Geneva History Museum

Team Trivia
2024-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Penrose Brewing Company, 509 Stevens Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join us for a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions and great beer at Penrose Brewing Company! Test your knowledge in four rounds of different topics (one round Geneva history) while enjoying delicious brews and good food with friends. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team, most creative team name and best costumes, so round up your smartest pals and show off your trivia skills. Don’t miss out on this exciting event to raise funds for the Geneva History Museum!
6-8 PM, Thursday, May 23, 2024
Penrose Brewing Company, 509 Stevens Street, Geneva
$100/team of four – Includes four drink tickets and swag bags for each team member with coupons and goodies from the museum’s Sterling Society partners. Pre-registration is required.
6:00 – 6:30 – Check-In
6:30 – 7:30 – Trivia Contest
Four rounds of topics with one round Geneva history specific
7:30 – 50/50 Raffle Winner Announced
PRIZES
Highest Score – Four $25 gift cards to Ella’s Italian Pub
Most Creative Team Name – Four $10 shop Geneva gift cards from the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (Submit team name at event check-in)
Best Team Costumes – Four $10 gift cards to the Gift Shop, image store or research at the Geneva History Museum

PRE-ORDER ONLY
Food must be pre-ordered with online registration or by calling Geneva History Museum by May 20.
Roman Style 8”x12” Pan Pizzas from Ella’s Italian Pub, pick-up at event check-in
Ella’s Farmhouse Pie $23
House Tomato Sauce | Sausage | Pepperoni | Mushrooms | Oregano | Basil | Fresh Mozzarella | House Cheese Blend
Simple Tomato Pie $18
House Tomato Sauce | EVOO | Basil | Fresh Mozzarella | House Cheese Blend
Smoked BBQ Chicken Pie $22
Calabrian BBQ Sauce | Smoked Chicken | Bacon | Basil | Fresh Mozzarella | House Cheese Blend | Red Onion | Cilantro
Onion Dip + House Chips $11
House made French Onion Dip | Chives

PRE-ORDER & PURCHASE AT THE EVENT
Beer Ticket $7 (4 included with team registration)
Soft Drink $5
Bottled Water $2
Mulligan $10 (earn a point for no answer, maximum two per team)
50/50 raffle $20

Cryptanalyst-in-Chief: Elizebeth Smith Friedman
2024-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Elizebeth Smith Friedman was a pioneer in code-breaking and one of the nation’s foremost cryptanalysts. She took down smuggling syndicates during Prohibition, broke enigma codes in WWII, and caught Nazi spies in South America. She and her husband, William Friedman, practically invented their field overnight. Learn about her start at the fabulous Geneva estate of Colonel George Fabyan, the eccentric millionaire, and how her research led to the start of the NSA. Presented by Vivien Lasken, Director of the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden.
REGISTER HERE

The History of South Third Street
2024-04-09 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about Geneva’s South Third Street including its evolution from residential to retail. Presented by GHM Educator, Heidi Howlett.
REGISTER HERE

Who Was Nelle Fabyan?
2024-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a talk on the woman behind Colonel George Fabyan, including her accomplishments and the legacy she left behind. Presented by GHM Executive Director, Terry Emma.
REGISTER HERE

Friends of Fabyan Panel
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
Come hear personal stories from some of the people who worked with Darlene Larson on Fabyan estate projects. Attendees will also be able to add their stories as well as ask questions from the panel.
REGISTER HERE

