Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

After tumultuous period, new Chicago History Museum president looks to the future

wbez.org · 12dShare

The Chicago History Museum has named Michael J. Anderson as its new president and CEO, following a nationwide search to succeed Donald Lassere, who exited the role in January, amid a rocky period for the Lincoln Park institution. Lassere’s tenure was marked by staff reductions following unionization efforts at the museum, prompting a rare formal complaint from the National Labor Relations Board . The museum’s annual revenue also dropped between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, from $13.4 million to $11.9 million — about an 11% decrease. Plus, operating hours of its robust research center were reduced. Anderson, who has been in the top role on an interim basis since January, has worked at the museum at 1601 N. Clark St. since 2014, most recently as the vice president of external affairs and development. The 62-year-old former Joffrey dancer said he is ready to lead the museum and its 119 staff members into a new chapter, with a focus on staff morale, union negotiations, the institution’s fin

First report: After tumultuous period, new Chicago History Museum president looks to the future — suntimes.com, 12d