Elgin Historic Treasures

Visit the Main Library's Second Floor to view the Elgin Heritage Commission display.

Heritage Commission Programs

Historical Architectural Styles in Elgin

Thursday, May 5 • 7 pm
Elgin Room Main Library

A fun and interesting evening awaits you! Join Christen Sundquis
for an overview of historic architectural styles covering every era,
using Elgin homes as examples.

Please register!

The Secrets in the Attic:
Restoration of 278 Douglas Avenue

Thursday, May 19 • 7pm
Elgin Room Main Library

Discover the secrets found during the renovation of an historic home on Elgin's Douglas Avenue! Scott Savel and Rebecca Hunter of the Elgin Heritage Commission will present this fascinating program.

Please register!

Research Your Kane County Home’s History Online

With Historian Rebecca Hunter

Wednesday, May 11 • 7 pm
Main Library Computer Training Room

Attend for a hands-on experience in researching your own home. Kane County has been a leader in making historic information available online.

Please register!

Elgin’s Historic Preservation Grant Program

with Chair of the Elgin Heritage Commission, John Marston

Thursday, May 26 • 7 pm
Main Library Elgin Room

The Elgin Heritage Commission offers annual grants to assist in historic renovation. Learn how to apply for one at this informative lecture.

Please register!

More Programs

Elgin Genealogical Society

Main Library

Tuesdays • 9:30 am

May 3
Meadows Community Rooms AB
WWI Gold Star Mothers’ Pilgrimages: Accompanying Their Journey Overseas presented by Jana Churchwell Scott.
June 7
Grove Room
Where, Oh Where, Have my Ancestors Gone - Finding them on FamilySearch Databases presented by Jean Wilcox Hibben.

Thursdays • 7 pm

May 19
Meadows Community Rooms
From the Sources’ Mouth presented by Dan Hubbard.
June 16
Elgin Room
The Family History Research Circle presented by Maureen Brady.

View details.

Elgin Mental Health Center History

Thursday, May 12 • 7 pm
Hybrid - Main Library Elgin Room and Online

Follow the twists and turns of the state hospital and the dramatic changes in mental health care in just the past 30 years. This program is in partnership with the Elgin History Museum.

Please register!

Chicago Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, May 3 • 7 pm
Main Library Elgin Room

Explore famous Chicago locations and test your Chicago knowledge with clues and photos provided by author and photographer Jessica Mlinaric.
Watch here

Preserving Your Memories

Wednesday, May 11 • 10 am
Thursday, May 19 • 6 pm
Main Library 2nd Floor - Behind Elevators

Learn how to preserve your memories, convert them from analog to digital formats, and share the finished product in this 30-minute class.

Please register for the 11th!
Please register for the 19th!

For more preservation month programs, visit historicelgin.com/coming-events.

Resources

The Elgin Heritage Commission is a citizen's advisory body that promotes Elgin's historic preservation activity through the education, protection, maintenance, and preservation of the city's architectural, historic, and cultural resources.

Links

Elgin Heritage Commission

Find out about upcoming meetings, application deadlines, member responsibilities, contact information and more.

Historic Elgin

Elgin's plaque program identifies and promotes awareness and appreciation of those buildings in Elgin which have historical and/or architectural value. This interactive website allows for the history and research behind those plaques to be accessible to everyone.