Often called “the Heartland” or “flyover country,” the Midwest tends to be characterized as a homogeneous, barren space between the American coasts. This exhibition challenges long-standing narratives about the Midwest, exploring the confluence of peoples and environmental conditions that has defined the region and made it unique.

An agreement between the Newberry and the Eastland Disaster Historical Society will bring a comprehensive collection of photographs, family records, and historical documents to the Newberry. Together, these materials tell a vivid story about the Eastland Disaster of 1915, the 844 people who tragically died in the event, and the impact it had on their families and the city of Chicago at large.

The historical significance of a 1545 letter penned by Michelangelo lies less in what the letter says than in how it was written. What does Michelangelo’s style of handwriting reveal about his art and self-image in Renaissance Italy?

The Newberry and its 13 project partners are leading a year-long initiative to heighten the 1919 Chicago race riots in the city’s collective memory, engaging Chicagoans in public conversations about the legacy of the most violent week in Chicago history.