VIP/Members Only Exhibition Preview
2024-02-09 17:00 - 19:00
Saving Fabyan’s Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story – VIP/Members Only Exhibition Reception
5 -7 PM, Friday, February 9
One of the many benefits of membership – join us and be the first to preview this new exhibition. Refreshments will be served, reservations required. Recognition and brief presentation from the Larson family at 6 PM.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Freya's Farewell & Winter Solstice
2023-12-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join us from 7-8:30 PM, Thursday, December 21 at the Geneva History Museum for Freya’s Farewell, a final celebration of the immensely successful “Viking’s Voyage” exhibition. This event will take place on the actual date of the Winter Solstice, which was celebrated each year by the ancient Viking Yule festivities. Taste Viking style snacks and beverages, pose for a photo with costumed Viking reenactors ,and enjoy a final visit to the gallery exhibition before it closes. If you dare, frolic under the mistletoe or make a public announcement of your New Year’s resolutions, just like the ancient Vikings did.
The highlight of the evening will be the formal presentation of 8 handmade, museum quality replica Viking shields by Eagle rank Boy Scout Erik Longo, who organized a team of 15 other Scouts for this outstanding year-long public service project. These beautiful shields will be displayed along with the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition Viking Ship in Good Templar Park.
Please REGISTER HERE for this FREE Museum & Friends of the Viking Ship Member Event

Annual Members Only Meeting
2023-12-11 17:00 - 19:00
A membership meeting to review the bylaws and elect members of the board of directors. (View suggested bylaw changes HERE or pick up a copy at the museum.) Enjoy appetizers and refreshments while we share updates about the museum.
The winning raffle ticket for the diamond and ruby necklace donated from State Street Jewelers will be drawn at this event.
Take 20% off Gift Shop purchases made that evening only.
RSVP by Tuesday, December 5.
REGISTER HERE

Christmas Walk
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00
Special evening viewing of our 18th century nativity, the Feature Gallery Viking’s Voyage exhibition and the Main Gallery, Geneva’s Story. Take your photo at our Belong to Geneva’s Story neon selfie wall!

18th Century Crèche Display Opens
2023-11-21 - 2023-12-23
Come to the museum to marvel at our 18th century nativity scene, originally displayed at The Little Traveler since the 1930s. Display will be open through December 23.

Annual Geneva Giving Trees Display
2023-11-21 - 2024-01-01
Walk through downtown Geneva and visit the various Christmas trees decorated by local nonprofit organizations. Vote for your favorite online or in person at the museum. Voting continues through January 1, 2024. The organization that gets the most dollar votes for their tree will receive 100% of their proceeds, the others will split their votes with the museum.

Winter Life in Viking Times
2023-11-14 12:00 - 13:00
Kick-off your holiday season with a talk on winter Viking traditions. Presented by Dave Nordin, Vice-President of the Friends of the Viking Ship.
New this year, all Geneva History Museum members may register for free and will also have the ability to view the recorded program on our Members’ Only Video page. Non-members may register for $5/person.
This program is part of our Brown Bag series on the second Tuesday of each month September – November and February – May.
Become a member today to register for free registration to all of these programs and support this award-winning museum.
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Annual Ghost Walks
2023-10-28
Where is the most haunted spot in Geneva? Join us for ghostly tales shared through guided tours of historic downtown. Tours start at the museum with a few haunting videos and images.
Registration required and this event usually sells out. Please register in advance.
$15/Person; $10/Museum Members
2 PM GHOST WALK REGISTRATION SOLD OUT!
4 PM GHOST WALK REGISTRATION
4 PM GHOST WALK MEMBERS REGISTRATION
6 PM GHOST WALK REGISTRATION SOLD OUT!
8 PM GHOST WALK SOLD OUT!

West Side Cemetery Walk - 2 PM
2023-10-14 14:00 - 15:00
Explore Geneva’s oldest cemetery on Stevens Street. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Also learn about the recent restoration efforts by our Museum Educator and volunteers. Meet at cemetery.
$15/Person; $10/Museum Members
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE
Check out the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk at 10 AM

West Side Cemetery Walk - 12 PM
2023-10-14 12:00 - 13:00
Explore Geneva’s oldest cemetery on Stevens Street. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Also learn about the recent restoration efforts by our Museum Educator and volunteers. Meet at cemetery.
$15/Person; $10/Museum Members
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE
Check out the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk at 10AM

