In a little over a month, the Elmhurst Historical Society (EHS) will celebrate the opening of its new “band shell,” but talk to EHS Executive Director Dave Oberg, and he states it will really be more than a place to attend music concerts.
“I call this a ‘public performance space,’ ” he emphasized, saying that the site will become available for not only music concerts, but for family-friendly events like storytelling, dramatic presentations and “Museum Maker Mondays,” among other events.
Oberg further envisions that it will be “a significant staging point for summer camp … a nice activity station.”
Located on the east lawn of the 1.37-acre campus, the EHS broke ground last October on the new performance center. The EHS, in 2021, had applied for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Public Museum Capital Grant, “to help make this happen,” in part because the society was ramping up larger programs, the director outlined.
For example, he said, the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation—the fundraising arm of the EHS—would hold its annual beer fest on the campus, “and that has grown significantly over the years.”
“We recognized we needed a better staging ground,” Oberg added. “We knew this would be a ‘capacity builder.’”
With the COVID-19 pandemic driving up costs, after the $695,500 grant was awarded in 2022, the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation “helped us raise $60,000,” he related, praising that “These guys are the wind beneath my wings.”
Oberg also credited the City of Elmhurst for their involvement, saying, “These guys have been really terrific,” and combined with the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, EHS staff and the architects, “Everybody worked to make this happen.”
Oberg said that during events, he can convert a portion of the east parking lot into “flex space.” He added that there is an easily accessible parking garage nearby at 120 W. Adelaide.
He believes the new public performance space will benefit the whole community, and it will give the EHS “a better idea of what people enjoy … It’s going to be a great amenity overall.”
Calling it a “mini-Ravinia,” Oberg said it “really creates a sense of place.”
“You really feel like you’re on this campus,” he added.
Schedule of events
⦁ Friday, June 6, 6:30 p.m.: Inaugural Elmhurst History Museum Concert
Celebrate the opening of the public performance space and the 50th anniversary of the museum of the Glos Mansion home. Guests are invited to enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from the Elmhurst History Museum team, followed by a performance by musicians from the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.
⦁ Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m.: Jim Gill Kids Concert
Presented by musician and child development specialist Jim Gill, the concert will offer more than a performance; Jim provides an opportunity for children, parents, grandparents and caregivers to experience the joy of music play together.
⦁ Sunday, July 13, 1-4 p.m.: Family Farm Fest featuring Bourbon Aristocracy
Everyone is invited to attend this family-friendly visit back in time to the early days of Elmhurst this summer. Attendees can 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 out old fashioned farm chores; and more.
⦁ Fourth Fridays Summer Concert Series
Enjoy the first summer concert series. From June to September, guests can experience an eclectic lineup of concerts on the fourth Friday of each month. Free to attend. Chairs, blankets, coolers welcome. The 2025 concert series is made possible in part by the Dr. Virginia R. Stewart Memorial Fund.
• Irving Sisters, Friday, June 27, 7 p.m. (Popular songs from the 1920s through the 1950s)
• Morry Sochat and The Special 20’s, Friday, July 25, 7 p.m. (Blues)
• Coffee Jazz Collective, Friday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m. (Jazz)
• Carpacho y Su Super Combo, Friday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m. (Salsa and Cumbia Music)
All concerts and events are free and no registration is required. Guests can bring their own chairs/blankets for seating.
The Elmhurst History Museum is located at 120 Park Ave., Elmhurst. For more information, call 630-530-6874 or visit www.elmhursthistory.org.