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 […]
Join us for a fascinating Brown Bag Lunch presentation with local historian and watch expert Bill Briska as he explores the stylish world of Art Deco watches made in Elgin during the 1920s and 1930s. Discover how the bold designs and craftsmanship of these timepieces reflected the changing tastes and culture of the Art Deco […]
You are welcome to come to the Museum starting at 4pm. THE PROGRAM WILL START AT THE ELGIN HISTORY MUSEUM AT 4:30PM, with the reading starting at 5pm. Bring a lawn chair, gather with friends and neighbors, and be part of this unique event celebrating America's 250th birthday. Admission is free and all are welcome. […]
This event has been a Museum favorite since 2012 and it keeps growing every year! The show is open to all years and makes: Stock or modified cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Cars are featured on the front and back lawns and spill out onto Park Street! Rain Date is Sunday, July 12. Registration from 9am […]
Using newspaper stories and pictures from 80 plus years ago, this presentation will retell the story of how World War II impacted Elgin citizens both at home and abroad. This presentation will be presented in-person and also available by Zoom. If you are attending in person, feel free to bring your lunch. We provide the […]
Cheers to history in the making! Join us at the Museum on Friday, August 7th (6:30–8:30 PM) for Vinos Latinos, an exclusive Preview Party for the Hispanic Heritage Project! We are just two weeks away from the official August 21st documentary premiere, and we’re giving our community an insider sneak peek. Come taste a curated selection of […]
Come hear about how the Village of South Elgin (Clintonville) got its beginning along the Fox River and how it has evolved and prospered over time. FREE for Members / $5 for Guests Bring your lunch - we provide the drinks and dessert! Use the form below if you want to attend by Zoom:
Documentary & Traveling Exhibit Premiere We cordially invite the public to celebrate the stories, traditions, and lasting contributions of the Hispanic community at the premiere of Nuestras Historias: Celebrating Hispanic Culture and Community at the Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater. Event Highlights: 5:00 PM – Reception & Exhibit Opening: Be among the first to walk through […]
Explore Elgin's vibrant Hispanic community and its important contributions in this documentary by Elgin History Museum and Grindstone Productions. Enjoy the accompanying exhibit on the library's first floor. Please register on the Library's website. For more information about the Elgin History Museum's Hispanic Heritage Project, visit: https://elginhistory.org/elgin-history/hispanic-heritage-project/
Linda shares the history of neighborhood grocery stores in Elgin and tells the story of one particular grocer, Libbie Samuelson. Please RSVP below so we can plan accordingly.
Saturday, September 26 showtimes at 3pm and 5:30pm Sunday, September 27 showtimes at 11am and 1:30pm Tickets $20 Members / $25 Guests / $15 Jr/Sr High Visitors will be guided on a 70-minute tour that showcases gravesites of former residents portrayed by actors in period costumes. The Museum is celebrating the United States semiquincentennial with […]
Saturday, September 26 showtimes at 3pm and 5:30pm Sunday, September 27 showtimes at 11am and 1:30pm Tickets $20 Members / $25 Guests / $15 Jr/Sr High Visitors will be guided on a 70-minute tour that showcases gravesites of former residents portrayed by actors in period costumes. The Museum is celebrating the United States semiquincentennial with […]
Annual Meeting portion includes the election of officers and short reports on the health of the Museum. It should last about 20 minutes. John Adams will share the history of what steps led up to the Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, then lead a discussion about our rights and responsibilities, our shared […]
Using period photos and newspaper clippings, historian Jerry Turnquist looks at how Elgin citizens and businesses were actively involved in the war effort. Please register on the library website. NOTE: THIS EVENT IS AT GAIL BORDEN LIBRARY, NOT AT THE MUSEUM.
History sounds better in brass! Join the Elgin History Museum and the Illinois Brass Band for a special concert at the First United Methodist Church. Enjoy a fantastic afternoon of music featuring a diverse brass program, highlighted by special selections resurrected directly from the Museum’s archives! You'll get a rare chance to hear authentic melodies once played by the legendary […]
CLICK HERE TO BOOK Saturday, November 21 from 10am - 4pm. CKICK HERE TO BOOK Sunday, November 22 from 10am - 2:30pm 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 […]
CLICK HERE TO BOOK Saturday, November 21 from 10am - 4pm. CKICK HERE TO BOOK Sunday, November 22 from 10am - 2:30pm. 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 […]
Celebrate the season with a beloved Elgin History Museum tradition! Join us for our festive Holiday Tea featuring a special performance of The Legend of St. Nicholas by historical actor Terry Lynch. Watch history come alive as Lynch portrays the Old English Father Christmas, sharing the global origins of St. Nicholas and the fascinating history behind our favorite […]
