Youth Programs | Explore Learn Connect

Ellwood Explorers

The Ellwood House Museum is pleased to announce the launch of Ellwood Explorers, a new collection of themed activity backpacks designed for elementary school-aged children. Available now for free check-out, the backpacks invite young visitors to discover the Museum through hands-on, curiosity-driven learning.

Each Ellwood Explorers backpack is packed with engaging STEAM-friendly activities tailored to a specific theme, encouraging kids to observe, question, and explore as they move through the historic mansion and grounds. Backpack themes include:

Insects at Ellwood Park
America’s 250th
Sights and Sounds of the Ellwood Mansion Tour
The Horses of Ellwood House Museum
Fun at the Visitor’s Center

Ellwood Explorers backpacks are available for check-out during regular Museum open hours from Wednesday through Sunday, 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Backpacks may be checked out for free at the Visitor Center’s front desk and used throughout a visit.

Frame of Mind

“Frame of Mind” is a collaborative program between the Ellwood House Museum, DeKalb County K-12 schools, and local businesses.

Throughout the school year, teachers are encouraged to gather student artwork for submission to Frame of Mind. All schools in DeKalb County are encouraged and invited to participate. Each year, a guest jury selects about twenty works to be professionally framed for exhibit in the Museum’s Visitor Center.

After the exhibit, county businesses will have the opportunity to “rent” the pieces for a one-year period to be displayed in their lobbies, offices, or stores. Artwork will be returned to students at the end of the loan period.

Frame of Mind gives students from across the county a unique opportunity to showcase their artwork in a professional setting while building stronger community connections.

Interested in renting artwork?

If your business or nonprofit is interested in renting a piece of framed artwork or sculpture for public display, please use the form here to reach out!

You can also contact Audrey King: king@ellwoodhouse.org; (815) 756-4609

Click here to view a program overview for renters.

Click here to view the artwork rental form.