Elgin History Museum

Historic Elgin House Tour presented by Gifford Park Association
2025-09-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-06 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
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 18 and under
Tickets available for CASH ONLY at the Museum.
PURCHASE NOW: https://www.universe.com/events/2025-historic-elgin-house-tour-tickets-DPNFQ5

Prices go up $5 on the day of the tour.
Available at registration (Church of the Brethren, 783 Highland Avenue). Cash or card accepted.

Brown Bag Lunch: Elgin History Revisited with Jerry Turnquist
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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.

Prairie Fest 2025
2025-08-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Historic Corron Farm, 7N761 Corron Road, Campton Hills, IL, 60175, United States
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 Museum will have the Dairies to Prairies traveling exhibit set up, along with some fun activities for kids!

Closing Reception for Erasing Borders/Borrando Fronteras at Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
2025-08-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 documentary and traveling exhibit.
Light snacks and drinks will be served.

I Saw it at the Lords Park Zoo!- Animals from the Zoo’s Early Years
2025-08-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Lords Park Zoo
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.

Elgin Arts Happy Hour at Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
2025-07-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 scene, exchange ideas, and just have fun. No agenda or sales pitch, just snacking and sipping and being in the same room with our creative community. Stop by anytime between 5pm -7pm.
Donations accepted.

Brown Bag Lunch - The History of The Elgin Road Races with Al Walters
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 to visit Elgin to see the races, come relive their excitement!
Bring your lunch – we supply the drinks and dessert!FREE for Members, $5 for Guests. Please pay at the door, but register below so we can plan accordingly:

Erasing Borders FAMILY DAY / Borrando Fronteras DÍA FAMILIAR
2025-07-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 Fronteras, is 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 documentary and traveling exhibit.

Classic Car Show 2025
2025-07-13 09:00 - 15:30 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 Sunday. All the other details are the same. See you Sunday!
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!

Registration from 9am – 12noon.
$15 fee per vehicle – all vehicles on grounds must be registered. Spectators are free.
Awards ceremony will be by 3:30pm. Chicagoland Thunderbird Club will have their own separate awards.
Enjoy live music by Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones plus Flat Creek HWY!
Cesaroni Real Pit BBQ food truck.
To add to the fun, select merchandise from the Museum store will be on sale!
FREE event and admission to the Museum

Presented in partnership with Chicagoland Thunderbird Club and JP Car Shows. Sponsored by Roxworthy Enterprises.

Summer Picnic Fundraiser
2025-06-29 11:00 - 15:00 | John Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 IL-31, South Elgin, United States
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 with a picnic lunch in the scenic John Duerr Forest Preserve, followed by lawn games and live music from The Jammers. At 1pm, take a private ride on one of the Museum’s historic trolleys to the Fox River Trolley Museum. During the ride, take in beautiful Fox River views while learning about the area’s rich past with a special history program presented just for our guests. After a quick tour of the Trolley Museum, get back on the train for a ride back to the Forest Preserve.
Your ticket helps preserve Elgin’s heritage and supports the Museum’s exhibits, educational programs, and community events.
$25 for Museum Members | $30 for Non-Members
Space is limited—reserve your seat today!

Brown Bag Lunch - What's in a Name: Uncovering the Stories Behind Elgin’s Streets and Landmarks with Rebecca Miller
2025-06-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 we see every day reflect Elgin’s rich and diverse history. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just curious about local lore, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the city’s landscape and the people who shaped it. Bring your lunch – we supply the drinks and dessert!
FREE for Members, $5 for Guests.

Erasing Borders / Borrando Fronteras Art Exhibition Opening Reception
2025-06-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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.
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 documentary and traveling exhibit.
Admission is free. Donations appreciated. All are welcome. Come show your support, experience the art, and be part of a growing movement to uplift and honor Elgin’s Hispanic heritage.

Children's Old Fashioned Fun & Games in Lords Park Zoo!
2025-06-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Lords Park Zoo
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.

Brown Bag Lunch: The History of Color with Mary Hoffman
2025-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 gain expert insights into how color shapes our spaces and styles!

Building Elgin: The Architectural Legacy of David E. Postle with Dan Miller
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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.

Building Elgin: The Architectural Legacy of David E. Postle with Dan Miller
2025-05-13 00:00 | IL

Hilltop Cemetery Tour with Bill Briska
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Hilltop Cemetery, 875 Sports Way, Elgin, IL, 60123, United States
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 stories it has to tell.
FREE Event. Please register.

Elgin's Timeless Homes by Watercolor Artist, Charles Cassell Opening Reception
2025-05-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
Experience the charm of Elgin’s historic homes through the vibrant watercolor artistry of Charles Cassell. The exhibit will showcase a collection of paintings that celebrate the architectural beauty and heritage of Elgin, IL.

Museum GALA
2025-04-26 18:00 - 22:00 | Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Northwest – Elgin, 495 Airport Rd, Elgin, IL, United States

Alien Spouse: A performance by Luiza Moraes
2025-03-30 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 ritual, and dreamscape. Somewhere between legal forms and dance parties, the hope is to spread information to those who don’t know what the process is like and to honor the experience of those who do.
Alien Spouse is brought to you by the Elgin History Museum, Going Dutch, and Side Street Studio Arts‘ Explorations of Equity in the Arts in Elgin project supported by Healing Illinois.
$5 suggested donation at the door. Drinks & snacks provided, artist chat after the performance.

