Kate Raftery's River Lane Beautification
2022-05-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
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 you need assistance registering, 630-232-4951

VIP/Members Only Celebration of "100 Years of The Little Traveler" Exhibition
2022-05-11 17:00 - 19:00
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

Architecture of The Little Traveler
2022-05-12 17:00 - 18:30, 2022-05-19 17:00 - 18:30 | The Little Traveler, 404 South Third Street, Geneva, 60134
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 the links below. 100% of net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Geneva History Museum. $20/person
REGISTER HERE: Thursdays, May 12 or 19 at 5 PM

Swedish Days Walking Tours
2022-06-22 10:00 - 11:00
Join us during Geneva’s Swedish Days Festival for a guided walking tour of historic Geneva. Registration is required and limited for each time slot and includes admission to the museum galleries, The 100th Anniversary of The Little Traveler and Geneva’s Story. Tours start and end at the Geneva History Museum and take approximately 45-minutes. The walking tours take the place of our annual Swedish Days Trolley Tours this year because the trolley rental fee tripled in price. We hope to bring back the Trolley Tours next year!
Wednesday, June 22 – 10 AM Tour
Wednesday, June 22 – 2 PM Tour
Thursday, June 23 – 10 AM Tour
Thursday, June 23 – 2 PM Tour
Friday, June 24 – 10 AM Tour
Friday, June 24 – 2 PM Tour

Who Was William Moulis?
2022-09-13 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about visual artist William Moulis, who helped create The Little Traveler’s aesthetic, while making a name for himself as an artist, throughout the mid-20th century. Presented by the Geneva History Museum’s Curator of Collections & Exhibitions, Markie Striegel. This is a Brown Bag Program offered 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 VIRTUAL attendance.

BBQ Fundraiser - September 22, 2022
2022-09-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Geneva Golf Club, 831 South Street, Geneva, 60134, United States
Eat, Drink & Be Giving!
6-9 PM, Thursday, September 22, 2022
Geneva Golf Club, 831 South Street
We have a lot to celebrate…
Join us for our annual BBQ Fundraiser to raise money for the museum and to celebrate the museum’s achievement of national accreditation.

Buffet dinner by Enticing Cuisine

Chopped Salad, Corn Bread, BBQ Pork, Chicken Kabobs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Watermelon, Cookies, Bronwies, Ice Tea, and Lemonade

Cash bar of Beer, Wine & Spirits
Enjoy amusing videos from recent personal interviews
Try your luck for $20 in our “Teal or Black” card game
Buy a $25 cork to win a bottle of Whiskey, Wine or Prizes
Buy a $50 Mystery Box and you are guaranteed to win a $50 Gift Card with a chance to win a necklace valued at $1,950 from State Street Jewelers

White 14 Karate Gold Pendant with one 15.38 Ct. Rectangular Cushion Hematite and Quartz set in a Halo surrounded by 40ct. round diamonds
$75/Person or $500/Table of 8
Only a few spots left! Please call the museum to inquire 630-232-4951

The Little Traveler After Kate
2022-10-11 12:00 - 13:00
A detailed look at the different owners who took over The Little Traveler after its founder, Kate Raftery passed away in 1953. Presented by Geneva History Museum Executive Director, Terry Emma. Hear the story of Julia Krafft, owner of Honey Bear Farm; how Fred Harvey tried to make it a chain; and how the Simon family returned the business to it hometown roots. This is a Brown Bag Program offered on the second Tuesdays 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.

