Learn the rich history of Elgin’s beloved musical ensemble, from its beginning as a community orchestra to its current status as an award-winning professional orchestra that builds community with the power of music.

SAVE THE DATE! Every year in September, the Museum hosts the Cemetery Walk at the majestic Bluff City Cemetery. Visitors will be guided on a 70-minute tour that showcases gravesites of former residents portrayed by actors in period costumes. Volunteers at the Elgin History Museum organize this much anticipated event that attracts hundreds of people […]

SAVE THE DATE! Every year in September, the Museum hosts the Cemetery Walk at the majestic Bluff City Cemetery. Visitors will be guided on a 70-minute tour that showcases gravesites of former residents portrayed by actors in period costumes. Volunteers at the Elgin History Museum organize this much anticipated event that attracts hundreds of people […]

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a candy connoisseur, this event is your chance to explore a spooktacular selection of flavors in a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere. When you arrive, you will receive a glass and a tasting sheet. Stations will be set up throughout the Museum so not only will you get to try new […]

Annual Meeting election of officers and short reports on the health of the Museum. The meeting portion should last about 20 minutes. How did a desecrated grave in Sycamore, Illinois lead to Bellevue Place where Mary Todd Lincoln was committed for insanity?  It's a trail through the Fox River Valley, strewn with riots, seances, generals […]

This program will use objects and images from the Elgin History Museum's collection to show a variety of events that entertained Elginites in the 1800s and 1900s. Presented by Museum Curator, Beth Nawara. Please register on the GBPL website.

BACK FOR 2024!  Step into the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, where holiday magic awaits. It’s the perfect setting for your festive photos! Book a 15-minute time block and bring your own camera to take photos however you like. Santa will be there, ready to make every moment special—he’s pet-friendly and sensory-friendly, ensuring a comfortable […]

BACK FOR 2024! Step into the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, where holiday magic awaits. It’s the perfect setting for your festive photos! Book a 15-minute time block and bring your own camera to take photos however you like. Santa will be there, ready to make every moment special—he’s pet-friendly and sensory-friendly, ensuring a comfortable […]

Shop With Purpose on Museum Store Sunday, December 1, 2024. You will not only find quality gifts filled with inspiration and educational value, but through your purchase, you will also directly support the Museum! Our gift shop is full of custom, Elgin related gifts. Some items are made by local artisans in small batches. NEW […]

Christmas 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 […]