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Most American communities are made up of people from diverse backgrounds, of homes and businesses built over many decades, and of longstanding customs and events that mold each community's story over time. Our country's history was built on the development of these communities and how each one took on its own unique identity. Our community's history, our unique story, must be preserved for those who will come after us, for those who will some day be adults having grown up here and for those newly settled in Elmhurst who will wonder who we were and what we thought important. Even though our Museum and Schoolhouse are local institutions, they are an important part of the bigger picture, the American picture. The story of why our forefathers came here, how they lived, worked, and became educated helps tell the great American story.

The Elmhurst Historical Museum presents quality exhibits, informative programs, and fun, educational events for adults, children, and families. The Museum continues to grow its collection of written documents, photographs, and genealogic materials that help visitors research their local homes, families, and businesses. As this work continues, the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation will be there to improve the Museum/Schoolhouse offerings by contributing critical funds for enhanced exhibits, outreach, special events, and educational programming.

A donation to the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation will help to preserve, protect, and interpret Elmhurst's historic past and to bring interesting and innovative new exhibits to the Museum. A gift will assist in the development of the Churchville Schoolhouse living history programming for children from across the Chicagoland region. Every gift is tax-deducible, with an impact that reaches thousands of visitors each year.

NAMING GIFT OPPORTUNITIES

Named giving is a way to make major, lasting impacts at the museum. Parts of the museum's physical plant and the permanent exhibit gallery are examples. Particular programs can also be named in this manner. Financial requirements for naming gift opportunities vary, so donors are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and the Museum Director.

Click here for current Naming Gift Opportunities

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

You can touch the lives of thousands of children, families, school children, and others who benefit from the museum each year. Sponsorships are ways to partner with the museum as it shares the past through public programs, exhibitions, school services, and collections.  

Sponsors are named in advertising and marketing efforts, listed on the website and annual report, and invited to special stakeholder events. Sponsorships can be customized to meet a sponsor's specific marketing goals.

Click here for current Sponsorship Opportunities

GIFTS AND DONATIONS

ANNUAL FUND

Annual giving is a way to recognize the importance of maintaining links to things that stir our memories and help explain who we are. The Annual Fund makes an immediate difference by supporting a wide range of initiatives at the museum. Gifts also demonstrate the tremendous power of individuals coming together to advance the mission of the museum.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

Endowment funds ensure the permanence of the Elmhurst Historical Museum. They are established by the board with donations made for specific purposes, and only the earnings are used for the intended purposes. The principal is preserved and provides important support for generations to come.

MEMORIAL AND HONORARY GIFTS

Memorial gifts are caring, thoughtful ways to honor and remember loved ones. Gifts can also be made to celebrate a milestone or achievement in the life of a loved one. Both of these are enduring gestures that live on and benefit museum visitors.

PLANNED GIVING AND DEFERRED GIVING

The gift of securities, life insurance, or other property can make a tremendous impact at the museum, today as well as in the future. Funds and assets can be given to the foundation in ways that permit donors to receive tax benefits now, and the foundation will receive the assets after the donor's death. Please contact the Museum Director's office for more information.

Donate to Museum Endowment Fund

Subscribe to make a Monthly Donation