Elgin History Museum

About

The Elgin History Museum operates in a 1856 landmark building located in Elgin, IL. The museum is also home to the vibrant Elgin Area Historical Society.

Story

The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through permanent and changing exhibits, the museum brings to life Elgin's rich heritage.

The first floor is dedicated to the telling of Elgin's history from its founding to its role into the 20th century. Various exhibit rooms explore Elgin's pioneer past, the importance of the Fox River, the railroads and the Elgin National Watch Company. Various hands on activities for all ages can help children and adults alike make a link with Elgin's past.

The second floor is dedicated on its east wing to the Elgin National Watch factory room which is a permanent exhibit that speaks to the history of an important industry that put Elgin on the map. While walking the second floor check out our rotating exhibits that highlight special features noted on the first floor. Two great examples are Elgin architecture and the important Hiawatha Pagent that entranced generations of Elginites. The main portion of the west wing of the second floor is meeting hall and exhibit space. This space is deticated to dual purposes and is home for various programs and at times meeting space for the historical society.

The third floor is home to the Carl Reber Research Library and houses a vast object and photograph archive collection. This is also the offices of the museum with a dedicated and passionate core made up of staff and volunteers. If you are interested in doing research related to Elgin this is the place you can come after making an appointment with the staff so they can have everything ready you need at your fingertips.

Products

Museum Shop:
Various books, t-shirts, bags, prints, postcards, old time childrens games, ornaments, dvd's, Elgin crockery and other rotating items. The shop is open when the museum is in operation.