Family Programs

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library welcomes families to come together to create lasting memories that inspire young learners through fun, dynamic, and diverse programming. We believe in using creative approaches to make learning about military history accessible to guests of all ages.

  
 

Upcoming Family Programs

Join us in person for these free family-friendly programs! 

We may be able to assist with transportation costs for groups of 10 or more. Please contact programs@pritzkermilitary.org for more information. 

Family Programs are recommended for participants age 7-11 and their chaperones and siblings.

  • Santa Storytime: Christmas in the Trenches

    Celebrate the holiday season at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library with a special storybook reading with Santa! Enjoy a snack of cookies and hot chocolate as Santa reads Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon, a picture book based on the true story of a Christmastime ceasefire between American and German forces during WWI.

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  • Fearless Readers Virtual Author Talk: Soldier for Equality

    Discover the story of WWI soldier and civil rights activist José de la Luz Sáenz on Wednesday, October 4th at 4:00pm CST with a virtual picture book reading of Soldier for Equalityand a conversation with the author, Duncan Tonatiuh.

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  • Cool Camo: Camouflage in Nature and the Military

    Join us at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library on Saturday, October 14th to learn about the history of camouflage in the military and the animals that inspired it. Then, meet some of these sneaky animals in person and discover natural camouflage with the Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum!

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  • Fearless Readers Virtual Author Talk: Twenty-One Steps

    Join the Pritzker Military Museum & Library on Wednesday, November 1st for a virtual reading of Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld, a picture book all about the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the steadfast guards who watch over it.

    Recommended for readers age 7-10.

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On the Home Front

Can’t make it to one of our programs? Here are some activities we’ve done in the past, and everything you need to try them at home!

 

After you try one of our activities, you can show off your work by tagging us on Twitter and Instagram using #PMMLFamily or emailing us. We’d love to hear from you!

PMML Family Reading Corner

Book Spotlight 

POW/MIA Recognition Day

Each month, we select a few exceptional books that highlight a specific aspect of military history. This September, observe National POW/MIA Day (Sep. 15th) and remember the tremendous sacrifices of our service members with these moving books:

America's White Table

America's White Table

By: Margot Theis Raven

Illustrated by: Mike Benny

The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit. As a special gift to her Uncle John, Katie and her sisters are asked to help set the white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give.

Recommended Reading Age: 7-11 years

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N is for Never Forget

N is for Never Forget

By: Nancy Polette

Illustrated by: Paul Dillon

A is for Artists whose artwork reflects the hardships of prison life. E is for Escape as determined prisoners make daring plans to regain their freedom.

More than one hundred thousand American service members have been captured by an enemy and imprisoned during war. Tens of thousands are still missing. This book tells the true stories of only a few of these brave men and women, but their stories represent the experiences of many others.

Poignant illustrations and stories capture key people, concepts, and memorials to help readers understand and honor the sacrifices endured by men and women prisoners of war and missing in action on behalf of freedom. 

Recommended Reading Age: 8-12

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Reading List

If you’re looking for more ways to discover military history with your family, books are a great place to start! The Pritzker Military Museum & Library carries a wide selection of books for young readers. Here are some of our favorites: