Highlights
Two floors of history exhibits reflecting Elgin’s rich past, including a collection of Elgin Watches and Elgin Road Race memorabilia
What You'll Get
Choose from Three Options
- $5 for general admission for two ($6 value)
- $8 for general admission for four ($12 value) *$25 for a one-year membership and perks for one family ($45 value)
A one-year membership includes free museum admission, subscription to the Crackerbarrel bimonthly newsletter, and a 15% discount at the museum store. The family membership also includes four guest passes. The museum is open Wednesday–Saturday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires 120 days after purchase. Amount paid never expires. May be repurchased every 90 days. Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as gift. Valid only for option purchased. Memberships expire 1 year from start date. E-mail museum@elginhistory.org or please call 847-742-4248 to activate your membership. Not valid with other offers. Not valid towards events. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.
About Elgin History Museum
Boasting Greek Revival-style architecture, the Elgin History Museum's first floor exhibits show how Elgin developed form the 1830s to through the 1970s. The museum focuses on the town's industry, its architecture, and, most importantly, its citizens. The second floor's thematic exhibits cover the world-renowned Elgin National Watch Factory, which employed generations of residents, and the Hiawatha Pageant, performed for 50 years at Camp Big Timber.
Size: five permanent exhibits, plus a handful of temporary exhibits
The Building: called Old Main, it was built in 1856 for the Elgin Academy prep school and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Eye Catcher: Check out the display of an early Lady Elgin pocket watch owned by the Gifford Family
Permanent Mainstay: Elgin Road Races, which chronicles the competitions held in town beginning over 100 years ago in the early days of auto racing
Don't Miss: Made in Elgin exhibit that features dozens of Elgin manufacturing companies and their products from over the years
Hands-On Exhibit: Watch Your Pocket allows kids to build a pocket-watch prototype as if they were working on the assembly line at the watch factory
Pro Tip: Illinois Residents can get a free admission pass from their local library to many Northern Illinois museums