Oak Hill Cemetery Walk
2023-10-14 10:00 - 11:00
Explore Geneva’s east side cemetery on Route 25. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Meet at cemetery. NOTE: with Route 25 detour, you can get to cemetery by taking School Street north off of Route 38, and then head west on Dodson and take a right on Route 25 to the cemetery.
$15/Person; $10/Museum Members
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE
Check out the West Side Cemetery Walks at 12 PM and 2 PM

Dedication of Henry L. Bennett House
2023-10-12 16:00 - 19:00
Join us to celebrate the museum’s 80th anniversary with the dedication of the Henry L. Bennett House
4 – 7 PM, Thursday, October 12
(5 PM, dedication ceremony on front porch)
230 East State Street, Geneva
Current home of Coldwell Banker, and originally the home of the Henry L. Bennett family from 1867 – 1963.
Read more about the Bennett family history HERE.
R.S.V.P. not required
Stop by to enjoy appetizers, desserts, wine and mimosas while you stroll through the home and learn it’s history.
Donations welcome to benefit the Geneva History Museum.

To Iceland! And Beyond!
2023-10-10 12:00 - 13:00
Not Buzz, but Vikings Erick and Leif explored and settled on the islands across the North Atlantic from Scandinavia to modern day Newfoundland, Canada, over a thousand years ago. Join us to hear about their travels with presenter Dave Barrows, docent for Friends of the Viking Ship.
New this year, all Geneva History Museum members may register for free and will also have the ability to view the recorded program on our Members’ Only Video page. Non-members may register for $5/person.
This program is part of our Brown Bag series on the second Tuesday of each month September – November and February – May.
Become a member today to register for free registration to all of these programs and support this award-winning museum.
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Teal Gala Fundraiser
2023-09-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Riverside Receptions, 35 North River Lane, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join us to celebrate our 80th Anniversary with a Teal Gala Fundraiser!
Buffet dinner, one-of-a-kind raffle prizes, spinning winning wheel, wine pull, and fun video interviews.
6 – 9 PM, Thursday, September 14, 2023
Riverside Receptions, 35 North River Lane, Geneva

THE event you don’t want to miss!
$80/Person or $750/Table of 10 – Cash Bar
Business Casual
REGISTER HERE!
Admission includes one drink ticket and a swag bag including offers from our sponsors.

Ash Beauty Co., Crystal Life Technologies, Inc., Fuller’s Car Wash, Geneva Family Dental, G. Klemm Roofing Co., The Olive Mill, Stockholm’s Brew Pub, Timberland Financial Group, U.S. Bank, Von’s Electric

Restoring Freya
2023-09-12 12:00 - 13:00
Learn all about the process of restoring a century-old Viking Ship’s dragon head and tail, now named Freya. Presented by Third Coast Conservation who performed Freya’s recent restoration.
New this year, all Geneva History Museum members may register for free and will also have the ability to view the recorded program on our Members’ Only Video page. Non-members may register for $5/person.
This program is part of our Brown Bag series on the second Tuesday of each month September – November and February – May.
Become a member today to register for free registration to all of these programs and support this award-winning museum.
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Create Your Own Origami Dragon Boat
2023-08-09 10:00 - 11:00
Learn how to make your own small dragon origami boat in just 14 steps! Recommended for ages 10+. Registration required, $10/child, and includes admission to the museum. Parents must accompany children. Participants will be allowed to take home their creations.
REGISTER HERE

Viking Ship building and sailing & Rope making - Little Viking Activity
2023-07-19 10:00 - 11:00
Come build and sail several different ships. Learn the basics of making rope by hand. Recommended for ages 5-12. Registration required, $10/child, and includes admission to the museum. Parents must accompany children. Participants will be allowed to take home their creations.
REGISTER HERE

Lucet Cord & Rope making - Little Viking Activity
2023-06-28 10:00 - 11:00
Come learn how to use a Lucet, a tool Vikings used to create cords for clothing or straps. Recommended for ages 5-12. Registration required, $10/child, and includes admission to the museum. Parents must accompany children. Participants will be allowed to take home their creations.
REGISTER HERE

