Our Mission
DeKalb County History Center is committed to
"Inspiring curiosity in DeKalb County’s history."
Our Vision
The DeKalb County History Center is committed to exploring our local history from a variety of perspectives; gathering people together through exhibits, programs, and research; engaging with people of diverse backgrounds to ensure they see themselves in our local history; and inspiring people to apply this knowledge to enlighten the decisions of tomorrow.
The History Center also is committed to building the capacity of local organizations by providing resources and opportunities for collaboration.
Upcoming Events
Special Exhibit
Now Open! Tuesday-Saturday
CLICK HERE to join the conversation
Season Two:
- Episode 1: Food and Grief : Jennifer Long and Jo Cessna discuss how they have used food to help people with grief. Jennifer is the Executive Director with Conley Outreach Community Services.
- Episode 2/Part 1: Pasture Grazed: This is part one of two very interesting conversations connected to DeKalb County's rich agricultural history.
- Episode 2 /Part 2: Pasture Grazed The second episode is an inspiring conversation about where we explore regenerative farming and learn about Pasture Graze in Clare.
Get a glossy, history-filled Cornsilk magazine delivered to you every quarter by US mail for print version or via email for digital version.
The Cornsilk, in print since 1975 by the former DeKalb County Historical- Genealogical Society, is now published by the DeKalb County History Center
Written by local historians, these stories take a deeper dive into DeKalb County's unique history.
If you Sign up by:
February 1 starts with Spring (March),
May 1 starts with Summer (June),
August 1 starts with Fall (September),
November 1 starts with Winter (December).
Arts in Action is an initial step in the DeKalb County History Center and Ellwood House Museum's commitment to shifting the local history narrative from a predominantly white experience to a more inclusive and accurate account.
The narrative for the exhibit is evolving as stories are still being researched, written, and lived.
“Sharing Stories,” an exhibit developed in collaboration between the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center, is now open at the Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place.
The exhibit explores themes of fear, exclusion, community, and hope through firsthand accounts, historical research, and works by local artists, with community members sharing their stories in their own words. The exhibit will be open through December 31, 2025.
Arts in Action is funded by a grant from Healing Illinois. Healing Illinois is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois.
We've been cooking up something special...
Check out "A Taste of DeKalb County Cookbook!" Now available for digital purchase.
This 71-page PDF features recipes from all corners of the county, stories about the people that came up with the recipes, and even photos of some unique local artifacts related to cooking and dining. It's a great capture of DeKalb County life -- from entrees to desserts.
Proceeds support professional development opportunities for museums in DeKalb County.
This app features a variety of historically and culturally significant places throughout DeKalb County. While not every possible point of interest can be included, we hope this app experience inspires you to continue exploring DeKalb County's local past and learn more about the everyday things around us.
Find out what the Out and About app brings to your fingertips in discovering many historic spots throughout DeKalb County IL
View it on the web or download it to your smartphone via Google Play or The App Store.
Hours:
Sundays: CLOSED
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesdays: 10 am - 4 pm
Wednesdays: 10 am - 4 pm
Thursdays: 10 am - 4 pm
Fridays: 10 am - 4 pm
Saturdays: 12 pm - 3 pm
Address:
1730 N Main St.
Sycamore, IL 60178
Phone:
History in Action
Click below
