- 100
- 86 486
Elgin History Museum
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 27 พ.ย. 2018
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 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.
Hispanic Heritage Project - 3 minute Sampler
The Hispanic Heritage Project is a groundbreaking initiative by the Elgin History Museum to document and celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of the Hispanic community in Elgin and the surrounding Fox Valley.
With nearly half of Elgin’s population identifying as Hispanic, this project explores the profound impact of Hispanic immigration across six generations-tracing stories of resilience, cultural pride, and economic influence from the early 20th century to today. Using archival resources, oral histories, and community collaboration, the project will produce a feature-length documentary and a traveling exhibit to showcase the vibrant stories that have shaped our community’s history and future. This effort follows the museum’s successful projects celebrating Elgin’s African American and Jewish communities.
With nearly half of Elgin’s population identifying as Hispanic, this project explores the profound impact of Hispanic immigration across six generations-tracing stories of resilience, cultural pride, and economic influence from the early 20th century to today. Using archival resources, oral histories, and community collaboration, the project will produce a feature-length documentary and a traveling exhibit to showcase the vibrant stories that have shaped our community’s history and future. This effort follows the museum’s successful projects celebrating Elgin’s African American and Jewish communities.
มุมมอง: 32
วีดีโอ
2024 : 37th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk presented by Elgin History Museum
มุมมอง 1333 หลายเดือนก่อน
Recorded September 2024 This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Gail Borden Public Library. To recognize this, our planning team determined to relate all characters in this year's walk to the library, books, literacy, or education. Watch as the actors tell their character's story first person, allowing you to step into the shoes of those who played a pivotal role in improving Elgin through...
2022: 35th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk presented by Elgin History Museum
มุมมอง 1144 หลายเดือนก่อน
Recorded September 2022. Meet eight former Elgin residents. Hear their story and the impact they had on the history of Elgin.
2023: 36th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk presented by Elgin History Museum
มุมมอง 1154 หลายเดือนก่อน
Recorded September 2023. Meet seven former Elgin residents. Hear their story and the impact they had on the history of Elgin. Characters: *William D. Ackemann* An astute businessman, one of the five brothers that owned Ackemann Bros. Department Store. _Portrayed by B. Todd Oakley_ *Joseph Hecker* Musician that organized the Elgin National Watch Factory Band and established the Elgin College of ...
Brown Bag Lunch: The History of LeeWards and Its Merchandise with Linda Rock
มุมมอง 2025 หลายเดือนก่อน
This video was recorded July 18, 2024 at the Elgin History Museum, Elgin, IL. LeeWards was an American crafts and fabrics retailer. It was founded in Elgin in 1947. Join Linda Rock for a Brown Bag Lunch that will explore how LeeWards went from a mail order catalog to 100 specialty craft stores nationwide. Linda will also share LeeWards related items from her personal collection! See upcoming ev...
Brown Bag Lunch: Laura Davidson Sears Art Gallery at the Elgin Academy - 100 Years with Ann Chipman
มุมมอง 1666 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Beaux Arts-style Sears Gallery opened in 1924 as a donation from Judge Nathaniel and Laura Sears. It was Elgin's first art museum and recital hall, and a significant part of Elgin Academy's campus. In this video, Ann Chipman will present a fascinating history of the building and the art collection to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Please write your memories in the comments below! This vid...
Prominent Elgin Architect, W. W. Abell Presented by Dan Miller
มุมมอง 1577 หลายเดือนก่อน
Recorded May 30, 2024 at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House. The man, his drawings, his houses and his incredible contribution to Elgin. Presented by Dan Miller of the Gifford Park Association. With opening words by Bill Briska and Al Walters. For further reading on W. W. Abell, there is a 2-part story in Crackerbarrel issues March 2016: elginhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Crackerbarre...
A Day in the Life of a Watch Factory Worker with Bill Briska and Rebecca Miller
มุมมอง 3917 หลายเดือนก่อน
Learn what it was like to work at the Elgin National Watch Factory that was in business from 1864 - 1968 in Elgin, IL. Elgin historian Bill Briska and Museum Educator Rebecca Miller will take you back in time to an earlier Elgin where everyone walked to work, had lunch at noon, and enjoyed the same payday. This video was recorded as part of the Elgin History Museum's Brown Bag Lunch series on J...
