Glen Ellyn Historical Society

06/17/2026

New Exhibit at Glen Ellyn History Center Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the USA

With a soft opening on Tuesday, June 23 at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main Street, the Glen Ellyn Historical Society presents the exhibit: “Declaration 1776 - The big Bang of Modern Democracy.” This new exhibit is free and open to the public from June 23 through December 2026. The viewing times available are Tuesdays through Saturdays - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can reflect on 250 years of United States History and how the Declaration of Independence has shaped American ideals. This is an opportunity to look back on Glen Ellyn’s milestones, such as the Centennial Celebration and dedication of Stacy’s Tavern Museum. Call 630-469-1867 and check the website at www.gehs.org

06/14/2026

Our Nation’s 100th, 150th, and 200th Birthdays Described by Historian Terry Lynch's Program At the Glen Ellyn History Center

The audience welcomed actor and historian Terry Lynch as he introduced the description of our Nation’s 100th, 150th and 200th Birthdays. He presented a descriptive tour beginning with July 4, 1776 and concluding with the 250th Celebration in 2026. His style was informative, humorous and factual. There was a time period for questions at the conclusion of his presentation and many audience members took advantage while learning even more about the history connected with the historic birthday of the Declaration of Independence.

06/11/2026

06/06/2026

Beautiful Weather and Vintage Automobiles Joined to Make the 11th Annual Glen Ellyn Vintage Auto Fest a Success!

Over eighteen vintage autos participated in the Glen Ellyn Historical Society’s Vintage Auto Fest on a beautiful June 6th Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 Pm. Along with the Autos there were two programs offered in the Glen Ellyn History Center, “Happy 100th Birthday US Route 66 and Henry Ford: Beyond the Automobile Industry. Along with these programs, Children’s Activity Tables with an automotive theme were provided. There was also an opportunity to dine on Heavenly Hot Dogs. Everyone who attended voted for the Best of Show, and the Jim Manak Award dedicated to the GEHS’s long time auto enthusiast and GEH Board member. Awards were presented at 2:45 PM. at the conclusion of the Fest. People’s Choice Awards were 1st place: 1932 Pierce Arrow, 2nd place: 1953 Nash Statesman, 3rd Place: 1953 Cadillac Fleetwood. The 1953 Nash Statesman won the Jim Manak Award.
Photo caption: People's Choice awards - 1st Place 1932 Pierce Arrow, 2nd Place 1953 Nash Statesman, 3rd Place 1953 Cadillac Fleetwood. Jim Manak Award was won by the 1953 Nash Statesman.

06/03/2026

05/30/2026

GLEN ELLYN HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTED ACTRESS AND HISTORIAN LESLIE GODDARD AS ABIGAIL ADAMS, WIFE OF JOHN ADAMS - 2ND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Over 100 audience members learned about the husband and wife relationship between Abigail Adams and her husband John Adams. Leslie Goddard quotes historian Joseph Ellis, who argues that it is the partnership of John and Abigail Adams that is at heart of their historic legacy - not either one individually as much as their remarkable partnership. Goddard explained that she spent 14 month to research, write, rehearse and prepare to perform as Abigail. After the presentation, Goddard opened it up to the audience for questions or comments and she received and enthusiastic question and answer period.

05/27/2026

After extensive public input and feedback, the Glen Ellyn Public Art Workgroup has selected artist Jason Watts to create a new seven-panel digital art installation for the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main Street. Sponsored by the Village of Glen Ellyn, the mural will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary while celebrating Glen Ellyn’s history, community spirit, and longstanding commitment to public art. Watts’ design will present a cohesive historical timeline across seven 8-by-8-foot panels, creating a lasting public artwork for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The display is expected to be installed by the end of June, with plans for it to be in place in time for Glen Ellyn’s Independence Day celebration.