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Elgin History Museum
United States
Приєднався 27 лис 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.
Brown Bag Lunch: Laura Davidson Sears Art Gallery at the Elgin Academy – 100 Years with Ann Chipman
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 video was recorded on June 26, 2024 at the Elgin History Museum in Elgin, IL.
Please write your memories in the comments below!
This video was recorded on June 26, 2024 at the Elgin History Museum in Elgin, IL.
Переглядів: 79
Відео
Prominent Elgin Architect, W. W. Abell Presented by Dan Miller
Переглядів 88Місяць тому
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
Переглядів 199Місяць тому
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...
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House Grand Opening
Переглядів 1635 місяців тому
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
Переглядів 4229 місяців тому
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
Переглядів 1109 місяців тому
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
Переглядів 192Рік тому
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
Переглядів 108Рік тому
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
Переглядів 50Рік тому
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...
History of Germans in Elgin
Переглядів 507Рік тому
This video was created to show at the Museum's annual gala on October 29, 2022 that had an Oktoberfest theme. The video begins in 1836, when German immigrants began to arrive in the Elgin area. Enjoy many photos from the Museum collection along with narration by Kathy Walters.
Elgin's Fox River: An Environmental History Exhibit Opening
Переглядів 154Рік тому
Recorded at Elgin History Museum on August 30, 2002 The Fox River was the main reason James Gifford started a community here in 1835. How did people use the flowing water? How did they change the river? This exhibit developed in partnership with the Friends of the Fox River and the Elgin Public Museum explores manufacturing, drinking water, river islands and river recreation. Featured speaker: ...
Brown Bag Lunch: Elgin Community College Founding Fathers presented by Ann Chipman & Richard Renner
Переглядів 77Рік тому
Recorded June 16, 2022 Elgin Community College Founding Fathers: Building a Community College Through the Arts presented by Ann Chipman & Richard Renner. Ann and Richard will reflect on their fathers' roles in the history and development of Elgin Community College.
Celebrating 135 Years of Elgin Woman's Club with a presentation by Jerry Turnquist
Переглядів 382 роки тому
NOTE: There was a camera malfunction in the recording of this event and only the second camera was able to capture the sound and the event. In March 2022, the Elgin Woman's Club debuted a new exhibit of accomplishments over the last 135 years. Jerry Turnquist will be presenting a program about the rich history of the Club. A few special guests made an appearance, too!
History of Elgin Mental Health Center with Bill Briska
Переглядів 4,4 тис.2 роки тому
Recorded April 3, 2022 at Elgin History Museum, Elgin, IL In commemoration of the hospital’s 150th anniversary, Mr. Briska’s 1997 book has been updated and expanded. In this presentation, you will hear the story of the hospital’s evolving mission, which impacted the lives of thousands of patients, staff members and their families, over the last 150 years. The book is available NOW! This attract...
Elgin Celebrates International Women's Day
Переглядів 1882 роки тому
Elgin Celebrates International Women's Day
Dr. Felicia LaBoy at the Elgin History Museum
Переглядів 742 роки тому
Dr. Felicia LaBoy at the Elgin History Museum
Outdoor Fun in Elgin presented by Linda Rock
Переглядів 1362 роки тому
Outdoor Fun in Elgin presented by Linda Rock
American Compacts of the Art Deco Era presented by Howard Melton
Переглядів 2342 роки тому
American Compacts of the Art Deco Era presented by Howard Melton
Photo of Goff Island - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 5162 роки тому
Photo of Goff Island - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Reverend Nathaniel C. Clark Handwritten Sermons - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 542 роки тому
Reverend Nathaniel C. Clark Handwritten Sermons - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Camp Edwards Neckerchief - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 4262 роки тому
Camp Edwards Neckerchief - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
‘The Beatles, Chicago and the 1960s’ with John Lyons
Переглядів 4002 роки тому
‘The Beatles, Chicago and the 1960s’ with John Lyons
Ice Skating at Lords Park - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 3592 роки тому
Ice Skating at Lords Park - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Western Christian Newspaper - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 942 роки тому
Western Christian Newspaper - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Freiler Distiller Knee Board - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 1662 роки тому
Freiler Distiller Knee Board - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Jack Johnson postcard - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 1502 роки тому
Jack Johnson postcard - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
The Thomas Oxinjector - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
Переглядів 722 роки тому
The Thomas Oxinjector - Elgin History Museum: Museum Moments
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.
Thank you for this video. Very well done
Glad you enjoyed it! We appreciate your feedback.
This type of history on the Elgin watch company is fantastic. thank you so much for setting this up. I would look forward to more videos on the topic
Glad you enjoyed it! Subscribe to our UA-cam channel and you will be notified when we post new videos.
This is tremendous research I live not too far from Dixon I’m gonna go find the spot and pay my respects
Mr. Thiel is working on getting a memorial plaque installed at the site. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments.
I remember the old buildings . The place gave me the creeps . Haunted tunnels rumor has it . Sad about the graves in back of the place . 🥺
Nicely done Bill as usual. This needs to be distributed and seen more widely, especially for those who advocate for those with serious mental illnesses. The city of Elgin has an amazing historian treasure with Mr. Briska. But people need to know the rest of the story. All that community care after the mass exit to save money isn’t exactly cracked up as was delineated by the Kennedy administration. In other words, it is a colossal failure and will never be able to match the care given at the Elgin’s state hospital. Could you add the address or phone where to order this book? Thanks.
Hi Wanda. Thanks for your comments. You can order the book from the Museum's website: elginhistory.org/product/the-history-of-elgin-mental-health-center-evolution-of-a-state-hospital/
Thank you for updating your book! Do you know of a resource that describes the legal process to have someone declared insane in Illinois during the 1890’s? The newspapers from back in the day published lists of people declared insane by court order, but little else.
Thanks so much for the great video and book! During the late 1800’s, did family members visit or were those found to be insane abandoned by their families?
My mother and I have been cleaning out my step dad's house and we have found one of these auction generators with everything in full
That's amazing! Now you have a little history on the object. Thanks for watching!
I grew up in Carpentersville, & so I did most of my ice skating at the rink made next to the Besinger Community Center (aka "Youth Center" in the 1960s). We DID manage to go to Lords Park a few times, & it was so picturesque, I felt like I was in a Currier & Ives print. It's too bad no one will experience that again. Thanks for the informative video. :-)
Thanks for sharing your memories, Peggy!
😢Phenomenal, Outstanding 💯✨👑✨🤗💪🏾❤️🩹
Wow this is so interesting! I’m in awe at how big the hospital used to be
Can't believe they tore down such marvels of architecture and beauty to replace them with featureless brick rectangles or open land. That original building should've been on the historical registry.
You would think that being listed on the NRHP would save a structure from the wrecking ball, sadly it does not. The designation limits what alterations an owner can make if they intend to save/restore said building.
Where did that other model come from? I'd love to buy one.
Excellent overview very informative.
Thanks, Sally!