Hull House Museum Unveils 'Crafting Community' Winter Exhibition in University Village Little Italy

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/University Village Little Italy · November 28, 2025

The Jane Addams Hull House Museum in University Village Little Italy has announced its new winter exhibition 'Crafting Community' opening this weekend. The exhibition, which will run through February 2026, celebrates the neighborhood's immigrant crafting traditions with interactive displays showcasing previously unseen artifacts from the museum's extensive collection.

The museum, which occupies the last remaining building of what was once a larger settlement house complex, continues to be a cultural cornerstone of the neighborhood. Currently offering free admission with welcomed donations, it remains open daily except Mondays and Saturdays. The first floor exhibits feature the history of Hull House, with a scale model of the original complex alongside keys to all the buildings and other artifacts that showcase this important community center. The new exhibition adds seasonal programming focusing on traditional winter crafting techniques practiced by various immigrant communities that shaped University Village Little Italy.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the museum's upcoming weekend workshops where they can learn traditional crafts and contribute their own family stories to the neighborhood's collective memory. Community members can share their experiences on social media using #UVLICraftingCommunity or attend the exhibition's opening reception on Saturday, featuring local artisans and refreshments from Taylor Street restaurants.

Sources:
1. https://nomadicniko.com/2016/06/01/university-village/