Elgin History Museum
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.
Through permanent and changing exhibits, the museum brings to life Elgin’s rich heritage. Permanent exhibits include Elgin National Watch Company, Elgin Manufacturing, and Elgin Road Race memorabilia. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am-4pm.
The History of The Elgin Road Races with Al Walters
2025: 38th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk
Celebrating 75 Years of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra presented by Ann Chipman
Brown Bag Lunch: What's in a Name presented by Rebecca Miller
Elgin's Timeless Homes Opening Reception with Charles Cassell and Christen Sundquist
Building Elgin: The Architectural Legacy of David E. Postle with Dan Miller
Hispanic Heritage Project - 3 minute Sampler
2024 : 37th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk presented by Elgin History Museum
2023: 36th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk presented by Elgin History Museum
Brown Bag Lunch: The History of LeeWards and Its Merchandise with Linda Rock
Brown Bag Lunch: Laura Davidson Sears Art Gallery at the Elgin Academy – 100 Years with Ann Chipman
Prominent Elgin Architect, W. W. Abell Presented by Dan Miller
A Day in the Life of a Watch Factory Worker with Bill Briska and Rebecca Miller
2021: 34th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House Grand Opening
Black Hawk War of 1832 presented by Jim Chevalier
Brown Bag Lunch: Woodruff and Edwards There Really WAS a Foundry at Foundry Park with Tom Barilich
Making Space Documentary
Companion video to Elgin History Museum's Jewish Experience in Elgin Exhibit
Kevin O’Connor Book Launch Party filmed Dec 28, 2022
History of Germans in Elgin
Elgin's Fox River: An Environmental History Exhibit Opening
Brown Bag Lunch: Elgin Community College Founding Fathers presented by Ann Chipman & Richard Renner
Celebrating 135 Years of Elgin Woman's Club with a presentation by Jerry Turnquist
History of Elgin Mental Health Center with Bill Briska
Elgin Celebrates International Women's Day
Elgin Working Women with Linda Rock