Latest news with #ElginHistoryMuseum
Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Gail Borden Public Library holding comic book panel discussion; Elgin author to discuss Agatha Christie lingo, references
'Sound + Vision,' a rock 'n' roll comic panel discussion, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin in advance of its 16th annual Comic Book Mania event on Saturday, Aug. 2. During the program, graphic novelists Steve Horton and Russell Lissau will talk about the relationship between musical artists and comic books and sign copies of their books, according to the library's website. The Comic Book Mania Convention in August, scheduled for noon to 4 p.m., will feature comic artists and vendors, photo ops with superheroes and comic book characters, a comic book costume contest and a drawing class. For more information, go to and Elgin-based author and historian Kate Gingold and her husband, Don, a publisher at Gnu Ventures Co., will present a program on 'The Long Lost Lingo of Agatha Christie' from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Oak Crest Residence in Elgin. Kate Gingold's book, 'Agatha Annotated' offers a glossary database of obscure terms and historical references found in the works of Agatha Christie, according to a news release. She was invited to speak on the subject at the International Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay, England, in September 2024. Since then, Gingold has added to the talk with memories of the festival and the experts she met while researching the terms. Don Gingold, a voice and community theater performer, will be reading passages from the novels that include the obscure terms his wife will define. Complimentary refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served. The event is free but freewill donations will be accepted. The center is at 204 S. State St. To make a reservation to attend, call 847-742-2255. For more information, go to A tropical island event featuring live music and dance performances will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Wing Park Family Aquatic Center, 1030 Wing St., Elgin. Evening admission to the family event is $5 for Elgin residents and $6 for nonresidents, according to a social media post for the event. For more information, call 847-289-2542. Elgin History Museum will be hosting the Elgin Arts Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago St., Elgin. The free event is designed to bring area creative and arts supporters together for a casual, welcoming gathering, according to a social media post. 'No agenda, no sales pitch, just snacking, sipping and being in the same room with our creative community,' the post says. The event is open to anyone age 21 or older. Alcohol will be available. Future happy hours are being planned for the last Monday of each month. For more information, call 847-742-4248.
Chicago Tribune
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Classic car show being held at Elgin History Museum; Saturday ‘Unplug' events planned for three Elgin parks
A classic car show presented by Chicagoland Thunderbird Club and JP Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, on the grounds of the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St. The free admission event is open to all makes and models of stock or modified cars, trucks and motorcycles, according to the museum's website. Car registration is from 9 a.m to noon and the cost is $15 per vehicle. In addition to car viewing, there will be live music from Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones and Flat Creek HWY, food and beverages from the Cesaroni Real Pit BBQ food truck, a sale in the museum store and free museum admission. The rain date is Sunday, June 13. For more information, call 847-742-4248 or go to The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting free 'Unplug Illinois' events at three venue Saturday, July 12. Activities are planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, and 10 a.m. to noon in front of the aquatic centers at Lords Park, 325 Hiawatha Drive, and Wing Park, 1030 Wing St. Hawthorne Hill will feature parent-led activities in which participants are encouraged to 'unplug' from their cellphones. Among them are hands-on crafts and 'no phone' scavenger hikes, a social media post said. The park events include free popsicles, games, activities, giveaways and a scavenger hunt with the winner receiving a one-day pool pass. Unplug Illinois is a campaign created by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to encourage people to put down their electronic devices and instead play, explore creative fun and enjoy friends, according to city website information. For more information, call 847-531-7055 The Dundee Township Park District will hold auditions for its fall production of the musical 'Into the Woods' from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at the Adult Activities Center, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville. Auditions are open to those 6 and old older and require the singing of16 bars of a Broadway-style song using a recorded accompaniment. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided. Cold readings from the script may be requested, a news release said. Callbacks will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. Registration is required upon casting and costs $125 for Dundee Township residents and $145 for nonresidents. The fee includes a $25 script payment that will be refunded when the script is returned after the production ends. Performances at the Adult Activities Center are scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 27 and Oct. 3 and 2 p.m. Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. For more information, call 847-428-7131.
