual.
- One reserved table (10 seats) at the DuSable Museum annual gala.
- Discounted family passes exclusive to employees.
- One 1-hour “Lunch + Learn” history talk for employees.
- Discounted price and early bird access to DuSummer summer music series.
- The Case for Partnership.
- Aligning with The DuSable Museum is more than sponsorship; it is a values-driven investment.
Your company’s support demonstrates a public commitment to:
- Advancing equity and inclusion in Chicago and nationally.
- Honoring Black history and culture in shaping America’s past, present, and future.
- Building a stronger, more connected community by investing in education, arts, and civic engagement.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center’s 65th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past — it is a bold step into the future.
We invite you to stand with us as a Corporate Partner, ensuring that the lessons, legacies, and triumphs of Black history remain accessible and impactful for generations to come.