2021: 34th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk
มุมมอง 3227 หลายเดือนก่อน
2021: 34th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House Grand Opening
มุมมอง 23711 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Nancy Kimball House at 302 W. Chicago St. is one of the oldest buildings in Elgin. Built in 1846, it's one of six Cobblestone structures that remain in Elgin today. In 1951 this small house was divided into four apartments. Two more units were added in the 1970s. As rental property, the building deteriorated and became a trouble spot in the neighborhood. The City of Elgin acquired the house...
Black Hawk War of 1832 presented by Jim Chevalier
มุมมอง 660ปีที่แล้ว
Retired history teacher Jim Chevalier discusses the events that led to the 1832 Black Hawk War . Chevalier’s talk covers the 1831 war council during which the Potawatomi and other tribes were summoned to rally in defense of their homelands against the onslaught of European settlers. The war lasted from April through August 1832, and a young Abraham Lincoln was part of a volunteer militia. Recor...
Brown Bag Lunch: Woodruff and Edwards There Really WAS a Foundry at Foundry Park with Tom Barilich
มุมมอง 177ปีที่แล้ว
Recorded at Elgin History Museum on September 14, 2023. Founded in 1879, Woodruff & Edwards made metal cast products for over 100 years. Tom Barilich will discuss the impact of Woodruff & Edwards on Elgin, plus provide information on foundries in general.
Making Space Documentary
มุมมอง 235ปีที่แล้ว
Following Black Lives Matter activism and the social protests that defined the summer of 2020, the Elgin community responded in its own way. There were peaceful protests. Community art was created. Productive conversations were had. And it all inspired the creation of a mural that was installed downtown. "Making Space" shares this unique moment in Elgin history.
Companion video to Elgin History Museum's Jewish Experience in Elgin Exhibit
มุมมอง 116ปีที่แล้ว
The Jewish Experience in Elgin is a traveling exhibit created by the Elgin History Museum with support from the Seigle Family Foundation. The exhibit is an American story told through Jewish lives that includes stories of immigration, identity and assimilation. In 1858 brothers Leopold and Joseph Adler arrived in Elgin, German immigrants and Elgin's first Jewish citizens. Their arrival starts a...
Kevin O’Connor Book Launch Party filmed Dec 28, 2022
มุมมอง 87ปีที่แล้ว
Kevin O'Connor joined us for the book launch of his recently released book Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home. Kevin grew up in what is now the O’Connor Leetz Funeral Home at 364 Division Street. Set from the 1920s to ‘80s, Two Floors Above Grief is full of fascinating details and anecdotes about Kevin’s upbringing as a funeral home child, brough...
Elgin's Fox River: An Environmental History Exhibit Opening
มุมมอง 1732 ปีที่แล้ว
Elgin's Fox River: An Environmental History Exhibit Opening
Brown Bag Lunch: Elgin Community College Founding Fathers presented by Ann Chipman & Richard Renner
มุมมอง 842 ปีที่แล้ว
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
มุมมอง 482 ปีที่แล้ว
Celebrating 135 Years of Elgin Woman's Club with a presentation by Jerry Turnquist
History of Elgin Mental Health Center with Bill Briska
มุมมอง 5K2 ปีที่แล้ว
History of Elgin Mental Health Center with Bill Briska
Elgin Celebrates International Women's Day
มุมมอง 1892 ปีที่แล้ว
Elgin Celebrates International Women's Day
Dr. Felicia LaBoy at the Elgin History Museum
มุมมอง 882 ปีที่แล้ว
Dr. Felicia LaBoy at the Elgin History Museum
Outdoor Fun in Elgin presented by Linda Rock
มุมมอง 1393 ปีที่แล้ว
Outdoor Fun in Elgin presented by Linda Rock
American Compacts of the Art Deco Era presented by Howard Melton
มุมมอง 2893 ปีที่แล้ว
American Compacts of the Art Deco Era presented by Howard Melton
Photo of Goff Island - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
มุมมอง 5363 ปีที่แล้ว
Photo of Goff Island - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Reverend Nathaniel C. Clark Handwritten Sermons - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
มุมมอง 603 ปีที่แล้ว
Reverend Nathaniel C. Clark Handwritten Sermons - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Camp Edwards Neckerchief - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
มุมมอง 4563 ปีที่แล้ว
Camp Edwards Neckerchief - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
‘The Beatles, Chicago and the 1960s’ with John Lyons
มุมมอง 4243 ปีที่แล้ว
‘The Beatles, Chicago and the 1960s’ with John Lyons
Wow, I moved to Illinois from Michigan 3 years ago to Streamwood and now being in Elgin for a year. It’s so much black History I didn’t know about here.. It’s soooo different culture wise at least I thought..After not going to church in years due to I thought I would have to drive far this documentary has helped me me find about 3 churches I plan to attend..
