Holiday Tea & "The Making of It's a Wonderful Life" with Leslie Goddard. Celebrate the holidays during this annual tradition at Elgin History Museum. Leslie Goddard's presentation will explore the story of the movie’s creation and show rare photographs taken behind the scenes! FREE for members / $5 for Guests Please register:

Join us on Saturday, December 16 anytime between 12pm - 3pm and create your own LeeWards inspired ornament to take home. This activity is best for kids 6 and up to do on their own, younger are welcome with grown up help. Ornaments are ping pong ball size. Enjoy a display of actual LeeWards ornaments […]

Think you know Elgin history? Come test your knowledge at Trivia Night! Wine and beer, and light snacks will be served along with a slice of Elgin history. Teams of up to 4 people play three rounds of trivia that will include both multiple choice and fill in answers. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and […]

Join Connie as she tells the stories passed down to her Great Grandmother Lizzie of how her family survived the antebellum period through trials and tribulations, and how they used quilts that contain hidden codes and secret messages to assist abolitionists; white and black, to guide slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad to Canada. […]

Eat To Support Elgin History Museum! On Wednesday, February 21st from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria at 903 S Randall Rd is donating back 20% of sales from Takeout & Delivery orders to Elgin History Museum! RSVP & all details here: https://grouprai.se/f271037 We hope you can join us in ordering out for a […]

To celebrate Women's History Month and the Library's 150th anniversary, Linda Rock brings to life a variety of Elgin women, including Laura Raymond Gifford, Mary Carpenter Lord and Alice Byrd Potter. Presentation runs about 45 minutes. During the program, Ms. Rock makes costume changes as she changes characters. Q & A session follows. This event […]

CLICK THE TITLE OR IMAGE TO REGISTER. While the popular images of the National Park Service (NPS) often focus on the spectacular scenic sites in the American West or nationally significant historic sites in the eastern U.S., the NPS has a meaningful presence in Illinois and its surrounding states. It includes National Monuments, National Trails, […]

The new exhibit chronicles the evolution of Elgin Academy decade by decade, showcasing an array of photographs that vividly capture moments that have shaped their legacy. There are plenty of artifacts to look at, including the Academy Bell that fell from the cupola down to the first floor during a 1911 fire. Celebrate the school’s […]

Museum Gala Fundraiser - It's going to be a roaring good time! Saturday, April 20 from 5:30pm - 10pm Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin $75 for members, $90 for guests. Enjoy dinner, drinks and entertainment all while supporting the Museum. Cocktail reception, cash bar, Waldorf-Astoria inspired buffet menu, and a silent auction. Live auction […]