Geneva History Museum

Geneva On Wheels - May 21
2019-05-21 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | 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 | IL
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 | IL
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.

Fox River Arts Ramble 2019
2019-04-13 10:00 - 2019-04-14 17:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Visit the Museum during The Fox River Arts Ramble, for special hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Tour the Fox River from West Dundee to Ottawa through “A Fox River Testimony: Select Works by Joel Sheesley,” as well as art from the Museum’s collection.
The Fox River Arts Ramble invites you to take in the visual and performing arts from Elgin to Aurora, with your choice of more than 40 stops, including private and public galleries and artists studios, as well as performance venues.
Check-out the list of places to visit.

Bring Your Bling
2019-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 | IL
Brown Bag Program
Ever wonder if that heirloom jewelry is a diamond or a dud? Bring your bling to the Museum and gemologists from State Street Jewelers will help identify its history. One piece of jewelry per person. A limited number of pieces can be seen. Numbers will be handed out beginning 20 minutes before the program. Spectators welcome. Registration is $5/person, $3/Museum Members and FREE for Settler Donors+
Click Here To Register

Geneva On Wheels - March 27
2019-03-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States

The Art of Mapmaking
2019-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Brown Bag Program
In honor of the 150th anniversary of Geneva’s Birdseye View map, Jim Bibby of Rempe-Sharpe & Associates, will explain the evolution of early mapmaking from artist to engineer. Registration is $5/person, $3/Museum Members and FREE for Settler Donors+
Click Here To Register

St. Mark's Mural Mystery
2019-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Donate
Brown Bag Program
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Parishioners Ron and Margy Walkington will share their discovery of the artist who painted the chapel’s mural 100 years ago. Recently restored, this is Louis Grell’s earliest known American church mural still in existence. Grell was the main art instructor at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts from 1916 to 1922 where one of his students was animator and cartoonist, Walt Disney.
Registration is encouraged since space is limited. $5 and $3 for Museum Members, FREE for Settler Donors+
Click Here To Register

VIP/Members Only Party "A Fox River Testimony: Selected Works of Joel Sheesley"
2019-02-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Registration for this event is now full.

Fox River Distilling Tours & Tastings Fundraiser
2019-01-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Fox River Distilling Company, 204 Dearborn Court, Unit 1, Geneva, Illinois, 60134
Enjoy tours of Fox River Distilling (FRD) at 204 Dearborn Court, Unit 1, Geneva. Registration includes two drink tickets, food from Stockholm’s Brew Pub – Bourbon BBQ Ribs made with FRD’s Bennett Mill Bourbon and a Cream Pasta dish made with FRD’s Citrus Vodka, and entertainment provided by disc jockey Scott Mackay of 95.9 the River radio station. Additional cocktails may be purchased for $5 each. Registration is $10/person with all proceeds benefitting the Geneva History Museum.
Click Here to Register

Museum Merry Mixer
2018-12-13 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 the restoration of our magnificent 18th Century Nativity. Reservations include appetizers, and one drink ticket – ($5/each for more). Reservations $35.00/person, $30.00/Museum Members.
Click Here To Register

Annual Members Celebration
2018-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Members only private party to celebrate the accomplishments of the Museum. Games and fun. Special 20% Gift Shop discount for Members who attend. Please register for this FREE Members Only event.
Click Here To Register

Annual Geneva Giving Trees & 18th Century Créche Display
2018-11-20 11:00 - 2018-12-22 16:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
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. Giving Trees and Créche on display through December 22.
VOTE HERE

Champagne Brunch at The Little Traveler
2018-11-15 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 the restoration of our 18th century Neapolitan nativity. Hear unique stories behind the masterpiece purchased by The Little Traveler originator, Kate Raftery and displayed each holiday season since the 1930s. Limited seats are available. Reservations taken by The Little Traveler, 630-232-4200. $30/person which includes a goodie bag full of Geneva shopping and dining offers, and a Little Traveler coupon for $10 off a $20 purchase for those that visit the Geneva History Museum to view the nativity that same day.

Burning and Rebuilding Geneva
2018-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Former Geneva firefighter, Sue Lencioni, shares highlights from her upcoming book chronicling historic fires that changed the commercial landscape of Geneva.
This is a Brown Bag Program held at noon on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch and the Museum offers water, coffee, and a sweet treat.
Registration is encouraged since space is limited. $5 and $3 for Museum Members, FREE for Settler Donors+
Click Here To Register

75th Anniversary Celebration
2018-10-29 17:00 - 18:00 | City Hall, James & First Streets, Geneva
Geneva residents met at City Hall on October 29, 1943 to have a meeting about starting the Geneva Historical Society to preserve Geneva’s history. ‘
Join us promptly at 5 p.m. this Monday, October 29 on the James Street side of City Hall and pose for the largest Geneva drone selfie. The first 75 people that arrive will receive a custom creation from Graham’s Fine Chocolates.
After the photo we will go inside City Hall and share some of the fun discussion from 75 years ago. The Mayor will read a proclamation, visitors can sign a Museum poster and enjoy refreshments.
The drone photo and signed poster will be on display in the Museum’s lobby during the holidays. Come in and find yourself in the photo!
The Geneva History Museum earned a Platinum Anniversary Award from the Illinois Association of Museums.

Annual Ghost Walks
2018-10-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Guided tours of Geneva’s haunting tales. Meet at the Museum, rain or shine. Tours take place at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Advance registration is required because space is limited. Reservations are $10 and $5 for Museum Members.
Click Here To Register – 2PM
Click Here To Register – 4PM – SOLD OUT
Click Here To Register – 6PM – SOLD OUT
Click Here To Register – 8PM – SOLD OUT

Oak Hill Cemetery Walks
2018-10-20 14:00 - 17:00 | Oak Hill Cemetery, Route 25, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Explore Geneva’s east side cemetery on Route 25. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Meet at the cemetery. $10/person @ 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Click Here To Register – 2PM
Click Here To Register – 4PM

Geneva On Wheels
2018-10-17 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.
Other tour dates: November 28.
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

Textile Restoration in Your Hometown
2018-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Want to learn how to care for your precious family textiles? Eric Severson, owner of Geneva Cleaners and Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network (CRDN) will share his professional expertise. Geneva Cleaners came to the rescue for the Museum last year when a small leak damage several boxes of textiles in the Museum’s collection. The items were cared for in the proper manner to mitigate mold before returning them to their boxes. Eric will share some examples of restoration efforts from our collection that he offered at no charge to the Museum.
This is a Brown Bag Program held at noon on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch and the Museum offers water, coffee, and a sweet treat.
Admission is $5 and $3 for Museum Members. Registration is encouraged since space is limited.

West Side Cemetery Walks
2018-10-06 08:00 - 17:00 | 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. $10/person @ 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