So glad that you were able to find some local churches to try out! Thanks for watching and your comment.
I loved listening to this presentation! I'm new to watchmaking, but everytime i see an Elgin watch I think the finishing is just so strikingly beautiful, and I hope to own one of my own some day. I will definitely have to check out Bill's book.
The Elgin watches are true works of art. One of our volunteers, Ira Marcus, had a visual art show at the Museum a few years ago and it featured some incredible close ups of the watches. You can see the work here: ira-marcus.pixels.com/collections/art+in+artifacts+where+history+meets+art+elgin+history+museum Thanks again for watching and your comment!
My mother worked at the Watch Factory, she just turned 90 years old.
What a gift to reach 90! Hope you enjoyed the video and it brought back memories.
I am desperately trying to find out some information. I grew up on a farm located at the intersection of Bartlett and Bode Road. This farm was not Lakewood Stables. Our farm was on the opposite side of Lakewood. I heard stories about how our farm was impacted by the tornado in 1920 and the barn was damaged and had to be rebuilt. I think the Lamprecht family owned our farm at one time early in its history. Sadly, in 1984 our farm was purchased by the forest preserve and burned to the ground. Could anyone please help me with some history?
I have passed on this info to our Museum Researcher. I will let you know if he can find anything about the farm.
@@ElginHistoryMuseum Thanks so much , it's address was Rt 4 Box 204 Bode Road Elgin.
@@LoveMyBoys3 Can you email me at trishl@elginhistory.org so I can send you the info he found? Thanks!
@@ElginHistoryMuseum Absolutely. Just tried email and it says the email is not valid address.
Where is the whole thing?
This is the entire video. It plays in the 20th century exhibit room at the Museum.
@ElginHistoryMuseum okay, I just assumed it was a clip from a documentary.
Your train tracks come traits straight through the northwest down towards the Fox River Barrington cary area
Good times, walked through the flooded Kirkbride Center building tunnels a few times with other patients in 1988/89 and once i found some old shackles and newspapers, wonder what happened to the two lion statues at the front doors.
Yessir!
I Was the Mason there this Time Around. Now that it's Over it's Probably My #1 Project I've Ever been a Part of!
We appreciate your talents, John! Thank you for working on this project!
Mr. Alft was a cool dude. I miss seeing him around town on his bike
Mr. Alft is definitely missed. Thanks for watching and for your kind comment.
This hospitol killed my grandmother
Didn't one of the Damischs attended the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland?
I travel this road a lot. I was at the lee county historical society and saw this book. I read the first half, i couldn't put it down. So good. When was this presentation?
This was recorded July 15, 2021. Glad to hear you enjoyed the book.
good afternoon. I've been enjoying the documentary but I was wondering if the name John Doran in the 1800s somehow plays into this history
can't understand. garbled
OMG 😢 how far away were you from the microphone????!!!!!Sooooooo disappointed. I really REALLY wanted to listen to this since I only live a mile away from the old watch factory. 😢
Did you try turning up the volume on your computer as well as on the video? It was a little challenging to capture the sound with two presenters, so sorry about that.
It was hard to hear you sometimes, when you turned away from the camera. A voice-over might have been better. The ambient traffic noises are distracting, as well.
Thank you for your feedback. This was one of our first videos that we ever produced! We have invested time and money into training and equipment, so hopefully our videos have improved.
I just received some items from my husbands grandmother in original packages from LeeWards-i googled info on it and this came up! Thank you for doing this video- I never would have remembered LeeWards as we lived in Carpentersville growing up but my husband's grandmother was from down south IL. The price on the kit was $1.49 for 2 pillow cases to embroider - she never completed the project. I may have to do it for her :)
That would be so sweet of you to embroider the pillow cases! Glad you enjoyed the video!
