Elgin History Museum

Alien Spouse: A performance by Luiza Moraes
2025-03-30 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-29 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.
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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.

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

Make LeeWards Style Ornaments at the Museum
2024-12-14 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.

Take Photos with Santa at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
2024-11-23 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.
