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October 2021
Annual Ghost Walks
Where is the most haunted spot in Geneva? Join us for ghostly tales through guided tours of historic downtown. New stories including the Patten House Restaurant and the Geneva History Museum. Tours start at the Museum at 2PM, 4PM, 6PM or 8PM, rain or shine, and last about 45-minutes. Reservations: $10/Person $5/Museum Member 2PM Ghost Walk Registration - SOLD OUT! 4PM Ghost Walk Registration - SOLD OUT! 6PM Ghost Walk Registration - SOLD OUT! 8PM Ghost Walk Registration - SOLD…
Find out more »November 2021
Refueling the Past
Author Archie Bentz will share excerpts from his latest book, "Refueling the Past: A History of Service Stations in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles." His talk will be followed by a book signing. Reservations: $5/Person FREE/Museum Members IN-PERSON REGISTRATION - attend the program live at the Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street. VIRTUAL REGISTRATION - request a link to attend the program virtually. This program is one of a series of Monthly Programs offered at noon on the second Tuesday…
Find out more »December 2021
Annual Members Celebration 2021
Join us for this fun Members Only event - virtually! The evening includes updates on the museum, a presentation from the Board of Directors, voting on the museum's By-Law updates (view By-Laws here) and election of officers. VIRTUAL REGISTRATION HERE
Find out more »February 2022
The History of The Little Traveler
Once referenced as "Alice in Wonderland with price tags," The Little Traveler has become Geneva's most iconic shop. Hear the story of how it was started by Kate Raftery in 1922 and grew into a thriving business, transforming South Third Street from residential to business. Join us at noon on Tuesday, February 8. Please register for either in-person limited seating or to receive a link to join us virtually via Zoom. Register for IN-PERSON attendance: No food or beverages will…
Find out more »March 2022
Who Was Kate Raftery?
In honor of National Women's History Month, join us for this special presentation about The Little Traveler founder, Kate Raftery. Learn more about the woman behind this iconic shop, including her influence and impact on the community. Please register for either in-person limited seating or to receive a link to join us virtually via Zoom. Register for IN-PERSON attendance: No food or beverages will be allowed and face masks are required. Visit our Feature Gallery exhibition "100 Years of The…
Find out more »April 2022
“The Fox”
In honor of Earth Day, learn the story of Jim Phillips, a local environmentalist known only as "The Fox" up until his death in 2001. He garnered local and national attention in the 1970s while making enemies with the corporations that polluted the Fox River. Please register for either in-person limited seating or to receive a link to join us virtually via Zoom. Register for IN-PERSON attendance: No food or beverages will be allowed and face masks are required. Visit…
Find out more »Hats Off to Geneva
The Geneva History Museum will share an interesting piece of The Little Traveler's fashionable history. Back in the day, when women would buy a dress from the Traveler's dress department, they would receive extra fabric so they could have a matching hat made at a local hat shop. This program starts with a brunch at The Little Traveler followed by the program at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 320 Franklin Street. The museum will show hats from their collection and share…
Find out more »May 2022
Kate Raftery’s River Lane Beautification
Join Michael Lambert, City of Geneva Historic Preservation Planner, as he describes Kate Raftery's transformation of River Lane from shanties to summer homes. Please register for either in-person limited seating or to receive a link to join us virtually via Zoom. Register for IN-PERSON attendance: No food or beverages will be allowed and face masks are required. Visit our Feature Gallery exhibition "100 Years of The Little Traveler" after the program. Register for VIRTUAL attendance. Please call the museum if…
Find out more »VIP/Members Only Celebration of “100 Years of The Little Traveler” Exhibition
One of the many benefits of museum membership, join us for refreshments and viewing of this outstanding exhibition. Gather at 5:30 PM in the meeting room to hear stories from the great-granddaughter of the shop founder, Kate Raftery Muth, current owner, Michael Simon, and former shop manager, Norma Jaeger. REGISTER HERE
Find out more »Architecture of The Little Traveler
How did The Little Traveler grow from a stately 1867 Italianate home to the 36-room sprawling shop that it is today? The Geneva History Museum will take you through the building after hours to share the story of the many additions. The presentation will begin at St. Mark's Church (across the street from The Little Traveler's Fulton Street entrance). A museum guide will then lead a tour through The Little Traveler. Registrations are very limited and are taken online at…
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