Geneva History Museum

Annual Members Celebration
2019-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Members only private party to celebrate the Museum’s accomplishments. A review of the Museum’s finances and voting for Board of Directors positions, followed by appetizers, wine, and fun. Special 20% off Gift Shop discount for attendees.
REGISTER HERE

Museum Merry Mixer Fundraiser
2019-12-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Enjoy appetizers, music and raffle prizes at this cocktail party fundraiser for our magnificent 18th century nativity restoration. Reservations include appetizers and one drink ticket – $5/each for additional tickets.
REGISTER HERE

Special Evening Viewing of the Annual Geneva Giving Trees & 18th Century Créche Display
2019-12-06 17:00 - 21:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Special evening viewing of Christmas trees and our 18th century nativity during the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Christmas Walk. Take your photo in our antique sleigh photo booth!

Annual Geneva Giving Trees & 18th Century Créche Display Open
2019-11-26 11:00 - 16:00
Visit our gallery of Christmas trees decorated by local charities. Marvel at our 18th century Créche, a historic nativity scene originally displayed at The Little Traveler since the 1930s. Giving Trees and Créche on display through December 21.

Champagne Brunch at The Little Traveler
2019-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 | The Little Traveler, 404 South Third Street, Geneva, 60134
Kick-off your holiday season in the Atrium Café with a special Italian-themed brunch fundraiser for restoration of our 18th century Neapolitan nativity. Hear unique stories behind this masterpiece first displayed at The Little Traveler starting in the 1930s. Limited seats available. Participants get a goodie bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants and a special first-viewing of the season of the Créche at the Geneva History Museum that afternoon.
REGISTER HERE or call The Little Traveler 630-232-4200

History of the Fabyan Forest Preserve
2019-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
In honor of the 80th anniversary of Kane County’s acquisition of the Fabyan Estate, Vivian Lasken, Director of the Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden, will share stories of Fabyan Forest Preserve’s history.
REGISTER HERE

Geneva On Wheels - November 8
2019-11-08 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a 45-minute van tour of historic Geneva, sharing fun stories of people, properties and events. Tour registration is $25/person and includes a Goodie Bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants, FREE admission to the Museum and a postcard from the Gift Shop.
Schedule your own tour date, minimum 6 people. Bring your own bus or trolly and we will hop on to give the tour. Bike tours and walking tours also available. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
Click Here To Register
Register for other Geneva On Wheels dates – September 25 & October 29

Last Day - Kane County Juried Art Exhibition
2019-11-02 11:00 - 16:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Last chance to explore these thirty-two selected artworks submitted by residents from Kane County. Discover the winners of “Best in Show 2D,” “Best in Show 3D,” “Honorable Mentions” and the “Crowd Pleaser” awards. Feature Gallery open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission $3/person, $2/children ages 3 to 10 and FREE for Museum Members.

Geneva On Wheels - October 29
2019-10-29 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a 45-minute van tour of historic Geneva, sharing fun stories of people, properties and events. Tour registration is $25/person and includes a Goodie Bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants, FREE admission to the Museum and a postcard from the Gift Shop.
Schedule your own tour date, minimum 6 people. Bring your own bus or trolly and we will hop on to give the tour. Bike tours and walking tours also available. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
Click Here To Register
Register for other Geneva On Wheels dates – September 25 & November 8

Annual Ghost Walks
2019-10-26
Where is the most haunted spot in Geneva? Join us for ghostly tales shared through guided tours of the Historic district. Tours start at the Museum. Tours at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.SOLD OUT and 8 p.m.SOLD OUT – Space is limited so register early!
Register Here

West Side Cemetery Walk
2019-10-12 14:00 - 15:00 | WestSide Cemetery, 301 Stevens Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Explore Geneva’s oldest cemetery on Stevens Street. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Meet at the cemetery.
Register Here
Join us for the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk at 11 a.m.

Oak Hill Cemetery Walk
2019-10-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Oak Hill Cemetery, Route 25, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Explore Geneva’s east side cemetery on Route 25. Learn the meanings of markings of tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Meet at the cemetery.
REGISTER HERE
Join us for the West Side Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Radical Decorative: Geneva's Howell Furniture Company at the Century of Progress
2019-10-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair closing on October 31, 1934. Join Stuart Henn, Marketing and Education Coordinator from Northern Illinois University Art Museum, as he explores Geneva’s connection to the Century of Progress Exposition.
Register by Clicking Here

Geneva On Wheels - September 25
2019-09-25 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a 45-minute van tour of historic Geneva, sharing fun stories of people, properties and events. Tour registration is $25/person and includes a Goodie Bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants, FREE admission to the Museum and a postcard from the Gift Shop.
Schedule your own tour date, minimum 6 people. Bring your own bus or trolly and we will hop on to give the tour. Bike tours and walking tours also available. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
Click Here To Register
Register for other Geneva On Wheels dates – October 29 & November 8

