Check out these great activities children can do at home to learn more about Elgin’s history. There are accompanying worksheets in both English and Spanish for each activity, and a few have videos!
The Telegraph and Morse Code
Before the telephone, there was the telegraph and morse code for quick communication. Learn how to use Morse Code, then decode a message for yourself.
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.
Old Fashioned Games
Turn off the screens and try some of these old fashioned games and see what it was like for kids long ago.
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.
The Elgin Road Race
Can you imagine zooming around Elgin at 65 miles an hour? Download the instructions to make yourself some goggles and fasten your seatbelt to learn about this famous race!
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.
Check out the video version on YouTube in English or Spanish.
Elgin History, In your Pocket!
Make your own brown bag vest with a pocket watch from the Elgin National Watch Factory.
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.
Elgin’s A Dairy Town
Did you know Elgin was once famous for milk & butter? Over 6,000 cows lived on hundreds of farms all around Elgin. Learn how to draw a cow and get some laughs with cow jokes you can tell your friends!
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.Check out the video version on YouTube in English or Spanish.
Made in Elgin: Street Sweeper
Help the street sweeper get back to the garage.
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.Check out the video version on YouTube in English or Spanish.
The Song of Elgin
Find out how Elgin got it’s name and play a memory game.
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.
Eat Like a Pioneer!
Make Johnnycakes from cornmeal or try some yummy Refrigerator Pickles. There is also a recipe for substitute coffee that looks VERY interesting!
Download instructions in English.
Download instructions in Spanish.
If you have questions please reach out to Rebecca Miller, Museum Educator. Please take photos of your creations and tag Elgin History Museum on Facebook and Instagram! Or email them to Rebecca and the Museum will create a gallery of your hard work!