Events

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 […]

The Elgin History Museum is thrilled to host The Elgin Arts Happy Hour - a monthly gathering for area creatives and arts supporters at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House! This event is a partnership with Side Street Studio Arts, and is open to all! Let's chat about what's going on in the Elgin cultural arts […]

The Lords Park Zoo opened in 1895 and was once home to bears, snakes, and even a lion!  Come visit the modern Tefft Farm Zoo inside Lords Park and make crafts to help remember the past residents of the zoo.

LAST CHANCE to get a peek of Erasing Borders / Borrando Fronteras, a powerful art exhibition celebrating the Hispanic experience. All artwork on display was created in support of the Hispanic Heritage Project, an initiative by the Elgin History Museum to preserve and share the stories of Hispanic families in our region through a feature-length […]

Campton Township is hosting their Annual Prairie Fest at Historic Corron Farm on Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11 am to 3 pm Central (rain or shine). Historic Corron Farm is located at 7N761 Corron Road (NE corner of Silver Glen and Corron Roads). This Free Event includes parking, admission, various activities, tours, and refreshments. The […]

Jerry Turnquist will share some of his favorite stories from his longtime Daily Herald history column. These will include police news, notable citizens, holiday memories and more. Bring your lunch – we supply the drinks and dessert! FREE for Members, $5 for Guests.

Explore 7 homes on the west side of Elgin near the Larkin Ave. / Highland Ave split. See photos of the homes at historicelginhousetour.com. 43rd Annual Historic Elgin House TourSaturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 from 9am – 4pm each day. ADVANCE TICKET PRICES Tickets $20 Adult / $15 Seniors (65+)  / $15 Students […]

Explore 7 homes on the west side of Elgin near the Larkin Ave. / Highland Ave split. See photos of the homes at historicelginhousetour.com. 43rd Annual Historic Elgin House TourSaturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 from 9am – 4pm each day. ADVANCE TICKET PRICES Tickets $20 Adult / $15 Seniors (65+)  / $15 Students […]

Good Old Neon Local fine artist Nick Freeman presents a colorful talk and a host of photos capturing the glorious neon signs of Chicagoland, as featured in his Lake Claremont book published in 2014, Good Old Neon. Showcasing classic icons and quirky remnants from a time when brightly-lit neon signs filled the urban landscape, he celebrates […]

The annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk in Elgin has been a tradition since 1987. It is organized by volunteers and staff of the Elgin History Museum. The event attracts hundreds of people to enjoy an outdoor theatrical performance and the beauty of the Bluff City Cemetery grounds. The event also seeks to educate people about […]

The annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk in Elgin has been a tradition since 1987. It is organized by volunteers and staff of the Elgin History Museum. The event attracts hundreds of people to enjoy an outdoor theatrical performance and the beauty of the Bluff City Cemetery grounds. The event also seeks to educate people about […]

In person event / FREE for Members / $5 for guests Annual Meeting portion includes the election of officers and short reports on the health of the Museum. It should last about 20 minutes. Enjoy a costumed interpretation of famous stand up comedienne Phyllis Diller by Ellie Carlson of Ellie Presents. Phyllis was America’s first […]

BACK FOR 2025!  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 2025!  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 […]