The Elmhurst History Museum proudly presents a diverse array of exhibits each year to fulfill our mission to engage people with history. From original exhibits created in-house by staff, to national touring exhibits from other institutions, as well as our ongoing core exhibit on Elmhurst history -- there's always something new to see and experience in our galleries!
2026 Exhibition Schedule
Anatomy of Healthcare: DuPage County Medical History
January 23 - May 3, 2026
Guests will step into the rich history of health care in Elmhurst and explore how the community's medical services have evolved over the years with Anatomy of Healthcare: DuPage County Medical History. From humble beginnings to modern-day advances, this exhibition will highlight the dedicated individuals, key moments, and transformative innovations that have shaped health care in the area. Discover the founding of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, celebrating its 100th year, the development of medical technologies, and the stories of local pioneers who laid the groundwork for compassionate care. Anatomy of Healthcare: DuPage County Medical History will offer a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of healing and innovation that continues to impact the lives of those in the area today.
History of Her: Women who Shaped Chicagoland
May 29 - August 9, 2026
For more than 250 years, women have made an impact on the history of our country. Playing a vital role in shaping who we are and what is possible, inspiring generations of girls today. From trailblazing activists to ground-breaking artists, educators, athletes, and community trailblazers, these women have transformed their fields and the region itself. Across countless disciplines, they have made their mark, especially here in the Chicagoland area. Since its establishment in 1833, Chicago and its surrounding neighborhoods have watched generations of girls grow into influential leaders, innovators, and advocates for their communities.
As young adolescents, they learned, worked, and discovered their voices within the “city of big shoulders.” In the exhibition History of Her: Woman Who Shaped Chicagoland, we explore the early pioneers who settled in the region, examine how girls were educated, and trace the career paths that propelled them forward. Other themes explored will be women in politics/news, social work, the arts, and sports. The exhibition will feature artifacts and archival materials that illuminate their journeys and highlight the lasting impact they made on history. This is more than an exploration of the past—it is a celebration of how girls and women, both then and now, continue to shape the world around them.
Bear Down: Football in the Windy City
August 28, 2026 - January 24, 2027
For more than 140 years, Chicago football has been deeply woven into the fabric of our sports culture. From neighborhood prairie fields to iconic venues such as Soldier Field, Comiskey Park, and university stadiums across the region, football has left an enduring mark on the city and its communities. Chicagoland has been home to legendary teams, coaches, and players who helped shape the sport, from the storied Cardinals to the Monsters of the Midway – the Chicago Bears. Generations of fans have followed these teams through victories and defeats, witnessing firsthand the evolution of the sport and the individuals who defined it, making Chicago one of football’s most influential cities. Numerous short-lived professional and semi-professional clubs also competed throughout the Midwest and the league, adding to the area's football legacy. These historic teams also played a pivotal role in the development of the National Football League, thanks in large part to local sports icon George Halas.
Bear Down: Football in the Windy City takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the history of football in Chicagoland. Guests will discover championship triumphs, fierce rivalries, unforgettable moments, and the enduring legacy left on sports history and pop culture by these legendary teams. Visitors will encounter a diverse collection of artifacts, uniforms, photographs, and game footage that captures the spirit and legacy of windy city football. Interactive touchscreen experiences and family-friendly programming further immerse guests in the story, creating engaging opportunities for fans of all ages to connect with the city’s storied football past and vibrant present.
By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst
ONGOING
Experience Elmhurst history through an award-winning exhibit about how the city grew and developed over the its 165+ year history. The Museum's entire second floor is home to an innovative journey through Elmhurst's past that includes an eclectic array of artifacts from local businesses, residents and organizations, rare photographs, an interactive tabletop map, a documentary on Elmhurst history and lots more. MORE INFO
