Events

The Museum wants to thank our volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Save the Date! Event details coming soon.

Explore 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 […]

Come 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 […]

Illinois 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

MOVED TO SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025 FROM 9AM – 3:30PM Friday, 7/11 at 10am, the decision was made to move the Classic Car Show to the rain date of Sunday, July 13. There is extensive rain in the forecast today, and the grounds will be better suited to the show when they are dry on […]

Family Day: Sunday, July 13, 2025 | 12:00 – 4:00 PMNancy Kimball Cobblestone House | 302 W. Chicago, Elgin Bring the family to enjoy hands-on art activities led by the artists, including coloring, and traditional paper flower making. FREE event! All are welcome. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Erasing Borders / Borrando […]

Beginning in 1910 – a year before the Indianapolis 500 – some of the nation’s best drivers and mechanics competed in a 300-mile race on rural roads just west of Elgin. The races continued until 1920, and were resumed one more time in 1933 in conjunction with the Chicago World’s Fair. Thousands of people used […]