One hundred years ago, the Brothers of Elgin Lodge No. 117 and other Masonic Bodies sealed their hopes, words, and keepsakes into a capsule — a message in a bottle cast across a century of time. Now that moment has arrived. You are cordially invited to join us as we open what our predecessors entrusted […]
Tucked into the Elgin Sports Complex is the burying ground for the old Elgin State Hospital. Historian Bill Briska will be your guide to discover this little-known site and some stories it has to tell. Location: Meet at Highlands Golf Course east parking lot. Elgin Sports Complex, 875 Sports Way. Time: 10am - 11am FREE […]
Step inside a rarely opened piece of Elgin’s history. This historic depot has been recently spruced up inside and out and now features new interpretive window displays highlighting its connection to the Elgin National Watch Company, which once operated nearby. Visitors will be able to go inside the building and discover this important link to […]
Learn about Smith Hoag, a prominent Elgin builder and architect active from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Hoag’s work includes many buildings and homes in Elgin, but his most notable work is the design of Dunham Castle in Wayne, IL. Presented by the Gifford Park Association.
Museum Curator Beth Nawara presents Entertaining Elgin. 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. FREE for Members / $5 for Guests Please RSVP below
Celebrating Elgin's rich sports history, this exhibition traces the evolution of our community through its iconic sporting venues and the legendary figures who called them home—brought to life through a collection of sports artifacts from Elgin’s athletic past.
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS AT GAIL BORDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY - MAIN BRANCH, MEADOWS COMMUNITY ROOMS ABC Enjoy a shortened screening of Dairies to Prairies, exploring Elgin’s dairy legacy—from its Butter Board of Trade to prairie restoration—plus highlights from the newly digitized Elgin Dairy Report. Dairies to Prairies tells the story of Elgin’s dairy heritage. […]
The founding of New Philadelphia, Illinois, was an extraordinary act of courage, strategy, and determination. In this presentation, Abdul Alkalimat—descendant of the town’s founders, Frank and Lucy McWorter—shares the story of how the McWorters built a town, protected their freedom, and shaped Illinois history. The program invites audiences to think more deeply about freedom, community, […]
One hundred years ago, the Brothers of Elgin Lodge No. 117 and other Masonic Bodies sealed their hopes, words, and keepsakes into a capsule — a message in a bottle cast across a century of time. Now that moment has arrived. You are cordially invited to join us as we open what our predecessors entrusted […]
Bring your lunch to the Museum and enjoy a speaker.
