Making history happen in Elgin

Making history happen in Elgin

In 2004, the Elgin Youth History Fair was created for the 150th Celebration of the city. It was clear from the onset that it should have a hands-on focus for children. For that to happen, more hands — older, wiser — would be needed for guidance.

We contacted John Devine, history teacher at Elgin High School, to see if we might enlist his students. The idea worked wonderfully; younger students adored the older students and vice versa. They engaged in all kinds of language-rich activities and concepts were made meaningful for all learners — small and tall.

While we had only intended a single event, the Elgin History Museum, who has overseen the project since that time, just concluded the Ninth Annual History Fair. A recent community event was followed by three days of “up close and personal” history for students. Fifty-plus EHS students helped to carry it off and more than 300 elementary students benefitted. Another slightly older crew of 40 volunteers lent their energy, as well.

Others who have continued to offer their support include Elgin Public Museum, Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum and Elgin Academy.

A most sincere thanks to all for helping make history happen, happily, once again.

Lucy Elliott

Elgin History Museum

Education and outreach