A new exhibit has put down roots at the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E Park Ave. Exploring the rich agricultural history of DuPage County, Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage will be on display from March 14 – August 10, 2025.

From 1850 – 1950, the area of DuPage County, located just 10 miles west of Chicago, was home to farming families and small towns. Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage explores how settlers transformed the land into a thriving farming community and delves into the history of farming in the western suburbs. Despite facing challenges, local pioneering families supported themselves through subsistence farming before transitioning to commercial farming, contributing to Illinois' agricultural legacy. The farmers of DuPage experienced the impact of mechanized farming equipment, which revolutionized the agriculture industry in Elmhurst and throughout the state. Additionally, thanks to DuPage County's location along extensive railway lines, farmers in the Elmhurst area had the unique opportunity to participate in the bustling trade and commerce of agricultural products through Chicago.

“We’re thrilled to bring this new exhibition to Elmhurst and to tell the stories of the many pioneers who cultivated the land we now call home,” said Curator of Exhibits, Sarah Cox. “We hope the exhibit inspires visitors to learn about where their own food comes from, support local farmers by visiting one of the many farmers markets in the area, and possibly even try their hand at growing their own produce this summer!”

In addition to photographs, videos, and many historic farm tools, visitors can take part in several interactive elements, from a children’s farmers market to trying out traditional farm chores. An exhibit the entire family can enjoy, Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage offers a unique look at how Illinois influenced the agricultural industry over the decades.

The museum will present a variety of supporting programs in honor of the exhibit, including:

  • “Babe” Film Screening: Friday, April 4; 2 p.m. Enjoy a free viewing of the 1995 classic, “Babe,” a heartwarming and fun story about finding your place in the world, at the Elmhurst Public Library. All ages. No registration required.
  • Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage Gallery Talk: Sunday, April 13; 12 p.m. Join Elmhurst History Museum Curator of Exhibits, Sarah Cox, for an exclusive guided tour of the museum’s latest exhibit and discover how early settlers transformed the Elmhurst area into a thriving farming community. Sarah will dive into notable local farming families, the evolution of the Chicagoland farming industry, and reveal how this once-farming town developed into the bustling suburb we know today.
  • Community Roots Lecture: Sunday, May 18; 12 p.m. Visit the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse, located at 3N784 Church Road in Bensenville, for an immersive look into the early days of DuPage County with local historian Jonathan Sebastian. At this National Register of Historic Places site, together with Fischer Farm and nearby Zion Lutheran Church, learn how early settlers lived, worked, worshipped, and how they were educated. Peek into incredible local history and learn how this community started.
  • Family Farm Fest: Sunday, July 13; 1 – 4 p.m. Join the Elmhurst History Museum for a free, family-friendly visit back in time to the early days of Elmhurst. Enjoy live music from Bluegrass band Bourbon Aristocracy, meet chickens, goats, and llamas at the petting zoo, touch a historic tractor, learn about harvesting honey from a beekeeper, try your hand at old fashioned farm chores, and more!

The exhibit will be on display March 14 – August 10, 2025. The Elmhurst History Museum is open to all ages and offers free admission. The museum is open 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday & Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Monday. For additional information, please visit www.elmhursthistory.org.

Elmhurst History Museum’s “Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage” exhibit is sponsored by: Feze Roofing and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.