Seven Ways to Freedom: Founding New Philadelphia, Illinois with Abdul Alkalimat
2026-05-31 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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, and legacy.
This presentation is in partnership with Illinois Humanities Speakers Bureau Program. FREE admission for all.
ABOUT ABDUL ALKALIMAT:
Abdul Alkalimat wants to help raise public awareness of African American history, especially in the state of Illinois and the town of New Philadelphia, in which he is a descendant of the town’s founders.
Abdul Alkalimat (born Gerald McWorter) is a founder of the field of Black Studies and author of many books and papers about Black liberation. A lifelong scholar-activist, he wrote the first college textbook for the field, Introduction to Afro-American Studies, which has seen seven editions, the last one free and online.

Unsealing the Century: A Masonic Time Capsule Opening Celebration
2026-06-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 to the future and honor the enduring bond of Brotherhood that has carried us from 1926 to today. Come witness history unsealed, share in the wonder of voices from the past, and celebrate the living legacy of our lodge with fellowship, reflection, and joy!

Brown Bag Lunch: Art Deco Watches with Bill Briska
2026-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 era while highlighting Elgin’s important role in American watchmaking history.
Bring your lunch – we will supply drinks and dessert.
FREE for Members | $5 Guests
Please RSVP below so we can plan accordingly.

Declaration of Independence Reading
2026-07-08 16:30 - 18:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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.
Hear the words that changed history.
Join the Elgin History Museum, Fox Valley SAR, Elias Kent Kane DAR, and Signal Hill DAR, for a Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Local leaders, educators, historians, and volunteers will read the Declaration aloud, just as it was shared with the public in 1776.
Even though the United States is spread across thousands of miles and ten different time zones, all of us in America may read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’, at the ‘same’ time. Unlike the extent of the Colonies in 1776, today, America spans about 9,500-miles from one extreme to the other (the Caribbean across North America to the western edge of the Pacific).
This is a nationwide program initiated and sponsored by the Hawai‘i America250 Commission.

Classic Car Show 2026
2026-07-11 09:00 - 15:30 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 – 12noon.
$20 fee per vehicle – all vehicles on grounds must be registered. Zelle accepted. Spectators are free. NO PRE REGISTRATION – DON’T GET SCAMMED!
Top 50 judged PLUS 25 additional awards ceremony will be by 3:30pm. Chicagoland Thunderbird Club will have their own separate awards.
Enjoy live music by Flat Creek HWY!
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.
Questions… text JP 847-275-8290

Brown Bag Lunch: Elgin and WWII with Jerry Turnquist
2026-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 drinks and dessert!
FREE for Members / $5 for Guests
Please register below so we can plan accordingly. Zoom credentials will be included in the email.

Vinos Latinos Preview Party
2026-08-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 wines and beers from Latin America — selected by our friends at East Side Cafe in East Dundee—while watching never-before-seen clips of the final documentary.
Tickets are limited and proceeds directly benefit the project as we cross the finish line!
$45 members / $50 non members

Brown Bag Lunch: South Elgin History and Lore with Rebecca Miller
2026-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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!

Nuestras Historias: Documentary Premiere & Exhibit Launch
2026-08-21 17:00 - 20:30 | Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL, 60123, United States
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 the new interactive traveling exhibit, meet the film’s producer and featured community leaders, and participate in interactive community painting and origami activities. Enjoy live music by Proyecto 7 alongside light appetizers, chips, and salsa.
6:30 PM – Film Screening: Gather for the official premiere of the documentary highlighting local Hispanic history in the Elgin Area.
This is a community celebration—bringing families, friends, and neighbors together to honor the past and look toward the future.
Reservations are open below. Please note how many adults / children will be attending so we can plan accordingly.

Brown Bag Lunch: Grocery Stores with Linda Rock
2026-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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.

Cemetery Walk 2026 - Saturday Sept 26
2026-09-26 03:00 - 19:00 | Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
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 the inspiring theme of “Hometown Heroes.” All of the characters portrayed in this year’s walk represent some kind of selfless service.

Cemetery Walk 2026 - Sunday Sept 27
2026-09-27 11:00 - 15:00 | Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States

Annual Business Meeting with Brian "Fox" Ellis as John Adams
2026-10-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 history and a hopeful future.
In person event / FREE for Members / $5 for guests
Please RSVP below so we can plan accordingly.

Illinois Brass Band playing the music of the Watch Factory Band
2026-11-15 14:00 - 16:00 | First Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
History sounds better in brass! Join the Elgin History Museum and the Illinois Brass Band for a special concert at the First 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 Elgin National Watch Factory Band, brought back to life by a premier ensemble.
This performance is a joint fundraiser supporting both organizations.
Tickets on sale soon!

Take Photos with Santa at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
2026-11-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-22 10:00 - 14:30 | Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Saturday, November 21 from 10am – 4pm
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 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!
Tickets on sale soon.

Holiday Tea with The Legend of St. Nicholas with Terry Lynch
2026-12-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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 Christmas traditions.
While you enjoy the storytelling, indulge in a generous spread of sweet and savory treats prepared by our amazing Museum volunteers. This is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss!
Tickets available soon.
