The following content is created in consultation with Chicago History Museum. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Chicago's editorial staff. To vote for a future exhibit at the museum, visit NBC Chicago's Facebook page.
The Chicago History Museum has always illuminated our collective past with compelling, out-of-the-box exhibits. Whether it's a beautifully detailed diorama exhibit chronicling Chicago's rise from outpost to bustling city or the current 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair, the museum has always thought outside the box.
But its latest initiative is truly forward-thinking.
Beginning on October 14, the city's oldest cultural institution will be asking Chicago residents what they'd like to see in a future exhibition. Dubbed the "Chicago History Bowl," this user-generated contest will allow fans to suggest ideas and then vote on finalists via NBC Chicago's Facebook page.
Here's how it works…
Phase 1: Submission
Head to NBC Chicago's Facebook page and post an idea for an exhibition you'd like to see. No cultural or historical moment is too big or too small for consideration.
Phase 2-4: Voting
Once all submissions have been tallied, the Chicago History Museum's experts will par the list down to the top 16 ideas. From there, you can vote in single-elimination brackets (think March Madness), weaning contenders down to the top 8 and, finally, the final four.
What You Can Win
Besides competing for the honor of selecting a future Chicago History Museum exhibit, contestants (anyone who submits and/or votes) will be eligible to win a weekend for two at the Palmer House Chicago and a membership to the Chicago History Museum.
So what are you waiting for, history buff? Visit NBC Chicago on Facebook and tell us what you'd like to see. And don't forget to check out Chicagohistory.org for the latest information on current and future exhibitions.
*You must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to win