Swedish Days Trolley Tours
2023-06-21 - 2023-06-23
Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of Geneva’s east side including stories of houses, buildings, and people with an option to exit the trolley at Good Templar Park to take an additional 30-minute guided tour of the Viking Ship. Tours start every hour from 12 PM – 4 PM Wednesday, June 21, Thursday, June 22, and Friday, June 23 at South Third and Campbell Streets. The trolley will pick up visitors from Good Templar Park on the next tour. The 4 PM tour will not include the Viking Ship tour option, but the tour will take visitors to see the location of the ship. Registration is required and seating is limited. All participants will receive free admission to the Geneva History Museum and a swag bag of coupons from our sponsors.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21
12 PM Tour
1 PM Tour
2 PM Tour
3 PM Tour
4 PM Tour
THURSDAY, JUNE 22
12 PM Tour
1 PM Tour
2 PM Tour
3 PM Tour
4 PM Tour
FRIDAY, JUNE 23
12 PM Tour
1 PM Tour
2 PM Tour
3 PM Tour
4 PM Tour

History of Geneva Vikings
2023-05-09 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about the history of Geneva High School’s Viking mascot. Presented by GHM Educator, Heidi Howlett.
This is a Brown Bag Series Program presented at the Geneva History Museum at noon on the second Tuesday of each month from September – November and February – May. Please register in advance to assure seating.
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION
VIRTUAL REGISTRATION

Viking Cuisine
2023-04-11 12:00 - 13:00
Come learn all about the lifestyle and eating habits of the Vikings. Presented by Dave Nordin, Vice-President of Friends of the Viking Ship.
This is a Brown Bag Series Program presented at the Geneva History Museum at noon on the second Tuesday of each month from September – November and February – May. Please register in advance to assure seating.
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION
VIRTUAL REGISTRATION

Viking Women
2023-03-21 12:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a presentation on Viking women by Dave Nordin, Vice-President of Friends of the Viking Ship.
This is a Brown Bag Series Program presented at the Geneva History Museum at noon on the second Tuesday of each month from September – November and February – May. Please register in advance to assure seating.
In-Person Registration
Virtual Registration

VIP/Members Only Exhibition Opening
2023-02-03 17:00 - 19:00
This event is reaching capacity. Please call to inquire about a reservation. 630-232-4951
One of the many benefits of being a Geneva History Museum member! Join us for this sneak preview of the new Feature Gallery exhibition, Viking’s Voyage – A 19th century ship’s journey from Norway to Illinois.
Come explore the story of this replica ship that is the largest surviving display artifact of the 1893 Columbian Exposition and holds more than twenty-five years of Geneva history. This is the first time the newly restored nine-foot-tall dragon head and tail of the ship will be on display.
Special presentation on the history of the Viking Ship at 5:30 PM, The Vikings are Coming! by Dave Nordin, Vice-President of Friends of the Viking Ship.
Refreshments will be served.

Annual Members Celebration
2022-12-12 17:00 - 18:30
Celebrate with us!
5 PM, Monday, December 12
Enjoy appetizers and refreshments.
Stories about the museum and play a Geneva history game.
Explore the museum gallery and new neon selfie wall.
Take 20% off Gift Shop purchases made that evening only.
REGISTER HERE

History of the Crèche
2022-11-08 12:00 - 13:00
Kick-off your holiday season with a talk on our 18th century Neapolitan nativity. Hear unique stories and hidden meanings behind this masterpiece that was first displayed at The Little Traveler in the 1930’s. Be the first to view the Crèche this holiday season – it will be setup for this program and ready for viewing during regular museum hours through December 23. Read about the display HERE.
This is a Brown Bag Program presented at noon on the second Tuesday of each month from September-November and February-May.

REGISTER HERE to join us IN-PERSON or to receive a link for a VIRTUAL experience. Program will be recorded and available for viewing on our YouTube Channel.
