MUSEUM EVENTS
On Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM, the St. Charles History Museum will host the dedication of a newly commissioned bronze memorial bust of John Warne Gates.
Join us to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Arcada Theatre with a special fundraiser for the St. Charles History Museum. This event is hosted by Ron Onesti at Club Arcada at the Arcada Theatre and will include live music, an Italian buffet, and a raffle with some great prizes!
Join the St. Charles History Museum's Archivist and Curator, Eric Krupa, in a centennial celebration to some of St. Charles' most iconic buildings--the Arcada Theatre, Baker Community Center, Community High School (now Thompson Middle School), and the former National Bank. This 30-minute presentation will delve into the Museum's new exhibition, A Century of Community, which highlights the history and quirks behind these celebrated landmarks.
NOTE: ALL BIDS MUST BE MADE AT THE GALA. NO ONLINE BIDDING!
The St. Charles History Museum is inviting everyone to join them on a nostalgic and elegant trip back to the 1950s. A local tradition returns this holiday season when the St. Charles History Museum holds its Holiday Gala Fundraiser on December 12, 2025, at the historic Dunham Woods Riding Club.
St. Charles History Museum Executive Director Alex Cullum says, “The success of our recent 1950s Sock Hop tells us that we all remember the 1950s fondly. While many of our members are too young to have lived the 50s, that decade continues to be celebrated in movies, music, and documentaries. We’re excited to recreate the sounds, the mood, and the elegance of the 50s and invite all our friends to join us at this fundraising event!”
The Holiday Gala Fundraiser will celebrate the theme “An Elegant Salute to the Romance of the 1950s” with a nod to the music, fashions, and culture of this decade. The evening includes a cocktail reception, open bar, plated meal, and many surprises. As the sounds of the 1950s fill the room, enjoy an elegant dinner and the Holiday setting of the wonderfully historic Dunham Wood Riding Club! This is a black tie optional event. Of course, 1950s-era formal or festive attire would be great, too! Complimentary valet service and coat check will be provided.
Museum Board President Mary Lynn Swanson says, “Nearly 75% of the funding for the Museum comes from individual donors, and this Gala is the largest fundraiser the Museum hosts each year. We think this could be our best event Gala ever, and we’re glad to be able to bring it to the community from a historic location like the Dunham Woods Riding Club!”
Reservations for the Holiday Gala are now open. The cost is $160 per person, and museum members save $10 on their tickets. Gluten-free and vegetarian dinner options are available. Reservations can be made at https://stcmuseum.org/gala25. SPACE IS LIMITED!
With Eric Krupa, Collections Manager of the St. Charles History Museum
Sunday, November 16, 2025
2:00 - 3:00 PM
FREE for Museum Members only
We are once again hosting an exclusive guided tour of the St. Charles History Museum with our resident curatorial expert, Eric Krupa. Experience the in-depth insight that Eric has to offer as he walks you through our permanent exhibit, The Makings of St. Charles, and our limited exhibit, Grounded: A Story of Historical Reckoning and Indigenous Resilience, showing through December 2025. Grounded is a must-see exhibit that explores the full indigenous history of the Fox Valley and is one of our most ambitious exhibits to date. This tour will be followed by a brief presentation.
Contact the Museum to renew your membership today!
Join us for an exclusive evening with Susan Friedland, author of Marguerite, Misty & Me, as she shares the story of Marguerite Henry, Newberry Medal award-winning author, and her celebrity pony Misty of Chincoteague. Marguerite and Misty lived in Wayne, Illinois on their beloved "Mole Meadow" where Marguerite wrote many of her best-selling books.
This FREE event is exclusive to VIP members* of the St. Charles History Museum.
Light refreshments will be served.
Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Attendee Cost: FREE
- qualifying VIP membership levels include Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond
With Eric Krupa, Collections Manager of the St. Charles History Museum
October 19, 2025
2:00 - 3:00 PM
FREE for Museum Members only
Join us for an exclusive guided tour of the St. Charles History Museum with our resident curatorial expert, Eric Krupa. Experience the in-depth insight that Eric has to offer as he walks you through our permanent exhibit, The Makings of St. Charles, and our limited exhibit, Grounded: A Story of Historical Reckoning and Indigenous Resilience, showing through December 2025. Grounded is a must-see exhibit that explores the full indigenous history of the Fox Valley and is one of our most ambitious exhibits to date.
Contact the Museum to renew your membership today!
Join the St. Charles History Museum as we host the Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise of the Fox River the last Sunday of the month from June through October. The St. Charles History Museum will be your docent presenting a different subject each month as we cruise the scenic Fox River.
Tours are 45 minutes long and depart at:
12:30pm
1:45pm
3:00pm
Take a walking tour of downtown St. Charles! Space is limited, reserve today!
