Mission

The mission of the Ellwood House Association is to engage visitors with authentic examples of ingenuity and architecture by sharing the Ellwood mansion, gardens, and museum campus.

Grasses and wildflowers in front of a stone building with autumn-colored trees in the background.

Historic mansion named Ellwood Homestead in DeKalb, Illinois, with ornate architecture, a large front porch, and surrounding trees.

Core Values

Integrity

Responsibly achieve our goals through historical accuracy and financial sustainability.

Stewardship

Preserve and conserve the historic structures, collections, and landscape entrusted to our care.

Education

Serve a diverse audience through engaging educational programs, tours, and exhibits.

Excellence

Provide an outstanding visitor experience which fosters a richer appreciation for and exploration of local history and the Ellwood museum campus.

An antique horse-drawn carriage with large wheels parked in front of a traditional house with rustic architecture, featuring a red-tiled roof and wooden framing on the facade. A tall pine tree is visible in the background.

Vision

Our vision is for a dynamic museum campus, deeply rooted in our community, providing connections between the past and today, inspiring creativity, and sharing a sense of wonder.