Author: hefadmin

April 5, 3-4pm – 26 Lasalle St, Elsah, 62028

There were fifty-one entries in all, which arrived by the Jan 9th deadline! Twenty-seven images were accepted into the Museum Exhibit that opens April 5, with twelve photographers represented. Nine awards have been selected by Carmen Troesser, photographer and our Juror, out of Chicago. These awards range from Best of Show through 3rd Place and four Honorable Mentions, as well as a Youth Award – monetary awards accompany assigned honors.

Each image adheres to one of two themes in 2025: The Majesty of Trees, and Elsah Still Life. Exhibitors include: Joan Baker, Matt Kelly, Dan Kistler, Lauren Lloyd, Michael Matney, Marty McKay, Elise Marvin, Mary Odhiambo, Sam Odhiambo, Rosa Renner, Carolyn Schlueter, and Jeffrey Vaughn.

We hope everyone will come see these treasures of Elsah, either opening day, or any Saturday or Sunday, 1-4 pm, through June 28, the end of the exhibit.

Visit 2025 Historic Elsah Photo Exhibit page.

Featured image: Snow Trees, 2025, by Jeffrey Vaughn.

Brad Winn, Historian, presented a talk, “Lewis and Clark in Illinois,” on Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at Farley Music Hall, 37 Mill Street, in Elsah, Illinois. Illinois was the point of departure for the two-and-half-year journey. The team spent more time in Illinois than any other state except North Dakota.

Winn taught at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, winning Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member in History and Humanities in 2022. He also served as Superintendent of the Lewis and Clark State Historical Site in Hartford, Illinois.

Here is a recording of the talk:

This presentation was one of this year’s Hosmer-Williams Lectures sponsored by Historic Elsah Foundation and underwritten by Liberty Bank: A United Community Bank.

Take a step back in time this holiday season while strolling the historic streets of Elsah, Illinois. Visit what’s been called “the town that time forgot,” during Elsah’s annual Home for the Holidays House Tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Many historic buildings were be open for the event, including private homes, the two room school house, Farley Music Hall, the Elsah Museum, the bed and breakfast inns, churches and villages shops. Ticket prices include a tour booklet with a photo and description of each building, musical performances, and a self-guided walk thru the historic village filled with sounds of the season from local caroling groups. A limited number of box lunches will be available at Farley Music Hall.

“Since the 1970’s, the Village of Elsah has offered house tours for visitors who can’t wait to get a look inside some of its beautiful historic homes and buildings,” said Blair Smith, one of the organizers of the event.

Proceeds from the tour benefit the Historic Elsah Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, dedicated to historic preservation and education in the Village of Elsah.

On October 24, Scott Adams will share the story of the Great River Road construction (from Elsah to Grafton) through his eyes. His talk includes his experience as a 13 year old resident in Chautauqua, Illinois, and today as a 50 year veteran of Real Estate Development. This will be a fun and interesting journey, including photos courtesy of the Grafton Historic Society.

“The Great River Road” will be presented at Farley Music Hall, 37 Mill Street, in Elsah, Thursday, October 24, at 7:00 pm. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Parking is available. Refreshments will be served following the lecture.

This presentation was one of this year’s Hosmer-Williams Lectures sponsored by Historic Elsah Foundation and underwritten by Liberty Bank: A United Community Bank.