Housed in a rejuvenated 1938 building, a unique museum aims to transform perceptions of public housing across America. The National Public Housing Museum, set on Chicago’s near West Side, has emerged from a former federal housing project after a $17.5 million renovation. Scheduled to open its doors on Friday, the museum features recreated apartments from three distinct periods, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the history of public housing.
The museum is the culmination of efforts by public housing residents determined to share the full spectrum of their experiences, from the camaraderie of close-knit communities to the impact of discriminatory housing policies. The building itself stands as the museum’s most significant artifact, preserving the essence of its past through details like a paint-chipped wall adorned with cracks and graffiti at the entrance. Original mailboxes with handwritten apartment numbers are displayed alongside personal items belonging to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who hails from New York public housing.
An outdoor garden includes vintage animal statues, reminiscent of a former public housing courtyard in Chicago, revitalizing the space as a communal gathering place. Situated in the Little Italy neighborhood, the museum complex also features 15 new public housing apartments for residents, a nearby city library with affordable housing units, and an upcoming mixed-income development.
Despite facing delays due to fundraising challenges and varying political agendas from different mayoral administrations, the museum’s opening marks a significant achievement. The building was transferred to the museum by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, with the renovation costs funded by a mix of private donations and state and federal support.
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The museum’s inception dates back around 18 years, during a period when Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city, was demolishing its high-rise public housing. This controversial improvement plan displaced numerous families, including the demolition of the infamous Cabrini-Green housing project. Residents, including activist Francine Washington, sought to preserve their stories, ensuring they weren’t lost with the razed towers.
Washington, who has spent nearly her entire life in Chicago public housing, serves on the museum’s board, aiming to challenge stereotypes about public housing residents. The museum endeavors to highlight the racial dynamics of public housing in Chicago and beyond, revealing how discriminatory housing authority practices shaped communities. For instance, Black residents were often confined to high-rise buildings in segregated areas with limited mobility opportunities.
The museum’s restored apartments showcase original artifacts from former residents, such as clothing and kitchenware, reflecting the diverse cultural history of public housing. These include a 1930s apartment once home to a Jewish family, a 1950s Italian household, and a 1970s apartment belonging to Rev. Marshall Hatch, a prominent Black pastor and activist in Chicago.
Inspired by New York City’s Tenement Museum, Chicago’s exhibit incorporates advanced technology, offering recorded oral histories and interactive displays. These features explore barriers faced by Black families, such as redlining, while also celebrating lesser-known successes like resident-organized safety patrols and grocery cooperatives. Public housing residents play an active role as museum ambassadors, contributing to the narrative.
A prime example of the museum’s innovative approach is the “REC Room,” a music studio where visitors can explore albums by musicians who grew up in public housing, including icons like Elvis and Salt-N-Pepa. A striking black and white photograph captures joyful residents at a Cabrini-Green house party, highlighting the sense of community and happiness within these spaces.
The Human Element Explored
- The museum offers a nuanced perspective on public housing, potentially altering societal views and reducing stigma associated with these communities.
- Its location in a mixed-income development area supports neighborhood revitalization, fostering diverse community interactions and economic growth.
- By highlighting personal stories and achievements of public housing residents, the museum empowers these communities and promotes social inclusion.
- The interactive exhibits provide an educational resource for understanding historical and ongoing housing policy issues, influencing future civic engagement and policy development.
- Residents and visitors alike can experience a renewed sense of pride and belonging through the museum, strengthening community bonds and cultural heritage.