The St. Charles History Museum is thrilled to once again participate in this year’s Jazz Weekend lineup. On Sunday, September 14th, from 4 PM to 6 PM, the museum grounds will come alive with the vibrant sounds of jazz, offering a free outdoor concert to the public. This event promises to be a highlight of the Jazz Weekend, held from Thursday, September 11th through Sunday, September 14th across various venues in St. Charles.
The Museum, known for preserving and showcasing the rich history of St. Charles, will host an afternoon of dynamic jazz music, featuring the returning Jack Macklin Trio. This outdoor event is designed to bring the community together through the universal language of music, providing a perfect setting for jazz enthusiasts and families alike to enjoy an afternoon of quality entertainment.
Location: St. Charles History Museum, 215 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
Admission: Free
Performer:
The Jack Macklin Trio | Sunday, September 14 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
The event is scheduled to take place outdoors, allowing guests to enjoy the music in a beautiful and comfortable setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to enhance their experience. The museum’s outdoor area provides a picturesque backdrop for the captivating sounds of jazz that will fill the air.
St. Charles Jazz Weekend is a celebrated event that showcases the best of jazz music through various performances and activities. The inclusion of the St. Charles History Museum as a venue adds a cultural and historical dimension to the festival, inviting attendees to explore the connections between music and the city’s past.
Join the St. Charles History Museum as we host the Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise of the Fox River the last Sunday of the month from June through October. The St. Charles History Museum will be your docent presenting a different subject each month as we cruise the scenic Fox River.
Tours are 45 minutes long and depart at:
12:30pm
1:45pm
3:00pm
Date:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL
Details:
Swing into summer with an evening of retro fun! The St. Charles History Museum invites families, friends, and vintage lovers of all ages to a full-blown 1950s party. Enjoy live music from a DJ, dance lessons, hopscotch, hula hoops, an old-school ice cream soda station, raffle prizes, and classic cars. Grab a bite from a local food truck while soaking up the throwback vibes.
Admission:
Adults – $15
Students – $5
Children 3 and under – FREE
Dust off those poodle skirts and leather jackets—this event is gonna be the cat’s pajamas.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE - CLICK BUTTON and WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.
For more information, call (630) 584-6967 or email info@stcmuseum.org.
Join us for a FREE VIP exclusive evening with Roger Thompson Stelle, author of Father of the G.I. Bill, as he shares the untold story of his father John Stelle, the visionary Illinois statesman whose legacy lives on through one of the most transformative programs in American history.
Take a walking tour of downtown St. Charles! Space is limited, reserve today!
Travel Back to the 1950s and celebrate the birth of Rock ‘n Roll with our 3rd Annual History Rocks! fundraiser. This event is hosted by Ron Onesti's Rock ‘N Ravioli restaurant at the Arcada Theater and will include live music, Italian buffet, and a raffle with some great prizes!
Join us for a celebration of historic artwork and artists from the collection of the St. Charles History Museum! Step back in time to experience an art gallery reminiscent of the “Salons” of Paris, featuring the artwork of over 20 artists, with an emphasis on the works of William Luckett, his daughter Yvonne Almo, and the illustrations of Lester Norris.
The next St. Charles History Museum Holiday Gala Fundraiser is December 13, 2024, at the historic Hotel Baker. This event is open to the public. Seating is limited. St. Charles History Museum Prez Mary Lynn Swanson says, “Can you believe the 1980s were forty years ago?!? There's a lot to dig about the 80s, and we can't wait to share it with you again!”
The Holiday Gala Fundraiser is going to be totally rad. It's got a “Back To The Eighties” theme and will feature a cocktail reception, cash bar, three-course chow, and a wine pull. Dress in festive holiday threads, or go all out and rock some gnarly 1980s gear from your stash! We’ve got complimentary valet service and coat check, so no worries there. Our DJ will be spinning all the raddest 80s jams, and there will be plenty of space to boogie. Holiday Gala reservations open in September, and it’s $160 per person.
Join the St. Charles History Museum as we host the Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise of the Fox River the last Sunday of the month from May through October. The St. Charles History Museum will be your docent presenting a different subject each month as we cruise the scenic Fox River.
Tours are 45 minutes long and depart at:
12:30pm
1:45pm
3:00pm
Please click this LINK to purchase your tickets today!
Thank you to McNally’s Heating and Cooling,
sponsors of the St. Charles History Museum riverboat docents
Board of Directors meeting held at the St. Charles History Museum on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00pm
Join us for some fun and history at the St. Charles History Museum. We are excited to be a part of the 39th Annual St. Charles Scarecrow Festival. This unique and memorable event will held Friday, October 11th through Sunday, October 13th. The city will be alive with music, treats, family fun, and of course, scarecrows!
With over 100 handmade scarecrows being showcased during the festival, you’ll have the chance to visit, view, and vote on your favorites while strolling through beautiful downtown St. Charles.
