The Elmhurst History Museum is gearing up for a weekend of sports excitement, first with the opening of “Bear Down: Football in the Windy City,” which opens to the public on Friday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m.
The exhibit explores the history of football in Chicagoland, said Executive Director Dave Oberg, where “Guests will discover championship triumphs, fierce rivalries, unforgettable moments, and the enduring legacy left on sports history and pop culture by these legendary teams, from the storied Cardinals to the Monsters of the Midway—the Chicago Bears,” as explained in a museum news release.
There will be artifacts, uniforms, photographs and game footage, as well as interactive experiences and family friendly programming, the release outlines, to help visitors to “connect” with over 140 years of football history.
“This is going to be a blockbuster,” Oberg said with enthusiasm, adding with a chuckle that “I’m having flashbacks to the ’85 Bears!”
He said it is fitting for the museum to offer a football exhibit in part with “Elmhurst being so connected to the rails.”
There are “a hundred and forty years of tradition of football in this area,” Oberg added.
Bear Down will be on display through Jan. 24, 2027.
And in keeping with the Chicago theme, the Blooze Brothers will be performing at the museum’s bandshell at 7 p.m. Friday night as part of the museum’s Fourth Friday Concert Series. The concert is free to attend.
“We wanted opening night to be this Chicago tradition,” Oberg said.
On Sunday, Aug. 30, vintage baseball takes “center field” at 2 p.m., when a vintage baseball game will be played called “Town vs. Gown,” with City of Elmhurst elected officials, commissioners and staff, versus staff and alumni from Elmhurst University.
Oberg said there have been several “rival” teams over the years; and the game between these two teams began in 2019, taking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is now “a beloved local tradition.”
He said the game will be played with the rules of 1858 with what he called “the old Knickerbocker rules,” adding that he will be serving as an umpire, “using the language of the 19th century.”
Oberg said these two teams have had their own rivalry and as for the wins, it “see-saws back and forth.”
The winner will receive the Cottage Hill Cup, Oberg said, adding, “We make it a lot of fun.”
The free event will be held at the Elmhurst University Mall; 190 S. Prospect Ave.
Oberg summed up the weekend by saying, “A sports weekend; that’s what I’m calling it.”
For more information, visit elmhursthistory.org.
