Ellwood House Museum

Given to the DeKalb Park District in 1964 by Mrs. Erwin Perry Ellwood and her three children, the property is operated as a museum by the not-for-profit Ellwood House Association.

The story of the Ellwood House reflects the central role of Isaac Ellwood in the development of the barbed wire industry in America. The magnificent estate is also a testimony to three generations of the Ellwood family whose tastes shaped the evolution of the house and grounds.

As you visit Ellwood House you will be aware of the comfort and quality of workmanship that wealth could provide. At the same time, you also sense the warmth and hospitality of a family home that was lived in for almost one hundred years.

Operated by the not-for-profit Ellwood House Association in conjunction with the DeKalb Park District.  



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Annual Meeting, Entertainment, and Event at the Ellwood House

Ellwood House Association will host its 46^th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors on May 17, 2012. The public is invited to attend the free event. Doors open at 6:45pm with the meeting beginning at 7:15pm; desserts and coffee will be served. As part of the evening, a presentation will be delivered by Terry Hannan of the DeKalb County Forest Preserve. Mr. Hannan will provide an update on the newly relocated Miller Log Cabin (childhood home of Harriet Augusta Miller Ellwood).

Directly following the meeting will be the opening of a new exhibit featuring the history of the Ellwood-Nehring House. A timeline of architectural changes and ownership of the remarkable home can be viewed through original historic photographs and artifacts.

The exhibit opening reception will mark the kickoff of the Ellwood-Nehring House fundraising campaign and a discussion of how the home will be used to extend the Ellwood Museum Campus. Please R.S.V.P. by 5pm on May 16^th to reservations@ellwoodhouse.org 

Volunteer Docent Training at Ellwood House Museum

Volunteers have been the backbone of the tour program at the Ellwood House Museum since its opening in 1967. Docents (or volunteer guides) relate the story of the Ellwood family and their Mansion, of barbed wire and of DeKalb for thousands of visitors every year.

Training sessions for new docents will start on April 17th at 6:30 PM and continue on  April 24, May 1, May 8 and May 15 in the Museum’s Visitor Center Hearthside room.

Sessions will cover information about the Ellwood Family, barbed wire fencing, the architecture and history of the Mansion and the mechanics of giving a tour.

For further information or to reserve a space please contact Donna Gable, Director of Visitor Services at the Ellwood House at 815-756-4609 or dgable@ellwoodhouse.org.

 

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