Chicago Public Library invites residents to write personal letters to America - sharing reflections, critiques, hopes, and stories rooted in Chicago experiences. This citywide initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and creates space for civic reflection and storytelling.
What is Letters to America?
Letters to America is a citywide letter-writing project to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Chicagoans are invited to reflect on their lives, communities, and experiences in Chicago, and how those stories connect to a broader American story. These letters will become part of a permanent archival collection at the Chicago Public Library, preserving contemporary voices for future generations.
When does this program start and end?
The project runs from March 4 through August 31, 2026.
After August 31, all letters will be transferred to the Northside Neighborhood History Collection at Sulzer Regional Library to become part of the Letters to America Collection.
Who can participate?
Participants must be 18 years or older. All submissions require a signed Deed of Gift form. Download a Deed of Gift form here.
What is a Deed of Gift, and why is it required?
A Deed of Gift is a legal agreement between the donor and the repository. It transfers ownership and legal rights of the donated materials from the donor to the repository.
Letters cannot be accepted without a signed Deed of Gift.
What should I write about?
Think about your life in 2026, tell a story about one of the following topics:
- A Chicago Place A place in Chicago that matters to you. What does this place reveal about America?
- A Chicago Lesson Something Chicago has taught you, through family, school, work, or daily life. What does this lesson say about America?
- Chicago Community A time you acted or saw others in your Chicago community act. How does this moment connect to American history or movements?
- Chicago Culture An aspect of Chicago culture that has shaped you. What does it show about American culture?
- Your Chicago Story An experience in Chicago that, in your view, reveals something about America’s past, present, or future.
What happens to my letter?
Letters that have a Chicago-theme and a signed Deed of Gift will be preserved in the Chicago Public Library’s Northside Neighborhood History Collection.
The Letters to America collection is expected to be available to researchers within five years.
How and where do I submit my letter?
If you attended a library letter-writing program, submit your letter and Deed of Gift to the program leader at the end of the session.
If you took a letter-writing kit home, return it with your Deed of Gift to your branch before August 31, 2026.
If you are writing this at home, bring your letter and your Deed of Gift to your branch before August 31, 2026.
Questions?
For questions about the project, please contact: northsidehistory@chipublib.org
Thank you for helping document Chicago’s stories for future generations.