Historical society's annual meeting to feature 'Lincoln Tales - Tall and True'

On Sunday, Oct. 14, the Elgin Area Historical Society will host its annual meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St. in Elgin. It will feature "Lincoln Tales - Tall and True" by Brian "Fox" Ellis.

Austin Gulihur was born in Kentucky in 1807, making him two years older than his childhood friend, Abraham Lincoln. Gulihur saved Lincoln's life when Lincoln was seven, so if not for him, Lincoln would have never been president! The Gulihur family also settled in New Salem, Illinois, just a few years before Abraham arrived. Tracing his youth in Kentucky through his education in Indiana and early days in Illinois this blend of history and storytelling will give the audience a "best friend's" view on Lincoln's early years.

The annual meeting will take place at this program with elections and a report on the state of the museum.

With literally hundreds of Lincoln impersonators out there, Ellis thought it would be more intriguing for the audience to see Lincoln through the eyes of his friends, giving us a unique perspective on our favorite president.

Ellis is an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist. He has worked with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The Field Museum and dozens of other museums across the country.

Visit www.elginhistory.org or www.facebook.com/ElginILHistoryMuseum/.

The Elgin History Museum is housed in an 1856 landmark building known as Old Main that was once part of the Elgin Academy campus. The building was designed in the Greek Revival style. The museum has a staff that helps welcome visitors to the museum, educates the public about Elgin history and assists with research inquiries.

The Elgin Area Historical Society, which was founded in 1961, has a board of directors with a mission that is driven to preserve and educate the community about Elgin history.

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. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.