My Great grandfather is buried there. Maybe this year I will pay him a visit. Is the cemetery open for visitors ??
I am glad I did not have to go there in 1872, probably torture back then. I was in their in the late 80's and it was terrible. Packed like sardines and pills handed out to keep all sedated lol. There was a patient with aids cutting and bleeding they got the bleach out quick and there was one guy who masturbated into the drinking fountain. Yikes, I was young, my bipolar has gotten better thank God.
Thank you for watching, and thank you for your comments.
Thank you for this wonderful documentary.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
THIS WAS FANTASTIC ! THANK YOU SO MUCH !
Glad you liked it, John. Thanks for watching and your comment.
The elgin illinois tornado along with the other tornadoes of the tornado outbreak of 1920/03/28 is a often forgotten disaster. The tri state tornado of 1925 is remembered the most among tornadoes and tornadoes of the 1920's. But the tornadoes of this outbreak caused a combined death toll of 153 fatalities, over 1,200 injuries. And it took place across the midwest and southern parts of the United States. Rest in peace all the victims and survivors of the march 28th 1920 tornado outbreak. Gone but never forgotten.
Thanks for sharing that information.
I heard it was haunted
Important information, very hard to find. Thank you.
my great grandma was lobotomized here in 1964 😳
I spent two weeks at elgin state years ago. I was suicidal.
Great coverage on the topic.
Thanks Maurita! Tom did a great job.
Very cool, great information..thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
What a wonderful presentation. I am proud to know that I had ancestors in Elgin at the time. I hope they were not the rude citizens though!
❤ BEAUTIFUL TO SEE AGAIN, MY HOME TOWN, THANK YOU FOR SHARING ⚘🇺🇸🙏🦋
Thank you for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed it.
@@ElginHistoryMuseum 👍🥰⚘🇺🇸🙏🦋
ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES! THANK YOU FOR SHARING ⚘🇺🇸🙏🦋
Our pleasure! Thanks for your kind comment.
@@ElginHistoryMuseum 🥰⚘🇺🇸🙏🙏
❤ MR. ALFT WAS ONE OF MY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER. I BOUGHT HIS BOOK. NICE TO SEE ELGIN AGAIN. HAVEN'T THERE SINCE 2016. THANKS FOR SHARING, ALOT HAS CHANGED. MOVED AWAY IN 1999. THANKS AGAIN, ⌚🌹❤👍🇺🇸🙏🦋
Glad you are enjoying the videos, Linda! Thanks so much for your comments.
@@ElginHistoryMuseum 👍🥰⚘🇺🇸🙏🦋
❤ Really enjoyed seeing my home town. Thank you for sharing, loved it! ⌚⚘🇺🇸🙏🦋
Thank you for watching and for your kind comment.
@@ElginHistoryMuseum 👍⚘🇺🇸🙏🦋
Very well presented👍🏻🚂
Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video.
WOW! Gorgeous...
Thank you!
Had the pleasure of meeting the narrator today, it was a pleasure. Great documentary!
Glad you liked it. Ernie is a real treasure. Thank you for watching!
Nice to see what is happening in Elgin and Kane co. All my children were born in Elgin and the area will always be special to me.
Thanks for watching! We agree - Elgin is a pretty special place.
I remember the bayonet I grew up walking the city
Nice !
A pleasure to watch, and such great information! Thanks. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching and for your kind comment!
You missed the Pioneer Memorial statue that was featured on a U.S. Commemorative Silver Half Dollar in 1936. This valuable half dollar was issued on the 100th anniversary of the founding of Elgin.
Thanks for creating the video of this presentation. Much appreciated.
Thanks for having your talk here! It was a real pleasure.
great vid !!
Thank you!
Hey..Nice Shirt George Rowe!
Hi! Love hearing this family story today! Mary Edwards
Hi Mary. Are you a descendant of Alfred Edwards of the Woodruff and Edwards Foundry?
This is such important history......that is why things like this need to be taught in our schools.
Wow
What a sweet man
Thank You so much for posting. I still have all the handmade ornaments from Lee Wards that my Mom made.