Upcoming Events
When American Thanksgiving became an official national holiday in 1863, vegetarians were already upset with the meat-based menu.
The holiday's newly elevated status only increased the objections, but the vegetarians didn't just complain they got to work changing the meal. By the late 19th century, vegetarians were well on the way to inventing their own distinctive Thanksgiving menu centered around a plant-based roast. Join Seth Tibbott, who invented Tofurky a century later in 1995, and vegan news columnist, Avery Yale Kamila, as they explore the history of vegetarian Thanksgiving and the evolution of plant-based, celebratory roasts. They will also share vegetarian turkey recipes from the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant List
*Note: This is not a comprehensive list. As the restaurant scene is always changing, we update this list periodically. Sign up for our emails or follow us on social media to get notified when the newest version is available. Please contact us if you have any suggestions.
Happy vegging!
Let’s Dive right in 🐬 to
The History of Vegetarianism
50+
Locations
Over the last 5 years, we have settled in over 50 different libraries, colleges, and churches across Chicago.
60+
SPECIAL EVENTS
We pride ourselves on presenting the best vegan speakers from all over the nation. These speakers range from plant-based doctors to vegan entrepreneurs, and advocates for animals and our environment.
1250+
FREE VEGAN SNACKS
We offer free vegan snacks at almost all of our events: sometimes homemade, sometimes from a favorite restaurant. Our goal is to introduce non-vegans to alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs, but all you vegans are equally welcome to partake!
“Animals are my friends…and I don’t eat my friends.”
—George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, critic, polemicist, and political activist
Adam Naming the Creatures, Currier and Ives
Our Mission
To educate the public about the purpose and benefits of veganism: animal life, human health, and our earth.
Field Museum, Chicago, Feb 2017
Our Vision
A flourishing world in which avoidable human and animal suffering are eliminated, with all life in sustainable balance. Eating a whole-food vegan diet is one of the primary factors that will lead us toward this harmony.
“Plant-based eating and animal rights are taking great strides forward in the Age of Information.”
—Victoria Moran, author, educator, podcaster
Get Involved
Volunteer
We're always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with the museum, no matter how much time you have to give!
Make a Donation
As we don't charge for admission, our museum relies on donations to keep it going. Thank you!
Thank you to our supporters
The Vegan Museum extends heartfelt gratitude to the Culture and Animals Foundation (CAF) and A Well-Fed World for their generous grants, which support our mission to preserve and promote the history of veganism.