Oak Hill Cemetery Walk
2022-10-15 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 on tombstones and stories of those who are buried here including Kate Raftery, founder of The Little Traveler and Henry Bennett of the Bennett Flour Mill. Meet at the cemetery, rain or shine.
REGISTER HERE for the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk at 11 AM
West Side Cemetery Walk, October 15 @ 2 PM REGISTER HERE

West Side Cemetery Walk
2022-10-15 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 those who are buried here including the Herrington family and Augustus Conant, founder of Geneva’s oldest churc. Meet at the cemetery, rain or shine.
REGISTER HERE for the West Side Cemetery Walk at 2 PM
Oak Hill Cemetery Walk, October 15 @ 11 AM REGISTER HERE

Annual Ghost Walks - 2 PM
2022-10-29 14:00 - 15:00
Learn about haunted places in downtown Geneva on this 45-minute walk. Hear stories about ghostly tales and the many spirits that people still experience today. Tours start at the Museum.
2 PM Walk is sold out

Annual Ghost Walks - 4 PM
2022-10-29 16:00 - 17:00
Learn about haunted places in downtown Geneva on this 45-minute walk. Hear stories about ghostly tales and the many spirits that people still experience today. Tours start at the Museum.
4 PM Walk is sold out

Annual Ghost Walks - 6 PM
2022-10-29 18:00 - 19:00
Learn about haunted places in downtown Geneva on this 45-minute walk. Hear stories about ghostly tales and the many spirits that people still experience today. Tours start at the Museum.
The 6 PM Walk is sold out.

Annual Ghost Walks - 8 PM
2022-10-29 20:00 - 21:00
Learn about haunted places in downtown Geneva on this 45-minute walk. Hear stories about ghostly tales and the many spirits that people still experience today. Tours start at the Museum.
8 PM Walk sold out.

Raffle for “Prototype for ‘Sonrise, Bay of Naples Italy’” Painting
2022-11-08 08:00 - 2022-12-16 15:00
Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win this “Prototype for ‘Sonrise, Bay of Naples Italy’” (10×30”, acrylic on board) by Geneva artist, Dennis Gramlich. Painting is currently on display with the Crèche.
Tickets $25/each or 5 for $100 and may be purchased here online or at the Geneva History Museum front desk. Drawing will be held at 4 PM, Friday, December 16. Winner need not be present. Proceeds benefit the museum.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
“This painting was inspired by a challenging request from the Geneva History Museum to paint a background mural for their crèche, displaying the birth of Jesus. The scene they requested was 18th century Naples, from where their crèche came via a circuitous journey. I found Claude-joseph Vernet’s (1714-1789) “Bay of Naples from the North”, which depicts a sunrise view of the bay. Since it is the background for the nativity, hence the name “Sonrise”. Due to the size of the mural (approximately 50” x 174”) I switched media from watercolor to acrylics and from paper to a roll of canvas. I did several value sketches, acrylic paintings to understand the paint, and practice watercolors to merge the colors. Then as a final step, I painted this prototype to reflect as much as possible what I wanted the final mural to look like.”
Dennis Gramlich dennisgramlichart on Instagram dennisgramlich@gmail.com

Artist’s Bio:
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Dennis Gramlich attended The Ohio State University, earning a BS and MBA. He served in the Air National Guard and was sent to Korea for a year. After fulfilling careers in healthcare, he and his Italian wife, Silva, moved to Geneva to be closer to their daughter, Alexia Monaco. Although always appreciative of and interested in art, he had never taken any classes or pursued his interest until 2014.
Dennis has exhibited at several local galleries and shows and won a “people’s choice” award at a Kane County exhibition. After painting the background mural for the Geneva History Museum’s crèche, he became their resident artist (painting in their window for about a year) and painted over 30 Geneva scenes which he then donated to the museum for sale or marketing purposes.
“I call myself an emerging artist. In the years that I have been drawing, sketching and painting, I have yet to develop a preferred style, subject or technique. I am still experimenting and learning – most greatly (and gratefully) with Fatima Figueiredo, Robert Krajecki, classmates, and from the demonstrations and workshops I attend. I’ve come to appreciate the uniqueness of every artist I encounter and learn something from each. I am convinced that I really don’t want to settle into one style, subject matter, or technique, and want to remain ‘forever emerging’.”

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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