Chicago Tribune
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Carpentersville Independence Day parade, fireworks Saturday; Gifford Park Association picnic set for Saturday at square
Carpentersville will hold its Independence Day parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, in Old Town followed that evening by a festival and fireworks from 6 to 10 in Meadowdale Park. According to the village's website, the parade will begin at Lincoln Avenue and Main Street and will travel east on Main before heading south on Washington Avenue, east on Spring Street, north on Lord Avenue and east on Maple Avenue. It ends at Carpenter Park. Dundee Township Park District will host the community fest from 6 to 9 p.m. in Meadowdale Park, 1201 LW Besinger Drive, according to the park district's website. The gathering will feature entertainment, food vendors and community organization booths. The fireworks show is set to start at 9:30 p.m. The Gifford Park Association will hold its annual summer picnic from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28, in Gifford Park, 355 DuPage St., Elgin. Lawn games, food and other activities will be part of the event, according to the association's website. Gifford Park is the city's oldest public square. It was deeded to Elgin in 1858 by city founder James Gifford. The neighborhood park has a playground, a gazebo for performing events and a flower garden. For more information, email info@ Eight Elgin-area residents will debut as drag performers as part of 'The Power of Drag' show being presented from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. The amateur drag queens will compete in a lip-sync contest, according to a social media post for the event. The show is also being billed as 'a tribute to the rich history of drag and its powerful role in the LGBTQ+ movement.' Tickets are $25 and $30. For tickets, go to Elgin History Museum will hold a summer picnic fundraiser at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 29, at the John Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Route 31, South Elgin. The event will begin with lunch, followed by lawn games and live music from The Jammers, according to the museum's website. At 1 p.m., guests will take a private ride on one of the Fox River Trolley Museum trolleys, which will include a special history program. Tickets are $25 for museum members, $30 for nonmembers. For tickets and information, go to
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Elgin preservation awards to be presented to 7 residents, organizations
Seven Elgin residents and organizations will be recognized with awards for their efforts to save and enhance the city's historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural resources. The Mayor's Awards for Preservation, bestowed by the Elgin Heritage Commission as chosen from among nominees submitted by peers, will be presented at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at The Hemmens Cultural Center in a free, public event that can also be viewed on the city's YouTube channel, according to a city news release. The recipients are: Chloe Burkhart, honored for her 'above and beyond sympathetic restoration' of her home at 320 North St. Community Crisis Center, recognized for its 'impressive exterior rehabilitation' of the 1891 historic Franklin School. Debra Vruble and the Elgin National Watch Neighbors Association, cited for their 'tireless and devoted efforts in reforming the neighborhood group and advocating the benefits of preservation and sense of place.' Efrain Zepeda, who carried out an 'impactful rehabilitation' of 519-521 Douglas Ave. Elgin History Museum, lauded for its history podcast 'Echoes of Elgin,' which 'brings to life historian Mike Alft's columns.' It's hosted by Elgin museum educator Rebecca Miller. Elgin Public Museum, which redid its 'The Encounter' exhibit and turned it into a 'powerful new teaching tool focusing on LaSalle's exploration and the impact of Native American-European trade on Indigenous Peoples, waterways and species.' Tricia Grosser, honored for her 'continued volunteerism, fundraising and enthusiasm for educating and promoting Elgin's history' as a docent and board member of the Elgin History Museum. Nine heritage building plaques also will also be presented to Elgin homeowners who have researched the history and architecture of their homes this year, according to the release. Since 1986, more than 500 plaques have been presented. This year's recipients are: First Congregational Church; 256 E. Chicago St.; Elgin History Museum; 302 W. Chicago St.; Angela and Kellen Smith; 43 Hamilton Ave.; Mary Beckman; 514 Hubbard Ave.; Mike and Kelli Howell; 527 Laurel St.; Heidi and Shannon Carpenter; 1000 Logan Ave.; Abby and Jack Trimble; 820 Mill St.; Linda and Jim Hoffmann; 636 N. Spring St.; Christine Hardwick; 229 Vincent Place; The heritage commission is a citizen advisory group that promotes Elgin's historic preservation activity. Its nine voting members are appointed by the mayor and Elgin City Council.
Chicago Tribune
16-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin preservation awards to be presented to 7 residents, organizations
Seven Elgin residents and organizations will be recognized with awards for their efforts to save and enhance the city's historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural resources. The Mayor's Awards for Preservation, bestowed by the Elgin Heritage Commission as chosen from among nominees submitted by peers, will be presented at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at The Hemmens Cultural Center in a free, public event that can also be viewed on the city's YouTube channel, according to a city news release. The recipients are: Chloe Burkhart, honored for her 'above and beyond sympathetic restoration' of her home at 320 North St. Community Crisis Center, recognized for its 'impressive exterior rehabilitation' of the 1891 historic Franklin School. Debra Vruble and the Elgin National Watch Neighbors Association, cited for their 'tireless and devoted efforts in reforming the neighborhood group and advocating the benefits of preservation and sense of place.' Efrain Zepeda, who carried out an 'impactful rehabilitation' of 519-521 Douglas Ave. Elgin History Museum, lauded for its history podcast 'Echoes of Elgin,' which 'brings to life historian Mike Alft's columns.' It's hosted by Elgin museum educator Rebecca Miller. Elgin Public Museum, which redid its 'The Encounter' exhibit and turned it into a 'powerful new teaching tool focusing on LaSalle's exploration and the impact of Native American-European trade on Indigenous Peoples, waterways and species.' Tricia Grosser, honored for her 'continued volunteerism, fundraising and enthusiasm for educating and promoting Elgin's history' as a docent and board member of the Elgin History Museum. Nine heritage building plaques also will also be presented to Elgin homeowners who have researched the history and architecture of their homes this year, according to the release. Since 1986, more than 500 plaques have been presented. This year's recipients are: First Congregational Church; 256 E. Chicago St.; Elgin History Museum; 302 W. Chicago St.; Angela and Kellen Smith; 43 Hamilton Ave.; Mary Beckman; 514 Hubbard Ave.; Mike and Kelli Howell; 527 Laurel St.; Heidi and Shannon Carpenter; 1000 Logan Ave.; Abby and Jack Trimble; 820 Mill St.; Linda and Jim Hoffmann; 636 N. Spring St.; Christine Hardwick; 229 Vincent Place; The heritage commission is a citizen advisory group that promotes Elgin's historic preservation activity. Its nine voting members are appointed by the mayor and Elgin City Council.
