‘Jewish Experience in Elgin’ kicks off museum’s summer lineup
Submitted by Elgin History Museum
The Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., offers a variety of programs this summer. Admission is $3, $1 for students, or free for museum members. For details, call (847) 742-4248 or visit elginhistory.org.
Now through May, stop by “The Jewish Experience in Elgin” exhibit at Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St., Elgin. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, or call for weekend hours, (847) 742-5656, before visiting. This exhibit from the Elgin Area Historical Society focuses on a century of the Jewish experience in Elgin. Starting with the arrival of the Adler brothers in the 1850s, it portrays a significant story of struggle and achievement culminating a century later with the building of a new synagogue, the consecration of a Jewish cemetery, and the valued participation of Jewish individuals in all aspects of Elgin’s life. This exhibit won a Mayor’s Preservation Award.
The museum continues its monthly Brown Bag Lunch Series this summer at noon on the third Thursday of the month. Bring your lunch; beverages and dessert provided. On June 20, join fellow history fans to explore the history and impact of the Elgin Mental Health Center with local historian Bill Briska. On July 18, the topic will be Elgin in the 1930s. Learn all about what was important to Elgin in that important decade. On Aug. 15, Ken Flaks will give a presentation on American Flyer Model Railroads.
This year, is the 100th anniversary of the first national motorcycle race in the country and it happened in Elgin! John Arcand and Bill Moring will present a history of the 1913 Elgin race and motorcycle racing in general, with examples of vintage bikes, images, and other collection material from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 20.
On Sunday, June 28, the museum will host an antique car show from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. An exhibition of restored Thunderbirds and Model Ts will be on display in the museum parking lot. There will be live music by rockin’ country band Rural Route One. Refreshments will be provided.
On Sunday, Sept. 22, the 26th annual Cemetery Walk will be held from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the historic Bluff City Cemetery on Elgin’s southeast side. The Cemetery Walk was started in 1988 by Jerry Turnquist.
The Elgin History Museum is housed in an 1856 landmark building known as Old Main that was once part of the Elgin Academy. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Through permanent and changing exhibits, the museum brings to life Elgin’s rich heritage. Permanent exhibits include Elgin National Watch Company, the E. Maude and Carl Parlasca Native American Collection, and Elgin Road Race memorabilia. Museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Call the museum at (847) 742-4248 for more information on summer programs.