CHCS is a 501c7 nonprofit organization that hosts regular social and educational events throughout the year. We also frequently volunteer with other organizations in the Chicago area.

The best way to get involved with the community is to join our Facebook group or Discord server.

We also share events on this website, via our newsletter, and on Instagram.

Please review our page for more information on society membership.

No, dues are not required to participate in CHCS events and online spaces.

We do sometimes host members-only events and have a members-only area on our Discord. Members also typically receive early access to event tickets and reduced or free entry.

Yes, most of our events are open to those under 18 unless otherwise stated. We do request that they be joined by an adult.

Great question — it can have a complicated answer.

To put it simply, historical costuming is the art and appreciation of clothing and garment making techniques from the past.

Historical costuming attracts people from many different backgrounds, including but certainly not limited to hobby and professional garment makers, fiber artists, historians, librarians, reenactors, educators.

With CHCS, our goal is to make the study, wearing, preservation, and re-creation of historical clothing more accessible in the Chicagoland area. We believe that learning about the history of clothing and wearing historical fashions can help people appreciate our shared histories, feel empowered to see themselves represented in history, and become more responsible clothing consumers. And it’s fun!

Yes! We love working with other community organizations in the Chicago area!

We’ve partnered with libraries, museums, elementary schools, retirement communities, and other social organizations in the past. Please reach out to info@chihistoricalcostume.com to begin a conversation.

No! Many of our members choose to make their own costumes, however, there are many great options to purchase garments if sewing or tailoring isn’t your thing, whether thrifted or custom made. Check our our Resources tab for more information.