New exhibit tells history of Elmhurst in modern ways

Settled in the decades leading up to the Civil War, Elmhurst's history spans nearly 165 years, flowing through different eras and encountering twists and turns along the way. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., chronicles the city's history with a new exhibit, "By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst."

An exhibit years in the making, "By All Accounts" represents a communitywide effort to bring Elmhurst's story to light in a fresh and modern way. The exhibit was created by the museum's staff, led by curator of exhibits Lance Tawzer, with the goal of bringing a state-of-the-art attraction to the second-floor gallery that shares the story of Elmhurst with a new generation.

Exhibit funding stems from a successful grass-roots capital campaign spearheaded by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit support organization for the Elmhurst Historical Museum and the Churchville Schoolhouse, and chaired by local businessman Willis Johnson and Heritage Foundation board member Val Stewart.

The result of this dual force of creative talent and community-based funding is top-quality exhibit to engage the museum visitor, said Brian Bergheger, director of the Elmhurst Historical Museum.

"It takes vision and hard work to make dreams become a reality, and I'm very proud of the effort put forth by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and the museum staff to produce this new exhibit," Bergheger said.

"Our previous Elmhurst history exhibit was due for an update. Staff rolled up their sleeves and looked at the exhibit with a new perspective, and I think visitors will be immensely pleased and surprised when they experience the high quality and interactivity of the exhibit.

"It's an exhibit that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those seen in Chicago's top museums, and it represents a new era for us in terms of sharing the Elmhurst story with today's audiences."

Tawzer said the exhibit is designed to entice viewers to come back for multiple learning opportunities.

"We have opened up the entire second floor gallery space to improve the visitor experience in many ways," Tawzer said. "Our approach allows for various ways of learning, and the visitor has choices as to how they connect with the exhibit. A key design component is that it will be dynamic and changeable because there is some built-in flexibility. It is not a static display and, over time, we can rotate artifacts and add current video or a new technology that emerges. We truly hope that anyone who has lived or worked in Elmhurst will see this as a vibrant gift to our community, and bring their family and friends here with pride."

"By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst" takes visitors on a journey - from Elmhurst's settlement days to the present - that explores the forces that changed Elmhurst over more than 150 years. Employing the latest museum standards and innovations to engage visitors, the exhibit immerses viewers in history. Highlights include:

• Two historic images from the Elmhurst Historical Museum's collection spring to life using actors and "green screen" technology to depict the past;

• An interactive tabletop map allows visitors to explore the geography of Elmhurst over time;

• Thematic object towers display eclectic and rare artifacts from the museum's collection;

• Animated graphics and touch-screen displays add interest and interactivity;

• A biography wall commemorates 20 of the most influential Elmhurst residents;

• Special features on a few well-known Elmhurst residents include Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet Carl Sandburg, NASCAR Hall of Famer Fred Lorenzen, and artist Caroline Wade;

• A mini-theater screens a documentary with an overview on Elmhurst people and places.

In conjunction with the new exhibit, the Elmhurst Historical Museum staff has planned a number of related programs in the coming months to offer diverse learning opportunities.

Gallery Talks, 4 p.m. Fridays, April 3 and May 8, in the museum second-floor gallery, are led by history professor, author and Elmhurst resident Virginia Stewart. Stewart is a former director of Elmhurst Historical Museum and author of the book "Visionary: An Elmhurst Retrospective." She served as the main writer for the exhibit, and will explore different Elmhurst history themes each month. Admission is free.

Other events include a tour of the Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility Saturday, March 21, and an Elmhurst Trivia Night starting at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Pints in Elmhurst.

For information on these and other programs, visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum's website, elmhursthistory.org.

The museum is open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. Group tours are available by reservation. For information, call (630) 833-1457 or visit the website.

If you go

What: "By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst"

When: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Where: 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst

Cost: Free

Info: elmhursthistory.org or (630) 833-1457