Explore agricultural history at Elmhurst museum’s Family Farm Fest on July 13

In honor of its “Acre: Our Farming Heritage” exhibit, the Elmhurst History Museum is hosting a Family Farm Fest on Sunday, July 13.

From 1 to 4 p.m., take a step back in time to the early days of Elmhurst and enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo, live bluegrass music, and old-fashioned farm chores and games.

Attendees can compete in the educational and interactive “Wheels of Agriculture” game show. Kids and adults can learn about harvesting honey from a beekeeper.

Stop by the various stations inviting you to try your hand at old-fashioned farm chores, crafts, and more. There also will be a petting zoo featuring chickens, goats, llamas, and more.

Enjoy live music from bluegrass band Bourbon Aristocracy on the museum’s outdoor band shell from 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona Ice Food Trucks will be on site.

The Family Farm Fest is free to attend and does not require registration. The fest will take place outdoors on the Elmhurst History Museum campus, 120 E. Park Ave. Visit elmhursthistory.org for additional information.

The museum will be open during Family Farm Fest. Learn more about the history of local agriculture in the first-floor “Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage” exhibit, open through Aug. 10.

The exhibit explores how settlers transformed the land into a thriving farming community, despite facing challenges. These pioneering families supported themselves through subsistence farming before transitioning to commercial farming, contributing to Illinois' agricultural legacy.

Through historic artifacts, photographs, and a variety of interactive elements, this family-friendly exhibit showcases the evolution of the agricultural industry from 1850 to 1950 in DuPage County and how it was influenced by emerging technologies, evolving transportation, and more.

While you’re at the museum, check out the new updates to the “By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst” ongoing exhibition. Experience the history of Elmhurst through an innovative, award-winning exhibit that takes visitors on a journey of discovery exploring how the city has changed and grown over the past 165-plus years. The museum’s second floor gallery is home to a state-of-the-art, engaging exhibit with many interactive displays, artifact towers, rare collection photos, and more.