BBQ at the Museum - Annual Fundraiser
2019-09-12 18:00 - 21:00
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Please join us next year.
Join us for an evening of fun under a lit canopy to help raise funds for the museum, 6 to 9p.m., Thursday, September 12. Special guest emcee Scott Mackay of 95.9FM The River. Cash bar $5/ticket to purchase beer from Stockholm’s Brew Pub, wine from Patten House Restaurant and a cocktail creation from Fox River Distilling Company.
Dinner, wine, beer, cocktails, silent auction and two new events – wine pull and a jewelry heist!
Wine Pull – 50 bottles of wine will be available for purchase for $20/each. Pick your wrapped bottle for a chance to win a nice bottle of wine and several will include gift certificates worth even more!
Jewelry Heist – Purchase a key for $20 each or 6 for $100 to find one of the five keys that might unlock the treasure chest full of five beautiful jewelry creations from State Street Jewelers. Pick out the wrapped jewelry box of your choice and unveil your winnings at the end of the event. Jewelry includes: Sterling Silver Belle E Toile Earrings valued @ $225, Stainless Steel Quartz Watch valued @ $420, Amethyst & 14k White Gold Diamond Pendant $735, 14k Yellow Gold three Opal Pendant valued @ $950, 14k Gold Diamond Necklace valued @ $1,995.
Registration is required to plan for food and seating. Please enter the museum through the front doors to check-in and walk through the museum to the event. Check-out will take place at the end of the evening inside the museum meeting room.
Auction donations and sponsorships are always welcome. Please contact Terry Emma at Director@GenevaHistoryMuseum.org.

Peck Farm Park: A Family Legacy
2019-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join Trish Burns, Manager of Geneva Park District’s Peck Farm Park, as she celebrates the Peck Farm House’s 150th anniversary with an in-depth look at the Peck Family and their legacy.
REGISTER HERE

Story Time - August 6
2019-08-06 10:00 - 10:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Story time theme for August is Transportation.
Join us each month during the summer for a special story time reading about a theme featured in the children’s exhibition “Let’s Play Railway!” Drop in for reading and an activity led by the Geneva Public Library. Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years old with parental supervision. Registration not required. Free admission to the gallery following the activity.
Free admission all year long with a Geneva History Museum Membership.
Other story time sessions: June 26-Trains, July 19-Farms

Story Time - July 19
2019-07-19 10:00 - 10:30
Story time theme for July is Farming.
Join us each month during the summer for a special story time reading about a theme featured in the children’s exhibition “Let’s Play Railway!” Drop in for reading and an activity led by the Geneva Public Library. Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years old with parental supervision. Registration not required. Free admission to the gallery following the activity.
Free admission all year long with a Geneva History Museum Membership.
Other story time sessions: June 26-Trains, August 6-Transportation

Story Time - June 26
2019-06-26 10:00 - 10:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Story time theme for June is Trains.
Join us each month during the summer for a special story time reading about a theme featured in the children’s exhibition “Let’s Play Railway!” Drop in for reading and an activity led by the Geneva Public Library. Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years old with parental supervision. Registration not required. Free admission to the gallery following the activity.
Free admission all year long with a Geneva History Museum Membership.
Other story time sessions: July 19-Farms, August 6-Transportation

Swedish Days Trolley Tours
2019-06-18 - 2019-06-20
Enjoy a 35-minute guided tour including stories of historic Geneva starting every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, Wednesday, June 19 or Thursday, June 20 at Third and James Streets. This year’s route will include historic homes, the Geneva Golf Club, Country Day School, Burgess-Norton, Memorial Pool, Western Avenue School and the old Peck Farm sheep barn. Tours are $10/person and include admission to the museum and a goodie bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants.
Purchase your tour at the trolley stop (corner of Third and James Streets), at the Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, or call 630-232-4951.

Children's Gallery Exhibition - "Let's Play Railway!"
2019-06-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Little engineers can enjoy a pretend ride in this traveling exhibit’s life-size engine, cattle wagon and caboose. The hands-on activities in Let’s Play Railway!™ promote early math and literacy. They encourage children to solve problems and interact with others as they communicate, share and take turns. This exhibit features buttons, sound effects, puzzles, play tables and much more! Special hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday until August 17.
Admission $3/adults, $2/children ages 3 to 10, become a museum member and get in free every day!
This exhibition is sponsored locally by the Fabyan Foundation.
© Let’s Play Railway!™ and logos are trademarks of Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Inc. All rights reserved. Let’s Play Railway!™ was developed by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

