Drinks, Snacks, and the Bureaucracy of Immigration. Having gone through the process of applying for a marriage-based Green Card, Luiza became acutely aware of the skill with which legal and bureaucratic protocols create obstacles for immigrants that border the absurd. As an artist, she created a performance that is a blend of dance, lecture, healing […]

PLEASE NOTE: The start time of the Hilltop Cemetery Tour was published incorrectly. The tour starts at 10am, not 10:30am. Sorry for any inconvenience. Tucked into the Elgin Sports Complex is the burial ground for the old Elgin State Hospital. Tour the cemetery with historian Bill Briska to discover this little known site and some […]

Learn about David E. Postle, a prominent Elgin architect active from 1892 to 1921. Postle's notable works include the Lords Park Pavilion, the Elgin Public Museum, and the old Elgin High School. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore Postle's enduring impact on the city's architectural landscape.

Join us for the first Brown Bag Lunch of the year to learn about the history of color with Mary Hoffman, Color and Design Training Specialist at Benjamin Moore & Co. Mary will explore the fascinating world of color, from its general impact to the evolution of home color trends. Don’t miss this chance to […]

We will lead families in old fashioned group games like ring around the rosie, egg and spoon races, marbles, jacks, etc. We will also make a rag doll toy that kids can take home.

Opening Reception: Friday, June 6, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 PMNancy Kimball Cobblestone House | 302 W. Chicago, Elgin Join us for the opening of Erasing Borders / Borrando Fronteras, a powerful art exhibition celebrating the Hispanic experience. While enjoying light refreshments, meet the artists behind the work and hear the stories that inspired them. […]

Ever wonder where Elgin’s street names come from? Join us for a fascinating lunchtime talk with Elgin historian Rebecca Miller as she uncovers the stories behind the names of Elgin’s streets, buildings, and schools. From founding families and prominent figures to the railroad and Elgin National Watch Factory, this presentation will explore how the names […]

Hop Aboard for History!Summer Picnic Fundraiser with the Fox Valley Trolley MuseumSunday, June 29, 2025 · 11:00 AMMEET AT THE John Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 IL-31, South Elgin, IL Join the Elgin History Museum for a unique summer outing that’s part history lesson, part old-fashioned fun—and all for a great cause! Starting at 11am, relax […]