Ela Historical Society

10/08/2026

We lost a saint this week. Pam Frank Pannell passed away. Anyone who knew Pam would agree. She was kind and caring and I knew her for perhaps 65 years or so.
Our parents were in many organizations together, we attended St. Peter together, we were in Job's Daughters together, and as she was a few years older than I, she was a mentor.
In Job's, as we learned the Roberts Rules of running an organization, we helped with all the various events of the Masonic hall such as pancake breakfasts and rummage sales. We also had a lot of fun.
In recent years we reconnected as we reminisced about growing up during the old days of Lake Zurich while we volunteered at the Ela Historical Society.
I was lucky to count her as a friend and to borrow her rose colored glasses from time to time. I miss her already.
Nancy Loomis Schroeder

09/17/2026

Thursday Sept 17th

😩😩 We are sad to report that we have decided to cancel our History Day event, which was scheduled for this Saturday. The forecast still calls for rain throughout the day with possible thunderstorms, which would put a real damper on all the outdoor activities we had planned. We’ve been hoping and praying all week that it would get better, but were awarded no joy. We’re all terribly disappointed after looking forward to this all year.

09/13/2026

2026 History Day CANCELLED BECAUSE OF RAIN FORECAST😩

09/12/2026

CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN,! ☹️One week away from blowing off the Civil War replica cannon! (Blanks of course!) Full schedule coming soon! Kids Camp at 3:30 pm, learn to march and explore the Union camps and artifacts! 2026 History Day and Artisan Market! Our 50th Anniversary as a Museum! Come support us! 9/19, 11-4 pm! 44 artisan vendors to shop and lots of free stuff for kids!

09/10/2026

We are in need of volunteers for history day! Please lend us a few hours of your time ❤️

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

09/08/2026

Saturday, September 19 at Lions Park! 44 artisans! Come support us at at The 2026 History Day and Artisan Market! Our 50th Anniversary as a Museum! Thank you again, Brian Mattey for the drone video!

08/29/2026

3 weeks from today! 11-4 pm 2026 History Day and Artisan Market! Our 50th Anniversary as a Museum! We hope to see you there! If you would like to help volunteer that day please sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B45ACA92EA5FB6-65072819-history

08/22/2026

NOTICE: The Board of Directors of the Ela Historical Society has changed their meeting date to meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm. Our next meeting will be Thursday September 10 at 7:00pm

08/22/2026

We are remembering one of our past President's birthday. Spencer Loomis was born 105 years ago on Sunday. Here are some pictures of his life here in Lake Zurich.