Elgin History Museum

Elgin Trivia Night FUN-Raiser 2026
2026-01-30 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | 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!

Hans Klemmer Kiln-Formed Glass Open House at Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
2026-01-10 12:00 - 15:00 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Don’t miss this chance to see Kiln-Formed Glass: An Artist’s Medium up close—and meet the artist behind it!
The Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House will be open January 10 from 12–3 PM for a special viewing with Hans Klemmer of Prairie Street Studios will be present to share insight into his work, process, and inspiration. Come enjoy art, conversation, and one of Elgin’s oldest landmarks.
FREE event.

Make LeeWards Style Ornaments at the Museum
2025-12-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
An Elgin Christmas tree is not complete without an ornament from LeeWards! For decades LeeWards sold craft supplies and decorations from their flagship store on State Street and in catalogs sent around the world.
Bring the kids to the museum between 12-3pm to make your own LeeWards style sequin 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.
Cost to make an ornament is $5. FREE Admission is included in the cost of the activity.

Holiday Tea with Soprano Kathleen Monson and Friends
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
Celebrate the season with an afternoon of elegant music, sweets, and celebration! This year’s “Merry & Bright” program features soprano Kathleen Monson and friends performing beloved Christmas songs with a classical twist—an elegant and festive concert that’s sure to delight.
Enjoy a generous spread of sweet and savory treats prepared by our amazing Museum volunteers. Come for social hour starting at 12:30pm. Performance will start promptly at 1pm.
The music portion of this event made possible by the David Nelson Memorial Fund.
This is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss!

Kiln-Formed Glass: An Artist's Medium featuring Hans Klemmer Opening Reception
2025-12-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Discover the beauty of fused glass at Kiln-Formed Glass: An Artist’s Medium, featuring the work of local artist Hans Klemmer, owner of Prairie Street Studios in Elgin. Each piece reflects a stunning interplay of color, texture, and light — perfect for brightening your home or giving as a one-of-a-kind holiday gift.
Join us for the opening reception at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, where you can meet Hans in person and shop a special selection of handmade glass gifts at the perfect holiday price point.

Museum Store Sunday 2025
2025-11-30 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
Shop With Purpose on Museum Store Sunday, November 30, 2025. Online only.
Shop now: https://elginhistory.org/shop/

Looking for the perfect Elgin-inspired gift? Our Museum Store is the only place to find unique Elgin merchandise you won’t see anywhere else. Shop online this Museum Store Sunday and receive a free sticker or postcard with purchase!

Our gift shop is full of custom, Elgin related gifts. Some items are made by local artisans in small batches. NEW items to check out:* LeeWards inspired ornament Velvet Glow* Elgin History Museum ball cap with leatherette patch* Jewelry made with genuine Elgin watch faces* Elgin Eagle Brewing replica growler

This event is online only. All purchases will receive a free Elgin sticker or postcard! Members can take advantage of their 15% discount on all purchases (except memberships).
Don’t forget to think about gifts for friends and family!
Shop now: https://elginhistory.org/shop/

Take Photos with Santa at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
2025-11-23 10:00 - 14:30 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 experience for everyone, from your little ones to furry friends.
Last year, we welcomed all kinds of creative guests—families in matching pajamas, friends raising a toast with holiday brews, and grandparents cradling new babies. It was a lot of fun to see everyone’s unique take on their holiday photos and we cannot wait to see yours!! Bring along your favorite props to make your photos even more unique!
Plus, enjoy a holiday craft activity and light snacks downstairs for a little extra cheer. It’s a wonderful holiday outing for the whole family!
Reserve your 15 minute timeslot for Sunday here.
Click here to reserve for Saturday.

Take Photos with Santa at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
2025-11-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 experience for everyone, from your little ones to furry friends.
Last year, we welcomed all kinds of creative guests—families in matching pajamas, friends raising a toast with holiday brews, and grandparents cradling new babies. It was a lot of fun to see everyone’s unique take on their holiday photos and we cannot wait to see yours!! Bring along your favorite props to make your photos even more unique!
Plus, enjoy a holiday craft activity and light snacks downstairs for a little extra cheer. It’s a wonderful holiday outing for the whole family!
Reserve your 15 minute timeslot for Saturday here.
Click here to reserve for Sunday.

Annual Business Meeting with Ellie Carlson as Phyllis Diller
2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 female stand-up comic in a previously male-dominated role. She paved the way for Joan Rivers, Lily Tomlin, Roseanne Barr, Paula Poundstone, Tig Notaro, and so many more talented and funny women. Ellie will explain how Phyllis invented a rotten husband, Fang–he didn’t really exist although she did have her share of trials and tribulations in the marriage department. She also made jokes about being ugly, when she was quite stunning without her stage costume, and she made endless references to poor housekeeping and bad cooking when, in reality, she was adept at both. Why? Ellie will give audiences a glimpse of the backstage Phyllis while delighting you with the onstage antics as well.

Cemetery Walk 2025, Sunday, Sept 28
2025-09-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 Elgin’s unique history and the importance of preserving cemeteries. Tickets are timed entry tickets rather than open all-day tickets, so choose the best show time for you.
September 27 at 3pm and 5:30pm
September 28 at 11am and 1:30pm

Cemetery Walk 2025- Saturday, Sept 27
2025-09-27 15:00 - 19:00 | Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States

Brown Bag Lunch - Chicagoland Neon Signs with Nick Freeman
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 history, beauty and impact of these fast-disappearing symbols of big city glamour and small town charm.

Historic Elgin House Tour presented by Gifford Park Association
2025-09-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-06 09:00 - 16:00 | 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.
