Background

The museum, previously housed in the old city hall, was outgrowing it's space.  In March 2025, the historic US Bank building went on the market. In April 2025, the museum undertook a 2 month $100,000 campaign to meet the seller's deadline and requirements.  Thanks to the generous and enthusiastic support from the community, the museum accomplished that goal and purchased the bank in June 2025. In September 2025 the museum opened in the new location.

Museum's Contribution to the Community

The museum honors and cherishes it's mission and vision, but in addition, it serves this small geographically isolated community as a place to gather, enjoy cultural entertainment and provide historical events and workshops for both adults and children.

Fund raising objectives

Maintaining and upgrading an 1898 building with a 1966 addition is costly. To remain open year round and be an emergency shelter, we must insulate a building without any, add solar, battery backup and heat pumps, replace roofs, upgrade bathrooms and install a commercial kitchen, while also funding the ongoing mortgage and insurance payments.

We will continue to pursue Capital grants that will fund low cost projects, but we rely on the generous donations of our community. Come to our events and enjoy yourself, knowing your donations support our ongoing efforts.

Mission

To collect, preserve, interpret and present our history.

Vision

The Elgin Museum and Historical Society shall collect, preserve, interpret and present the artifacts and stories of the area using a physical location for the collection and exhibits, technology to share access to historical documents and photos, with consistent and timely communication about the ongoing displays, progress and stability of the museum.