Glen Ellyn Historical Society

In 1968, the Village of Glen Ellyn purchased an old building located on Geneva Road, just west of N. Main Street. This much-modified building originally was a wayside inn built by Moses and Joann Stacy in 1846, just 12 years after the first settlers arrived here.

At the urging of Village officials, The Glen Ellyn Historical Society was formed in 1969 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by a group of volunteers to assist the Village in restoring the building to its original condition and to furnish it with period-appropriate furniture, stoves, cooking and eating utensils, and tools. That task took seven years, but the result was an award-winning museum which stands today as the only fully restored stagecoach inn in Illinois resting on its original foundation.

The Glen Ellyn Historical Society continues to operate Stacy’s Tavern Museum for the Village, providing regular tours guided by knowledgeable docents. But the Society’s role in the community has grown considerably since 1969.

Around the Museum you will find the History Park at the intersection of Main Street and Geneva Road in Glen Ellyn. Offices and programs are offered at the Glen Ellyn History Center at 800 N. Main Street. Inside the History Center, you will find the Glen Ellyn Center for Historical Research and our wonderful gift shop, Stacy’s Corners Store.

Also part of the History Park is Ward Plaza at the corner of Geneva Road and N. Main Street. This beautiful plaza offers a welcoming north entrance to the Village of Glen Ellyn. Opened in 2011, it is dedicated to Historical Society members and long-time volunteers Doug and Ruthann Ward.

The Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and honor our history. Our vision is a vibrant organization that educates, engages and inspires through history. We hope you will join us in creating a vibrant community with a rich past and promising future.

The History Center is located next to Forest Glen Elementary School, and directly across the street from a 7-11 convenience store. We are one block south of the intersection of Geneva Rd., St. Charles Rd., and N. Main St. We are one mile north of downtown Glen Ellyn and the train station.