DeKalb County History Center

DeKalb County History Center Inspiring curiosity in DeKalb County's history. The DeKalb County History Center is dedicated to "Inspiring curiosity in DeKalb County's history."

What a wonderful day celebrating art, agriculture, and community!Thank you to everyone who joined us for the unveiling o...
09/02/2026

What a wonderful day celebrating art, agriculture, and community!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the unveiling of “Sunup ‘til Sundown” by local Sycamore artist Kailey Rorer. We loved seeing so many kids immediately excited to try out the new public art bench, and we had so much fun decorating cookies and making crafts with all of you!

Kailey’s mural celebrates DeKalb County’s rich agricultural story. While our county has grown and changed since it was established in 1837, agriculture remains a defining part of our community. As of 2026, 88% of DeKalb County is still farmland, with approximately 2,300 farms, the majority locally owned.

From corn and soybeans to hogs, cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, pumpkins, apples, berries, and more, agriculture continues to shape the landscape and the lives of the people who call DeKalb County home.

A very special thank you to Kailey for bringing this story to life through “Sunup ‘til Sundown,” and to the Illinois Arts Council for their generous grant support of this Illinois America 250 Anniversary project.

We are also incredibly grateful to our in-kind supporters who helped make this project possible: Gehrke Construction, Inc., Finney Electric, Ozinga Concrete, Justin Jacobson, and the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

And a special thank you to Sycamore Park District and Noblewins for their support!

We hope this new piece of public art becomes a favorite place to sit, explore, imagine, and connect with DeKalb County’s agricultural heritage for years to come.

Thank you for helping us celebrate!

Agricultural information from the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, August 2026.

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO JOIN US!Curious about your family history? There’s still time to join "Uncover Your Family S...
09/02/2026

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO JOIN US!

Curious about your family history? There’s still time to join "Uncover Your Family Story" our 7-week Genealogy Class with Julie Dresser!

Starts TONIGHT, September 2 - October 14 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
DeKalb County History Center
$25 for all seven sessions

Registration closes at 4 p.m. today! Space is limited, so don't miss your chance to uncover the stories hiding in your family tree.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/uncover-your-family-story

Call 815-895-5762 or email [email protected] if you need assistance signing up!

DO YOU LIVE IN A RED, WHITE, OR BLUE HOUSE?The DeKalb County History Center is looking for a few red, white, or blue hom...
09/02/2026

DO YOU LIVE IN A RED, WHITE, OR BLUE HOUSE?

The DeKalb County History Center is looking for a few red, white, or blue homes in Sycamore to potentially be featured in this year’s Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes Tour!

In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, this year’s Historic Homes Tour is celebrating patriotic colors, local history, and the interesting stories hiding behind Sycamore’s doors. And here’s the important part: we are NOT looking for magazine-perfect homes. We are looking for interesting places with stories to tell!

Your home does not have to be a certain age. Red brick absolutely counts! It simply needs to be located in Sycamore and have some red, white, or blue to show off.

Participating homeowners receive:

• A full history of your property researched by the DeKalb County History Center
• 2 free tickets to enjoy the rest of the Historic Homes Tour
• A beautiful pumpkin bouquet
• Insurance coverage
• Docents provided

You can show as much or as little of your home as you would like, and you can be physically present as much or as little as you would like. One of our Historic Homes Walk committee members will personally be stationed at each participating home throughout the day.

The commitment is just one day: Saturday, October 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the House Walk Tours happening from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Have a red, white, or blue house? Know someone who does? We want to hear from you! Help us celebrate 250 years of American history by sharing a little piece of Sycamore history with the community. Tag friends, family, and neighbors who you think would be a good fit!

Interested in participating? Contact Jayne Higgins at [email protected]!

TODAY’S THE DAY! The FINAL Sycamore Farmers Market of the 2026 season is happening TODAY from 3–6 PM at the DeKalb Count...
09/01/2026

TODAY’S THE DAY! The FINAL Sycamore Farmers Market of the 2026 season is happening TODAY from 3–6 PM at the DeKalb County History Center!

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of an incredible first season hosting. From fresh produce and flowers to baked goods, honey, meats, specialty foods, handmade art, crafts, beverages, and so much more, the Sycamore Farmers Market has been a wonderful celebration of local agriculture, small businesses, makers, music, and COMMUNITY.

So let’s finish the 2026 season strong! Come out, shop local, visit with friends and neighbors, grab something delicious, and enjoy one last Tuesday afternoon at the Market.

🔥 We know it's going to be a hot one, so we encourage everyone to stay super hydrated today and remind visitors you can always pop inside the DeKalb County History Center for air conditioning, and visit the gift shop and the special exhibit while you stop in to cool off.

Explore the “We the People of DeKalb County” exhibit for just $5, with free admission for children 14 and under and History Center members.

SEASON FINALE ENTERTAINMENT:
Arcomusical brings the incredible sounds and stories of the berimbau, an Afro-Brazilian musical bow with roots in Africa, to the History Center! This FREE performance explores the instrument’s connections to Brazilian culture, capoeira, history, and the African diaspora.

Pre-show entertainment begins at 3 PM, with Arcomusical taking the stage around 4:30–5 PM. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Pavilion seating with our pop-up MVP Sports Bar is limited, so bring a blanket or lawn chair if you plan to stay for the music. Neighbors in the surrounding area are encouraged to ride their bikes over!