We hope you’ll come by the museum for some more family-friendly fun. See you there!
Grave Reminders, presented by the St. Charles History Museum, is a tour back in time through the eyes of those who lived it. Public interest reached new levels in the mid-1800s. People liked escaping their cities and towns to enjoy nature and view beautiful monuments. In the 1800s, tickets were sometimes sold for tours of cemeteries. Join us at the North Cemetery to hear about key historic St. Charles figures and highlights about their lives.
Join the St. Charles History Museum as we host the Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise of the Fox River the last Sunday of the month from May through October. The St. Charles History Museum will be your docent presenting a different subject each month as we cruise the scenic Fox River.
Tours are 45 minutes long and depart at:
12:30pm
1:45pm
3:00pm
Please click this LINK to purchase your tickets today!
Thank you to McNally’s Heating and Cooling,
sponsors of the St. Charles History Museum riverboat docents
Board of Directors meeting held at the St. Charles History Museum on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00pm
The St. Charles History Museum is thrilled to announce a special addition to this year’s Jazz Weekend lineup. On Saturday, September 14th, from 3 PM to 5 PM, the museum grounds will come alive with the vibrant sounds of jazz, offering a free outdoor concert to the public. This event promises to be a highlight of the Jazz Weekend, held from Thursday, September 12th through Sunday, September 15th across various venues in St. Charles.
We will also draw the winning ticket in our AMAZING Mexico Vacation raffle immediately after the show. Please stop by the museum to pick up your raffle tickets before 5 PM on 9/14. Tickets are $25 each or 5/$100 — all proceeds benefit the Museum!
The museum, known for preserving and showcasing the rich history of St. Charles, will host an afternoon of dynamic jazz music, featuring a soon-to-be-announced performer. This outdoor event is designed to bring the community together through the universal language of music, providing a perfect setting for jazz enthusiasts and families alike to enjoy an afternoon of quality entertainment.
Event Details:
Location: St. Charles History Museum, 215 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
Admission: Free
Performers:
The Jack Macklin Trio | Friday, September 13 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Austyn Menk | Saturday, September 14 | 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
The event is scheduled to take place outdoors, allowing guests to enjoy the music in a beautiful and comfortable setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to enhance their experience. The museum’s outdoor area provides a picturesque backdrop for the captivating sounds of jazz that will fill the air.
“We are excited to be a part of Jazz Weekend in St. Charles and to offer this unique event to the community,” said Alex Cullum, Executive Director of the St. Charles History Museum. “Jazz has a timeless appeal, and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the music, learning a bit about our city’s history, and maybe even dancing a little. It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon for all ages.”
St. Charles Jazz Weekend is a celebrated event that showcases the best of jazz music through various performances and activities. The inclusion of the St. Charles History Museum as a venue adds a cultural and historical dimension to the festival, inviting attendees to explore the connections between music and the city’s past.
Contact:
Alexander Cullum
Executive Director
St. Charles History Museum
alex.cullum@stcmuseum.org
630-584-6967
Join the St. Charles History Museum as we host the Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise of the Fox River the last Sunday of the month from May through October. The St. Charles History Museum will be your docent presenting a different subject each month as we cruise the scenic Fox River.
Tours are 45 minutes long and depart at:
12:30pm
1:45pm
3:00pm
Please click this LINK to purchase your tickets today!
Thank you to McNally’s Heating and Cooling,
sponsors of the St. Charles History Museum riverboat docents
Take a walking tour of downtown St. Charles this Saturday - 9:30 AM or 11 AM. Space is limited, reserve today!
Board of Directors meeting held at the St. Charles History Museum on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00pm
Join the St. Charles History Museum as we host the Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise of the Fox River the last Sunday of the month from May through October. The St. Charles History Museum will be your docent presenting a different subject each month as we cruise the scenic Fox River.
Tours are 45 minutes long and depart at:
12:30pm
1:45pm
3:00pm
Please click this LINK to purchase your tickets today!
Thank you to McNally’s Heating and Cooling,
sponsors of the St. Charles History Museum riverboat docents
Take a walking tour of downtown St. Charles this Saturday - 11 AM or 1 PM. Space is limited, reserve today!
Step aboard a historic riverboat and be transported to a bygone era, where the echoes of the Jazz Age come to life. Enjoy smooth tunes performed by local musicians.
Board of Directors meeting held at the St. Charles History Museum on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00pm
*Special tours may be scheduled ahead of time for any day of the week, including Monday
Your City. Your History. Your Sense of Community.
The Museum welcomes participation in all activities by individuals with disabilities and special needs by working cooperatively with the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. The Museum is committed to inclusion by providing public programs in the most integrated setting, providing to the maximum extent feasible for interaction between people with and without disabilities.If you or a household member has a special need or request for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, please contact us at least one week in advance of an activity, program, or visit date. For more details, call 630-584-6967.