What's Coming Down the Line: Railroads in the American Mind with Mike Matejka
2025-03-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 development and population growth, but also became icons that influenced American culture. The national land-based transportation network radically changed the economy, how people traveled, and how corporate structure evolved. Rail workers were seen as heroic as they faced an extremely dangerous occupation. The railroad became a cultural symbol, reflected in advertising, cinema, and children’s toys.
Mike Matejka is a historian, writer, and community organizer with a passion for Illinois labor history and years of experience presenting to a wide range of audiences.
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This event is co-produced by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, which invites Illinois authors, artists and educators to share their expertise and enthusiasm with people throughout the state, enabling local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

AAUW Elgin Welcomes Kim Sigafus presenting Singing Bird and the Importance of Native American Women in Illinois History
2025-03-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
Kim Sigafus is an internationally-published, award-winning Ojibwa author and speaker. Her Ojibwa name, “Bekaadiziikwe” means, “Quiet Woman.” A prolific author, Kim works in many genres including Native American fiction, non-fiction, YA and children’s books. She’s also written plays that have been produced. Kim is an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar. She travels throughout the United States doing Native programs for schools, libraries, and interest groups. She enjoys sharing her culture with others. Kim presents in her native regalia, and drums and sings.
In her spare time, she crafts Talking Feathers and Dream Catchers, which she carries in her store. She is the owner of Quiet Souls, A Native Inspired Gift Shop in Freeport, IL.

Capturing the Moment: Nick Freeman Artist Open House
2025-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 viewing of the exhibition! Hope you can make it!
On view through mid March 2025.

—————————Nick Freeman Artist’s Biography
I’ve been painting for nearly 60 years and hope to start seeing some improvement soon.

I grew up in the Chicago area and eventually found my way to Elgin in 2018. I’m married and have three children.

After high school, I did hard time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and, despite their best efforts, managed to retain my commitment to representational art and traditional painting methods. Meanwhile, I settled into a long ride as a production director at a prominent Chicago ad agency.

Now, I paint. I enjoy the challenges of landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life- a rather eclectic mix.

More of my work is on view at galleryfreeman.com

Did Black Lives Matter in Early Illinois? Voices from the Brink of Slavery and Freedom Presented by Caroline Kisiel
2025-02-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 engagement, this program offers a thought-provoking look at the legacy of slavery and freedom in Illinois.
The three key proslavery figures that will be featured are Ninian Edwards, Territorial Governor; Joseph B. Phillips, secretary of the Illinois Territory; and Adolphus Frederick Hubbard, proslavery delegate. The three antislavery figures that will be featured are Edward Coles, second governor of Illinois; Nicholas Hansen, anti-convention legislator; and Morris Birkbeck, English emigrant and Illinois Secretary of State.
Caroline Kisiel is a public historian and educator who has been teaching for over 25 years. With a background in immigration law, literature, history, storytelling, and performance, Caroline writes and presents on early Illinois history and is currently conducting research on the role of Albion, Illinois in the struggle to keep Illinois slavery-free in the early years of statehood as well as research on stories of African American resilience under the Illinois Black Codes.
______________________________________________
This event is co-produced by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, which invites Illinois authors, artists and educators to share their expertise and enthusiasm with people throughout the state, enabling local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
2025-02-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
The Museum wants to thank our volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
Save the Date! Event details coming soon.

Capturing the Moment: Nick Freeman Artist Open House
2025-02-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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.

The next Open House is scheduled for March 2 from 1pm – 3pm.On view through mid March 2025.

—————————Nick Freeman Artist’s Biography
I’ve been painting for nearly 60 years and hope to start seeing some improvement soon.

I grew up in the Chicago area and eventually found my way to Elgin in 2018. I’m married and have three children.

After high school, I did hard time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and, despite their best efforts, managed to retain my commitment to representational art and traditional painting methods. Meanwhile, I settled into a long ride as a production director at a prominent Chicago ad agency.

Now, I paint. I enjoy the challenges of landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life- a rather eclectic mix.

More of my work is on view at galleryfreeman.com

Elgin Trivia Night FUN-Raiser 2025
2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:30 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
Gather your friends, form a team, and join us for a night of fun, learning, and friendly competition. You’ll learn fascinating facts and discover new tidbits about a wide range of Elgin related topics, all while having a blast with your teammates. The Elgin History Museum’s Trivia Night FUN Raiser is a fantastic opportunity to test your knowledge of all things Elgin while contributing to a meaningful cause. Reserve your spot today, and let the trivia battle begin!

Capturing the Moment - Art Exhibition by Nick Freeman - Opening Reception
2025-01-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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.
Wine and Cheese will be served. Free event. Donations accepted.
Exhibit will also be open to the public on Sunday, February 9 from 1pm – 3pm and Sunday, March 2 from 1pm – 3pm.
On view through mid March 2025.

Nick Freeman Artist’s Biography
I’ve been painting for nearly 60 years and hope to start seeing some improvement soon.
I grew up in the Chicago area and eventually found my way to Elgin in 2018. I’m married and have three children.
After high school, I did hard time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and, despite their best efforts, managed to retain my commitment to representational art and traditional painting methods. Meanwhile, I settled into a long ride as a production director at a prominent Chicago ad agency.
Now, I paint. I enjoy the challenges of landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life- a rather eclectic mix.
More of my work is on view at galleryfreeman.com
