Mid Century Christmas with Leslie Goddard
Elgin History Museum 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United StatesChristmas in America from the 1940s through the 1960s meant aluminum trees, department store Santas and TV specials. Every kid wanted an Easy Bake Oven, a G.I. Joe or a Slinky. Look back at this optimistic era in a fun illustrated lecture, using photos, ads, greeting cards and catalogs to explore why this era was […]
Make LeeWards Style Ornaments at the Museum
Elgin History Museum 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United StatesAn Elgin Christmas tree is not complete without an ornament from LeeWards! For decades LeeWards sold craft supplies and decorations from their flagship store on State Street and in catalogs sent around the world. Bring the kids to the museum between 12-3pm to make your own LeeWards style sequin ornament to take home. This activity […]
Capturing the Moment – Art Exhibition by Nick Freeman – Opening Reception
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, United StatesCome enjoy a selection of oil paintings by Elgin fine artist Nick Freeman. Capturing the Moment showcases Freeman’s life-long interest in bringing to life the people, places and things that embody the fleeting and the timeless. Wine and Cheese will be served. Free event. Donations accepted. Exhibit will also be open to the public on Sunday, […]
Elgin Trivia Night FUN-Raiser 2025
Elgin History Museum 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United StatesGather your friends, form a team, and join us for a night of fun, learning, and friendly competition. You'll learn fascinating facts and discover new tidbits about a wide range of Elgin related topics, all while having a blast with your teammates. The Elgin History Museum's Trivia Night FUN Raiser is a fantastic opportunity to […]
Capturing the Moment: Nick Freeman Artist Open House
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, United StatesCome enjoy a selection of oil paintings by Elgin fine artist Nick Freeman. Capturing the Moment showcases Freeman’s life-long interest in bringing to life the people, places and things that embody the fleeting and the timeless. Free admission. Nick will be at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House to answer questions. The next Open House is […]
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
Elgin History Museum 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United StatesThe Museum wants to thank our volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Save the Date! Event details coming soon.
Did Black Lives Matter in Early Illinois? Voices from the Brink of Slavery and Freedom Presented by Caroline Kisiel
Elgin History Museum 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United StatesExplore the early years of Illinois statehood, when proslavery advocates fought to legalize slavery despite the state’s designation as “free.” This dramatic performance-presentation brings to life the words of key figures from both sides of the struggle, illuminating the complexities of their arguments and the forces that shaped them. Combining historical readings, visuals, and audience […]
Capturing the Moment: Nick Freeman Artist Open House
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, United StatesCome enjoy a selection of oil paintings by Elgin fine artist Nick Freeman. Capturing the Moment showcases Freeman’s life-long interest in bringing to life the people, places and things that embody the fleeting and the timeless. Free admission. Nick will be at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House to answer questions. This is the last public […]
AAUW Elgin Welcomes Kim Sigafus presenting Singing Bird and the Importance of Native American Women in Illinois History
Elgin History Museum 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United StatesKim Sigafus is an internationally-published, award-winning Ojibwa author and speaker. Her Ojibwa name, "Bekaadiziikwe" means, “Quiet Woman.” A prolific author, Kim works in many genres including Native American fiction, non-fiction, YA and children's books. She's also written plays that have been produced. Kim is an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar. She travels throughout the United States […]
What’s Coming Down the Line: Railroads in the American Mind with Mike Matejka
Elgin History Museum 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United StatesIllinois is the nation’s railroad crossroads. This not only shaped the state’s economy and communities but created an industry with a cultural allure. The speeding locomotive was a real-life representation of progress, and people gathered trackside to marvel at the big city opulence represented by an Illinois-built Pullman car. Railroads not only accelerated Illinois’ economic […]