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 2024
You’re invited to submit your creative photos to the upcoming Historic Elsah Photo Competition! Visit HistoricElsah.org for more details: including awards, digital submissions, competition guidelines, image uploading, and payment options. Plenty of time to plan a trip and take in our lovely natural setting and historic village!
Village of Elsah Festival
A HUGE thank you to everyone who took part in the 2023 Fall Festival. Thanks to all the folks who came from near and far to spend their day visiting our quaint village. We appreciated all the food vendors, artisans, musicians, and handicraft vendors who participated in our festival. It was a special delight to have our local QEM fire truck available on the grounds letting kids “drive” the big red shiny truck. A special thanks to the many volunteers and the Village Maintenance Crew who worked so hard to make this year’s festival the best one yet! See you next year!
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.