For people who call Glen Ellyn home, the village has a place in your heart. The Glen Ellyn Historical Society is here to enrich your sense of place even further by discovering and sharing the village’s story through time. Our community is full of intrigue—and now is your chance to explore the fascinating characters, monumental community events, and world events as they unfolded in our beloved town. We encourage you to begin exploring—and expand your love for this incredible community
The Glen Ellyn Historical Society is devoted to collecting, preserving and presenting the history of the Glen Ellyn area. The Society represents an important cultural center for the community, providing museum exhibits, a research library with a large photo collection, extensive archives of both local and regional history, educational outreach programs for local schools, adult-level seminars and workshops, and a venue for area-wide cultural activities.
Exploring history involves getting curious about the details of the world that surrounds you. You’ve visited the Ackerman Sports Center, but do you know about the man behind the namesake? Or the woman behind Stacy’s Corner? You’ve heard of the Great Chicago Fire, but did you know Glen Ellyn also had its own great fire in 1891? Have you seen or do you live in a plaqued home around town? Let’s take a look at some of these stories together!
The people who were important to Glen Ellyn's past.
These intriguing, wacky, and sometimes naughty stories will be your favorite new Glen Ellyn factoids to share with neighbors, visitors, and friends.
Check out a Glen Ellyn timeline and read more about impactful events in the Glen Ellyn community.
Visit important events and people in history on our virtual interactive map.
Learn about the various names Glen Ellyn has had over the years.
Take a tour, shop, rent space, search the archives, or simply relax in the park.
Join us for regular programs in the Glen Ellyn History Center. Shop at Stacy’s Corner Store for Glen Ellyn merchandise for your neighbors, family, and friends. You can also reserve space for your group or conduct research in the Glen Ellyn History Center archives.
Temporarily closed for repairs and restoration starting 5/12/25. The museum will be open during Auto-Fest on June 7, 2025.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, our fully restored stagecoach inn captures life in the 1840s. The perfect way to begin your exploration of Glen Ellyn history.
Tours by appointment, Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.
Admission $5 per adult, $3 per child ages 6-17.
GEHS members and children 5 and under are free.
Our beautiful property welcomes visitors to the north entrance to the village of Glen Ellyn. Relax, picnic or play, or join us at one of our many outdoor programs and events.
Enjoy the benefits of becoming a member, help us continue our work through donations, or volunteer to research or help at one of our events.