TODAY’S FOOD TRUCK:
The BlueSy Box

TODAY’S VENDORS:
One More Salsa
Rainbow Flock 'N Farm
Sandra’s Homemade
Stoney Willows
Lil C's mini cheesecakes
Red Ogre Gardens
Flourish Bakery
Every Little Bit
GypsyJams & Creations
Aunt Dede’s Real Bread Company
Bross Farm
Kim’s Getting Crafty
Davison Dough
Maggie E Designs
Rooted for Good

Thank you, Sycamore, for making the 2026 Sycamore Farmers Market season so special. Your support of local farmers, makers, bakers, artists, small businesses, and community organizations is what makes this Market possible.

Now let’s give the 2026 season the sendoff it deserves!

TODAY | 3–6 PM
DeKalb County History Center
1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore

The “Crib Notes Summer Concert Series” is partially funded by the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grant.

Lincoln Highway looking east toward Third Street in DeKalb, July 1948.
09/01/2026

Lincoln Highway looking east toward Third Street in DeKalb, July 1948.

WHAT DOES THE CONSTITUTION ACTUALLY SAY? 📜It might be one of the most important documents in American history, but how o...
08/31/2026

WHAT DOES THE CONSTITUTION ACTUALLY SAY? 📜

It might be one of the most important documents in American history, but how often do we actually sit down and read the Constitution?

Join the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, IL and the DeKalb County History Center for a four-part Lunch & Liberty book discussion series featuring Ben Sheehan’s "What Does the Constitution Actually Say?" A non-boring guide to how our democracy is supposed to work.

Each session will take a closer look at a different part of the Constitution, exploring its historical context and what it means in our lives today. Come ready to read, discuss, ask questions, and maybe see the Constitution a little differently.

Can’t make all four? No problem! Attend whichever sessions interest you. Feel free to bring your lunch!

Tuesdays, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, DeKalb County History center
September 15: Article I
September 22: Articles II & III
September 29: The Bill of Rights
October 6: The Remaining Amendments

All are welcome! Learn more at https://www.lwvdkc.org/events-1/lunchliberty-1

It’s hard to believe, but Tuesday, September 1 is the VERY LAST Sycamore Farmers Market of the 2026 season.What a season...
08/31/2026

It’s hard to believe, but Tuesday, September 1 is the VERY LAST Sycamore Farmers Market of the 2026 season.

What a season it has been. From fresh produce and local makers to familiar faces, new friends, live music, and countless conversations, the market has been such a special part of summer at the DeKalb County History Center. Come help celebrate one last market day! And we’re ending the season with something truly special.

ARCOMUSICAL is bringing the incredible sounds and stories of the berimbau, an Afro-Brazilian musical bow with roots in Africa, to the History Center for a FREE concert! Explore the berimbau’s connections to Brazilian culture, capoeira, history, and the African diaspora through an exciting and unforgettable musical performance.

Tuesday, September 1
3:00 PM: Pre-show entertainment
5:00 PM: Arcomusical
FREE concert! Recommended for ages 10+
This special performance is sponsored by the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grant

Plus, shop one last time this season from an amazing lineup of local farmers, makers, bakers, artisans, and more. Come for the market. Stay for the music. Help make our final market of 2026 one to remember!

Learn more about the Arcomusical performance and the full lineup of vendors at https://www.dekalbcountyhistory.org/events/sycamore-farmers-market-september-1-26/

From a downtown corn boil to one of DeKalb’s biggest annual celebrations, Corn Fest has certainly come a long way! 🌽🎶Thi...
08/30/2026

From a downtown corn boil to one of DeKalb’s biggest annual celebrations, Corn Fest has certainly come a long way! 🌽🎶

This weekend, thousands of people will gather once again for food, music, activities, and plenty of community fun. While Corn Fest may look different than it "officially" began in 1960, the heart of the celebration remains the same: bringing people together.

Before you head out to enjoy the final day of festivities, take a look back at where it all began through photographs and footage from the DeKalb County History Center collection.

If you attended this year, or any year since 1960, share your favorite memories in the comments below!

Have you ever wondered why our community is named after a Revolutionary War hero who never actually set foot in DeKalb C...
08/29/2026

Have you ever wondered why our community is named after a Revolutionary War hero who never actually set foot in DeKalb County?

Baron Johann Von de Kalb has a fascinating story that may surprise you. Born the son of a peasant in Germany, de Kalb rose to become one of the most highly respected military figures in France. At George Washington’s request, he spent the winter at Valley Forge helping train American troops. And when Benjamin Franklin traveled to France seeking French support for the American Revolution, de Kalb was sent to the colonies to assess the American cause and gather intelligence on the British.

From his unlikely beginnings to his service alongside American patriots, Baron de Kalb played a remarkable role in the story of the American Revolution.

Join us THIS Thursday, September 3 at 12:00 pm as we explore the life, legacy, and many reasons this brave and fascinating man became the namesake of our community.

FREE and open to the public! The lecture will take place at the Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center.

The faces may have changed, the fashions certainly have, and Corn Fest has grown quite a bit since its early days, but o...
08/29/2026

The faces may have changed, the fashions certainly have, and Corn Fest has grown quite a bit since its early days, but one thing has stayed the same, DeKalb County knows how to celebrate together! 🤡🎪🎠

From the early corn boils to the bustling festival it is today, Corn Fest has become part of the community’s story. Take a look back through our collection from 1980 at some of the sights, sounds, and people who have been part of Corn Fest through the years.

Do you recognize anyone? Have a favorite Corn Fest memory of your own? What are you most looking forward to at Corn Fest this year? Share in the comments below!

Address

1730 N Main Street
Sycamore, IL
60178

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 3pm

Telephone

+18158955762

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when DeKalb County History Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to DeKalb County History Center:

Shortcuts

Share

Category