Curating Curiosity
Meet Elmhurst History Museum’s new leader of learning
Since its founding in 1957, the Elmhurst History Museum has been focused on sharing the vibrant backstories of the city through thoughtful collection, enlightening exhibits, and diverse educational experiences. The Museum plays a vital role in the community by showcasing the richness of its past, fostering a deeper appreciation of local heritage, and nurturing a lasting sense of pride.
The newest addition to the Elmhurst History Museum family is Emma Marston, the Curator of Education and Public Programs. In this role, Marston is tasked with carrying out the museum’s mission by creating innovative programs to connect students, families, and adults to Elmhurst’s local history.
“Everyone that I’ve talked to, both on staff and visitors, has just been really wonderful and welcoming. So I really feel lucky to be part of such a great community,” Marston said. “Especially with the kids—I spend a lot of time right now in the classrooms, and it is really a great feeling when you know the kids are excited to see you. They want to hear all about these things.”
Thanks to Marston’s work, students are able to participate in engaging programming like living history experiences at the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse, museum field trips, and portable in-classroom lessons. Getting to interact with students of all ages in a variety of upbeat settings is one of the most exciting parts about Marston’s job.
“I do the fun parts,” Marston said. “Even the young kids, they come up with these really great questions. And sometimes…I’m like, I don’t know the answer to that, this is a thing that I need to research and kind of do some digging into. You never quite know what the kids are going to tell you, but it’s always very interesting.”
“What I think is interesting is… how much that we see in the past is not that different from what we’re doing every day in our own lives.”
– EMMA MARSTON, ELMHURST HISTORY MUSEUM
CURATOR OF EDUCATION AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Marston already has some exciting summer events scheduled, including a summer concert series at the museum’s new outdoor performance space. The venue will host a variety of concerts and outdoor activities with entertainment for all ages. Marston said it will be a great communal hub for residents and visitors alike to enjoy summertime at the museum.
In July, Marston and the museum will host the Family Farm Fest, where families can travel back in time to the early days of Elmhurst by participating in interactive farm chores, creating unique art projects, and visiting the petting zoo. The event goes hand-in-hand with their current exhibit, “Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage,” and it provides a hands-on perspective that allows residents to immerse themselves in the city’s agricultural roots.
“You don’t want to think about [history] in terms of just memorizing names and dates, right? That’s not interesting,” Marston said about the importance of collaborative and interactive history lessons. “What I think is interesting is… how much that we see in the past is not that different from what we’re doing every day in our own lives.”
Marston’s extensive experience in education and local history is an asset to both the museum and the community. Dave Oberg, Elmhurst History Museum’s Executive Director, said he’s thrilled to welcome her to the team.
“With her unique background, we know she will continue to grow our school and public programming, with a focus on lifelong learning, local history, and community,” Oberg said.
For more information about programming and upcoming events at the Elmhurst History Museum, visit ElmhurstHistory.org.
A summer concert series will take place at the museum’s new outdoor performance space.
