Events
Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series
Historic Elsah Foundation was formed by Dr. Charles Hosmer and Dr. Paul Williams – both were professors at Principia College – as a non-profit organization in 1971. HEF’s purpose is to preserve and enhance the historic buildings, houses, architecture, and culture of the Village of Elsah. Elsah’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places was also the work of Hosmer and Williams.
Each year, Historic Elsah Foundation presents the Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series, which offers important insights into the rich historical significance of Elsah, its surrounding areas, or our state.
The lectures are free and open to the public.
To become a member of HEF and help contribute to this important work, check out HistoricElsah.org.
Historic Elsah Museum Photo Competition 2025
Deadline: 01.11.2025
Announcing a new creative opportunity!
We hope you’ll join us sometime this year to shoot in the village and submit your compositions for our Photography Competition and Exhibit Historic Elsah and its river region is diverse, unique and inspiring!
Hope to see you in Elsah!
Village of Elsah Festival
The Village of Elsah Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Escape to the historic village for an afternoon of fun, music, and tours during the event. The village is located on the banks of the Mississippi River along the Great River Road. All businesses and historic buildings will be open throughout the afternoon featuring food, drink and craft vendors. The day will be packed with great food and opportunities to support our local artists. Live music will also be heard throughout the village while festival goers enjoy exploring the quaint charm and surrounding beauty. Come join us for a Fall day in beautiful Elsah.
Interested in being a vendor? Submit online or print and mail in the vendor registration form. Forms and payment must be received by August 1 to hold your vendor space. For more information: [email protected]
Home for the Holidays House Tour – December 2, 2023
Elsah’s annual Home for the Holidays House Tour is on Saturday, December 2nd, 1 to 5 p.m. Eight historic homes, beautifully decorated for the season, will be open for the House Tour, along with five of Elsah’s public buildings, the village shops, and bed & breakfast inns, giving guests a very special self-guided walking tour through our picturesque and historic village. Tickets purchased in advance are $20.00, and go on sale beginning October 15th, 2023. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event for $25.00. Ticket holders receive a tour booklet, which includes a photo and a brief historical description of each of the buildings, along with a map and directory. The event is hosted by the Village of Elsah and Historic Elsah Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to historic education and preservation in Elsah. Proceeds benefit HEF. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit HistoricElsah.org.
Eagle Season: January – March
American Bald Eagles make their winter home on the Mississippi River between Alton and Pere Marquette, drawing eagle watchers from all over the region. Join others as you drive the Great River Road viewing the historic majestic beauty of the bluffs and spot the eagles perched among them. Elsah is a prime location and Elsah General Store is one of the ‘hot spots’ designated by the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. While in Elsah, take advantage of great overnight deals at The Green Tree Inn “bed and breakfast” or stay at the Maple Leaf Cottage Inn. While visiting, stop in one of Elsah’s newest boutique shops. Various activities have also been planned throughout the region. For more information on eagle season activities visit Great Rivers & Routes.