Elgin History Museum

Declaration of Independence Reading
2026-07-08 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States
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).
With a start time based on 6 pm (EDT), July 8, 2026 (commemorating the first public reading), people in communities across America will begin reading the Declaration of Independence. THE READING WILL START AT THE ELGIN HISTORY MUSEUM AT 5PM, but feel free to come to the Museum starting at 4:30pm. 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 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.

Brown Bag Lunch: Elgin's Roads with Andy Thompson
2026-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St, Elgin, IL, United States

Hispanic Heritage: Celebrating Culture and Community
2026-08-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL, 60123, United States
Documentary & Traveling Exhibit Premiere
Celebrate the stories, traditions, and lasting contributions of the Hispanic community at the premiere of Hispanic Heritage: Celebrating Culture and Community at the Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater.
The evening begins at 6pm with a lively reception featuring food, music, and hands-on activities for kids, followed by the premiere of a powerful documentary at 7pm that anchors a new traveling exhibit exploring six generations of 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

Cemetery Walk 2026
2026-09-26 03:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-27 11:00 - 15:00 | 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

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

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
The Illinois Brass Band will play the same tunes as the Elgin National Watch Factory Band at the First Methodist Church.
This will be a fundraiser for 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
