The museum is an original, remaining building of the historic social settlement founded by 1931 Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams. Established in 1889, Hull House served the densely populated urban neighborhood surrounding it, peopled then by Italian, Irish, German, Greek, Bohemian and Russian and Polish Jewish immigrants. It was a trend setter in providing kindergarten and day care facilities for the children of working mothers; an employment bureau; an art gallery; libraries; English and citizenship classes; and theater, music and art classes.

Guided tours of the museum are provided. See the website for scheduled special events. Admission is free.