After a winter break, the museum at 27 La Salle St. reopens April 6, 1-4 pm. Visit Saturdays or Sundays through October to explore relics from the mid-19th century, a time when local rivers were vital transport routes. Support the museum's preservation by donating to HEF, PO Box 117, Elsah, IL 62028, or online at www.historicelsah.org. Last year's donations restored the village's original bell, now proudly displayed.

The Elsah Village Museum at 26 Lasalle Street unveils a photography exhibit on April 6, 3-4pm, celebrating local talent in Native Species and Historical Abstraction. The public is invited to the opening and awards event. The exhibit runs until June 30. Next contest entries are due by January 2025. For more, email [email protected] or visit www.historicelsah.org.

Principia College is enhancing its sustainability efforts with a new solar farm on Beltrees Road, next to the Cross-Country course. Covering 8 acres of its 2600-acre campus, the solar farm will meet 28% of the college's energy needs and cut carbon emissions by 4.5 million pounds a year. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for April 11, 4:30-5 pm at the site. Attendees should park at the Crafton Athletic Center lot.

On April 11, the book club will explore "This Other Eden" by Paul Harding. The next meeting on May 9 will feature "Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom" by Ilyon Woo. For more details, email [email protected].

Elsah cherishes its heritage, highlighted by the Historic Elsah Foundation's Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series, free to the public. Organized by Tim Tomlinson, the 2024 series at Farley Music Hall includes talks on "Chautauqua: An American Icon" (April 18), "The Semples of Elsah" (September 19), and "Completing the Great River Road" (October 17). Thanks to Tim Tomlinson and HEF President Donna DeWeese for their efforts in making history accessible to all.

Join the Treehouse Wildlife Center's annual spring baby shower on April 22, 10am-4pm, to celebrate native wildlife babies. Enjoy Professor Longhair’s magic, free games, crafts, and meet the Center's animal ambassadors. Artisan vendors offer a festive atmosphere. This free, family-friendly event encourages donations for a chance to win prizes. Visit www.treehousewildlifecenter.com for donation details.

The village's skilled maintenance team has installed new guardrails and handrails on the two one-way bridges on Mill St. These enhancements aim to support pedestrians and reduce damage from vehicle incidents. Following two large trucks hitting the bridge at 67 Mill St. in recent years, reflective signs have been added to improve safety.

Principia College invites the public to April events: Judy Pfaff lecture (2nd), AI conference (4th-5th), and Dance Prod 2024 (11th-13th) at Wanamaker and McVay Center. Earth Day events with piano recitals by Evan Minsk (13th, 20th) on Watson Green and Davis Music Hall. Choir, orchestra, jazz concert (19th), and guest tenor Edgar Miguel Abreu (29th) at McVay Center and Davis Music Hall. For sports and membership details, visit www.principia.athletics.com.

Contact Village Clerk Barb Ostrowski (618-374-1568) or Mayor Mike Pitchford (618-616-4948) for Elsah government matters. Zoning Board and Trustees meet monthly, open to public. Trustees include Connie Davis and others. Agendas are posted outside the Post Office. Visit Civic Center at 51 Mill Street; Darr Hall available for rentals.