The University of Illinois at Chicago’s library named for the late former Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley is now officially home to a collection of photos, documents, and memorabilia telling the story of Daley’s personal and political life. Starting July 25, the Richard J. Daley Collection at UIC will open for public review and will have on exhibit artifacts from his six terms as Chicago mayor.
Housed in the Special Collections Department of the Daley Library, the montage compiles photographs numbering thousands, news clippings spanning decades, memorabilia and personal artifacts, books, paintings, artwork, commemorative items, and gifts. Nestled within this trove are items telling of his personal achievements and political expanse. From his night-school law diploma to pictures of him with high profile politicians and celebrities—such as Pope Paul VI, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Frank Sinatra—to gifts from private citizens to memorabilia from his campaigns for sheriff, county clerk, state senator, and mayor—all such artifacts are now available for public study and research.
Daley served as mayor from 1955 to 1976. The archived collection, donated by his widow to the university he helped build, is a permanent addition to the library.
The public can access the Daley collection during regular library Special Collection hours with assistance from a librarian.