Discover the rich tapestry of Elgin, Illinois, through the lens of the Elgin Area Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the area's vibrant history. Nestled at 360 Park Street on the historic Elgin Academy campus, the Society's home, Old Main, stands as a beacon of the past, inviting visitors to delve into the stories that shaped this remarkable community.
The Elgin Area Historical Society was founded in 1961, thanks to the efforts of passionate local authors and historians such as LaRoy Morning, Madeline Sadler Waggoner, Karl Lehr, and E. C. Alft. Initially, the Society faced the challenge of lacking a permanent home, with its donated artifacts scattered in the homes of members and the basement of the Gail Borden Public Library District. Despite these hurdles, the Society's commitment to preserving Elgin's history never wavered.
Since 1987, the Society has called Old Main its home. This architectural marvel, which opened on December 1, 1856, as a private school known as the Elgin Academy, is a stunning example of Greek Revival design. Old Main holds the distinction of being Elgin's first building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its storied past includes surviving a devastating fire in 1911 that destroyed its gabled roof and cupola, later replaced with a simpler design.
Financial pressures and new safety codes led to the building's abandonment in 1969. However, the community's dedication to preserving its heritage shone through in 1976 when the City of Elgin decided to restore Old Main as a bicentennial project. A successful Buck-a-Brick fundraising campaign, spearheaded by prominent Elgin merchant John Spiess, enabled the city to take ownership and restore the building's exterior. Despite another fire in 1978, the building was refurbished for museum use, and the Society moved in, fully occupying all three floors by 1991.
Named in honor of Clarence Reber, a former president and devoted advocate, the Reber Research Library is a treasure trove of Elgin's history. Its collections span the city's past, featuring old photographs from Elmer Gyllek's collection, thousands of photographic negatives donated by the Elgin Courier News, local probate and divorce records, and rich resources for researching Elgin homes. The library also holds production records for most Elgin National Watch Company watches made before the 1950s, offering research services for those interested in specific timepieces.
The Elgin History Museum, housed within Old Main, offers a captivating journey through Elgin's past. The museum's exhibits provide a general overview of the city's history, with expanded displays on significant community experiences such as the local watch industry, the Elgin Road Races, and The Song of Hiawatha Pageant, a beloved local event based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem that entertained Elginites for over 50 years.
The Society also collaborates with sponsors to produce traveling historical exhibits, including Deep Roots, Green City: City Planning in Elgin and The Jewish Experience in Elgin: Stories of Immigration, Identity, and Assimilation. These exhibits offer visitors a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped Elgin.
The Elgin Area Historical Society is committed to educational outreach, conducting tours, general and annual meetings, and brown bag lunches featuring presentations on historical topics. The Society places a special emphasis on engaging school children and the educational community. In partnership with Elgin Area School District U46, the Society enhances teachers' knowledge of traditional American history and social studies through initiatives like the American History Partnership and the U-46 Roadmap of American History Project.
For children, the Society offers a range of educational programs, including a summer history camp, history-themed scavenger hunts, and opportunities to explore Elgin's watch-making and architectural history. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences that bring history to life for young minds.
Each autumn since 1988, the Society has hosted a Cemetery Walk in Elgin's historic Bluff City Cemetery. This unique event features costumed actors portraying the lives and personalities of some of the cemetery's residents, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. The walk also includes displays on cemetery customs, styles, and ceremonies of bygone eras, making it a memorable and educational experience for all who attend.
The Society is dedicated to preserving and presenting Elgin's history through a variety of publications and media. Notable works include E. C. Alft's A History of Elgin History, Elgin Time: A History of the Elgin National Watch Company: 1864-1968, and Elgin: A Women's City. Other publications, such as Images of America: Elgin Illinois From the Collection of the Elgin Area Historical Society by Jim and Wynette Edwards, offer visual journeys through the city's past. The Society also produces The Crackerbarrel, a bimonthly newsletter on Elgin history that has been published since 1962.
In conclusion, the Elgin Area Historical Society is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a vibrant hub of historical exploration and education. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a researcher, or simply curious about Elgin's past, a visit to the Elgin History Museum promises a rich and rewarding experience. Step into Old Main and let the stories of yesteryears unfold, revealing the fascinating journey of a community that continues to thrive and evolve.
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