Sarah Cox spent two years tracking down Chicago football artifacts for the Elmhurst History Museum. She worked with Bears officials in Lake Forest, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and private collectors across the region. The payoff arrives Friday, Aug. 28, when her exhibit, "Bear Down: Football in the Windy City," opens to the public at 1 p.m.

Cox, the museum's curator of exhibits, told the Chicago Tribune that a Sid Luckman game jersey on loan from the Hall of Fame is the centerpiece. She called it her "piece de resistance."

The exhibit also features Red Grange's football shoes, a program from the Oct. 18, 1924, University of Illinois homecoming game and memorabilia tied to Chicago Cardinals stars Ernie Nevers and Charley Trippi. It covers more than 140 years of area football, including the Elmhurst Travelers, a local semi-pro team that played in town for 41 seasons from 1927 to 1968.

Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation.

Executive Director Dave Oberg predicted the exhibit would be a blockbuster, telling the Elmhurst Independent the museum is treating the entire weekend as a sports celebration. Friday evening brings the Blooze Brothers to the museum's outdoor bandshell at 7 p.m. as part of the Fourth Friday Concert Series. The concert is free, and attendees can bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Oberg said the band was chosen to honor Chicago tradition on opening night.

On Sunday, Aug. 30, the action moves to the Elmhurst University Mall at 190 S. Prospect Ave. for "Town vs. Gown," a free vintage baseball game pitting City of Elmhurst elected officials, commissioners and staff against Elmhurst University staff and alumni. First pitch is 2 p.m.

The game follows 1858 Knickerbocker rules, with Oberg serving as umpire and calling plays in 19th-century language. The rivalry started in 2019, paused during the pandemic and has become what Oberg called a beloved local tradition. The winner takes home the Cottage Hill Cup.

Looking ahead, Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Hampton, a defensive tackle on the Bears' Super Bowl XX championship team, will speak at a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Elmhurst University. Tickets are $45 per person.

The museum is at 120 E. Park Ave. Exhibit hours are 1-5 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. More information is available at elmhursthistory.org.