VIP/Members Only Opening - Kane County Juried Art Exhibition
2019-06-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Be the first to explore the selected artworks and winners of “Best in Show 2D” and “Best in Show 3D” in our Feature Gallery. Select your favorite work of art at the opening to be awarded the “Crowd Pleaser” ribbon.
6:30 p.m. Guest Juror’s remarks and award announcements, Crowd Pleaser award announced at the end of the evening (8:00 p.m.).
Register Here

Geneva On Wheels - May 21
2019-05-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join us for a 45-minute van tour of historic Geneva, sharing fun stories of people, properties and events. Tours start at the Museum at 10:30 a.m. and end at The Little Traveler where you can add on lunch for $9.95. Tour registration is $25/person and includes a Goodie Bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants, FREE admission to the Museum and a postcard from the Gift Shop.
Schedule your own tour date, minimum 6 people. Bring your own bus or trolly and we will hop on to give the tour. Bike tours and walking tours also available. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
Click Here To Register

Geneva on 2 Wheels Bike Tour - May 17
2019-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Mill Race Cyclery, 11 East State Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
In celebration of Kane County Bike Week, join docents from the Geneva History Museum at Mill Race Cyclery, bring your bicycle or rent one and get ready for a fun ride. This seven mile tour at a relaxed pace includes Fabyan Forest Preserve, a secret grotto, historic homes and a visit to the museum. Participants receive a goodie bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants.
Register Here
Or the May 15 Bike Tour

Geneva on 2 Wheels Bike Tour - May 15
2019-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Mill Race Cyclery, 11 East State Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
In celebration of Kane County Bike Week, join docents from the Geneva History Museum at Mill Race Cyclery, bring your bicycle or rent one and get ready for a fun ride. This seven mile tour at a relaxed pace includes Fabyan Forest Preserve, a secret grotto, historic homes and a visit to the museum. Participants receive a goodie bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants.
Register Here
Or the May 17 Bike Tour

A Century of Service
2019-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Brown Bag Program
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the American Legion Fox River-Geneva Post 75, chartered in August 1919. The Legion’s history can be found all around Geneva including the West Side Cemetery.
The large slabs at West Side Cemetery’s driveway circle were installed and dedicated by the Legion on May 30, 1928. These two stones, weighing approximately five tons, were quarried in Batavia in the 1850s and brought to Geneva’s fair grounds at the corner of West State and Kaneville Road. They were often used to test the strength of farm horses and used as a speakers platform. In 1861, Company H, 15th Calvary and 52nd Infantry Illinois Volunteers used the stones as an enlistment location.
As the fair ground property was being developed, the Legion rescued the stones and adopted them as memorial monuments due to their civil war history. The Legion purchased a cemetery plot near where Memorial Day services are usually held and placed the stones there along with a commemorative bronze plaque.

To learn more about the Legion’s history, join us at noon on Tuesday, May 14 at the American Legion Post 75, 22 South Second Street for the Geneva History Museum’s Brown Bag Program “A Century of Service.”
Registration is $5/person, $3/Museum Members and FREE for Settler Donors+
Click Here To Register

May is Membership Month - Birthday Celebration
2019-05-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Ashland Center, 25 North Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
In honor of May is Membership Month, the Geneva History Museum will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the building at 25 North Third Street from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, May 4. Follow the teal balloons to several locations inside the building to learn fun facts about the original entrance, the reuse of the former bank drive-thru and safe, and view original renderings of the 1960s bank design. Refreshments will be served.
After the tour, visit the Geneva History Museum for free admission to both galleries including “A Fox River Testimony: Select Works by Joel Sheesley” and “Geneva’s Story.” Sign-up for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum’s archives and collections given at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
25 North Third Street was built in 1954 as The National Food Store. The First National Bank of Geneva moved here in 1967 which became First Star Bank and then US Bank. The building sat vacant for several years until Ashland Ventures renovated it for office use in 2014.

Art & Artists Program
2019-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | The Little Traveler, 404 South Third Street, Geneva, 60134
A historian from the Geneva History Museum will share stories of artists inspired by Geneva’s beauty, including William Moulis, who painted murals in The Little Traveler, and Sylvia Simon, former owner of the shop. $20 includes breakfast and a goody bag with offers from Geneva restaurants and shops – including The Little Traveler. All proceeds benefit the Geneva History Museum. Register by calling The Little Traveler at 630-232-4200 and ask for the Gift Gallery, or online.

Geneva On Wheels - April 18
2019-04-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner - April 17, 2019
2019-04-17 17:00 - 19:00
Thank you for time, talent and treasure!
Register here to attend the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at 5 p.m. on April 17 here at the Geneva History Museum.
Volunteer recognition offerings from local museums.
