Did you know that the Elmhurst History Museum resides in a historically significant landmark? It is known as the Glos Mansion. The museum is an award-winning regional history museum. It was founded in 1957.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Henry L. Glos and his wife Lucy building their home here. That was around 1892. Henry Glos was Elmhurst’s first village president. Today their home is a place where Elmhurst’s history comes alive.
The Elmhurst History Museum first opened in January 1957. It was on the third floor of the Glos Mansion. At that time, the building also housed Elmhurst’s City Hall. From 1965 to 1975, the museum moved to the Wilder Mansion. It was located in Wilder Park. In 1975, the museum returned to its current home in the Glos Mansion. From 1957 to 2016, it was known as the Elmhurst Historical Museum. In March 2016, the name changed to Elmhurst History Museum.
Inside, the Elmhurst History Museum holds many treasures. There are over 15000 three-dimensional artifacts. The archives feature letters, manuscripts, and over 10000 historic photographs. You can also find over 300 linear feet of Elmhurst records. The library holds more than 500 books. Microfilm copies of old newspapers are available too. These resources help researchers learn about Elmhurst’s past.
The Elmhurst History Museum offers many exhibits. “By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst” is an award-winning interactive exhibit. It explores over 165 years of Elmhurst’s history. The museum also creates temporary exhibits. These exhibits come from the museum’s collection. They also come from other regional history topics. The museum even rents its traveling exhibits to other institutions.
Educational programs are a key part of the museum’s mission. The Elmhurst History Museum provides gallery tours and craft demonstrations. They offer classroom visits and walking tours. Families can enjoy special programs. Lectures and workshops are available for adults. A visit to the Churchville Schoolhouse provides a living history experience.
Speaking of the Churchville Schoolhouse, the Elmhurst History Museum operates it. The schoolhouse is a restored one-room schoolhouse from around 1850. It is located on Church Road in Bensenville. The Churchville Schoolhouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. Schoolchildren can experience a class led by an old-fashioned schoolmarm.
The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation supports the Elmhurst History Museum and the Churchville Schoolhouse. This non-profit organization helps to keep local history alive. They offer guidance through fundraising and outreach.
The Elmhurst History Museum is free. It is open Sunday, Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.. Saturdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. It is closed on Mondays and some holidays. The Elmhurst History Museum engages people with history. It reveals the quality of life in years past. It provides a basis on which community pride can grow.