Chicago History Museum honors Buddy Guy, Linda Johnson Rice and other city icons

The Chicago History Museum celebrated some of the city's most influential cultural, civic and business leaders at its 32nd Annual Making History Awards on June 3 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

The Museum's signature fundraising event paid tribute to individuals whose contributions have helped shape Chicago's identity while supporting the institution's mission to connect people to the city's history through exhibitions, educational programs and civic engagement initiatives. 

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Leading this year's distinguished class of honorees was legendary blues musician Buddy Guy, who received the Theodore Thomas Making History Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts. The nine-time Grammy Award winner was recognized for a career that has influenced generations of musicians and helped establish Chicago as one of the world's premier blues capitals. He was presented with the award by fellow blues artist Ronnie Baker Brooks. 

Also honored was Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, who received the Bertha Honoré Palmer Making History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership. Her award was presented by Marc Schulman. 

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Business leader Debra A. Cafaro, chairman and chief executive officer of Ventas, received the Cyrus McCormick Making History Award for Historic Corporate Achievement. The honor was presented by Laura Ricketts. 

Visionary leadership was recognized through the Daniel Burnham Making History Award, presented to Fred J. Eychaner, chairman of Newsweb Corporation and president of Alphawood Foundation. The award was presented by Art Johnston. 

Completing the list of honorees was John W. McCarter Jr., former president and chief executive officer of the Field Museum and current chair of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. McCarter received the Marshall Field Making History Award for Distinction in Corporate Leadership and Innovation, presented by Marshall Field V. 

"The Making History Awards celebrate individuals whose work reflects the spirit, resilience and innovation that define Chicago," said Michael Anderson, interim president and chief executive officer of the Chicago History Museum. "This year's honorees represent extraordinary leadership across business, culture and civic life, and we are proud to recognize their enduring contributions." 

Established in 1995, the Making History Awards have become one of the Chicago History Museum's most important annual fundraisers. Over the years, the program has honored more than 140 individuals and numerous corporations whose achievements have left a lasting mark on Chicago's cultural, business and civic landscape. Funds raised from the event support the Museum's ongoing operations, exhibitions and educational programming.