Support Elgin History
Your generous donation will help the Elgin History Museum inspire historical discovery by preserving and sharing Elgin’s heritage. History connects people to each other and to something larger than themselves. People of all backgrounds and generations need history to understand the world around them and to develop solutions for the future.
Please donate today.
The Elgin History Museum is housed in an 1856 landmark building known as Old Main that was once part of the Elgin Academy campus. The building was designed in the Greek Revival style. The museum has a staff that helps welcome visitors to the museum, educates the public about Elgin history and assists with research inquiries.
The Elgin Area Historical Society, which was founded in 1961, is a thriving organization that operates within the museum. The society has a board of directors with a mission that is driven to preserve and educate the community about Elgin history.
Mission Statement
Preserve Elgin’s diverse heritage and sense of place while striving to be equitable, accessible, and relevant in our interactions with the community.
Vision Statement
lnspiring historical discovery by preserving and sharing Elgin’s heritage.
Values Statement
The Elgin Area Historical Society believes history matters, connecting people to each other and to something larger than themselves. People of all backgrounds and generations need history to understand the world around them and to develop solutions for the future.
We believe everyone makes history. Relevant history is inclusive history.
Creativity and innovation inform our work as a historical organization. Collaborative partnerships and practices are key to advancing the Museum’s mission in the community.
We value the investment of time and the experience of our volunteers. We attempt to be transparent in how we conduct our work as a community organization and as historians.
We are accountable to the fiscal policies of the Elgin Area Historical Society by balancing efficiency and flexibility with budgetary discipline.
We seek sustainable resources and practice financial oversight with long term planning.