Elgin History Museum

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Artwork by Cristina Colunga.

The Hispanic Heritage Project is a groundbreaking initiative by the Elgin History Museum to document and celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of the Hispanic community in the Elgin area. 

With nearly half of Elgin’s population identifying as Hispanic, this project explores the profound impact of Hispanic immigration across six generations—tracing stories of resilience, cultural pride, and economic influence from the early 20th century to today. Using archival resources, oral histories, and community collaboration, the project will produce a feature-length documentary and a traveling exhibit to showcase the vibrant stories that have shaped our community’s history and future. This effort follows the museum’s successful projects celebrating Elgin’s African American and Jewish communities.

This project is not just a celebration of history—it is a living, evolving dialogue. By amplifying voices from the Hispanic community, we aim to foster pride within the community while building understanding and connections across cultures. Designed to be flexible and accessible, the documentary and exhibit will appear in schools, libraries, and community centers, inspiring people of all backgrounds. As we prepare for a 2026 debut to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, we invite you to join us in preserving and sharing this vital heritage. Your support—whether through stories, sponsorship, or donations—will help bring this vision to life and ensure these stories are told for generations to come.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

  • Alan Walters, Elgin History Museum
  • Anne LoCascio, Elgin History Museum
  • Beth Nawara, Elgin History Museum
  • Bill Briska, Elgin History Museum
  • Cristina Colunga, Elgin Artist
  • Dianha Ortega-Ereth, Centro de Informacion
  • Elizabeth Marston, Elgin History Museum
  • Gil Feliciano, Elgin Hispanic Network
  • Jaime Garcia, Retired Educator/Centro de Informacion
  • JoAnn Armenta, TAAFA
  • Maria Borrero, Centro de Informacion
  • Patricia Williams, Youth Build Elgin
  • Phil Broxham, Grindstone Productions
  • Rafael Villagomez, Epic Realty
  • Rodrigo Villagomez, City of Elgin
  • Sara Phalen, West Chicago City Museum
  • Tish Calhamer, Gail Borden Public Library

Project Timeline

March 2023

Invite Hispanic community members to meet about a documentary/traveling exhibit project exploring the history of Hispanic immigration, labor and contributions to Elgin.

End of 2023

Fundraising through grants, filming begins on community interviews.

2024

Grants, interviews, create artwork for marketing, website development.

2025

Develop the concept, sponsorships, exhibit vendors/designers.

2026

Premiere the documentary and exhibit in mid-April 2026. Travel the exhibit and film together around the Fox Valley region.

DONATE

Please email for a full sponsorship opportunity packet.

LEARN MORE

To understand the entire scope of the project or get involved, please contact Liz.

TELL YOUR STORY

What has your Elgin experience been like? We would love to hear from you! 

STAY INFORMED

Sign up for our email list at the bottom of the page to stay informed on the project. 

Thank you to our Sponsors

Sara Ellen & James Anderson

The Hispanic Heritage Project is supported by