Geneva History Museum

Museum Merry Mixer Fundraiser
2019-12-12 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | 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

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 Closed for Inventory & Exhibition Installation
2019-12-23 - 2020-02-07
The Geneva History Museum will be closed from December 23 through February 7 for Gift Shop Inventory and Exhibition installation.
Feature Gallery Exhibition – Disaster and Destruction Hit Geneva, opens February 8 to the public.

VIP/Members Only Exhibition Opening Party "Disaster & Destruction Hit Geneva"
2020-02-07 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Be the first to view our new Feature Gallery Exhibition: Disaster & Destruction Hit Geneva
A photographic exhibition highlighting the disasters and destruction that have rocked this city and how Geneva responded in the wake of devastation. Appetizers and wine will be served. Tornados, fires, floods and blizzards have affected Geneva and several changed the landscape to create the town we know today.
Guest Presentation at 6:30 p.m. by Brian Smith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service. Brian is a 1976 graduate of Geneva High School and credits living through Geneva disasters for directing him into his profession.
REGISTER HERE

Feature Gallery Exhibition: Disaster & Destruction Hit Geneva Open to the Public
2020-02-08 11:00 - 16:00 UTC | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
(photo of the 1965 tornado)
Explore this photographic exhibition highlighting the disasters and destruction that have rocked this city and how Geneva responded in the way of devastation.
Admission: $3/person, $2/children ages 3 to 10, and includes the 3,000 square foot Main Gallery “Geneva’s Story”
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday thru November 7, 2020.

Geneva's East Side
2020-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Come learn about Geneva’s development east of the Fox River and north of Route 38. Hear stories about the people, homes and businesses that shaped this area.
REGISTER (CLICK HERE)
(do not click on the buttons below)

A Life In Code
2020-03-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
In honor of National Women’s History Month, join us for this special Skype presentation with author G. Stuart Smith, great-nephew of pioneer cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman who began her career at Fabyan’s Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva. Limited seating available. Tables will not be set up to accommodate the large anticipated attendance.
CLICK (HERE) TO REGISTER
(Buttons below are not for registration)

Share Your Story of Covid-19
2020-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
During this time of crisis around the world, the Geneva History Museum is pleased to offer a way to connect with each other in our first virtual program to share your stories of Covid-19. April 14 at noon would have been our regularly scheduled monthly Brown Bag program so instead of more cancellations, we have decided to offer this unique opportunity.
Participants are encouraged to share how they are feeling during isolation, how they are working and teaching children from home, shopping for needed supplies and supporting local businesses during closure, etc. If you are already in the GHM database, you will automatically receive the invitation. If you are not in the GHM database but would like to receive an email invitation to join this program, please send your email address to Director@GenevaHistoryMuseum.org by 4 p.m. on April 13.
You will receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting. If you do not wish to join, please disregard the email.
If you do not have the Zoom application installed on your computer, tablet or phone, you will be asked to install Zoom and create an account (this is free). You can choose to share audio and video or just audio. Here is a video from Zoom on how to join a meeting https://youtu.be/hIkCmbvAHQQ.
There is no charge to participate in this virtual program. Please note – this program will be recorded and preserved as part of the Geneva History Museum archives to document this historic crisis. We hope you will join us!

Frank Brownfield Gray: Geneva Architect
2020-05-12 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Born in St. Charles, Frank Brownfield Gray eventually established his architectural office at Geneva in 1928. His extensive portfolio of projects throughout the Fox River Valley has been unacknowledged and often overlooked. Michael A. Lambert, Preservation Planner for the City of Geneva, will highlight Gray’s career, as well as his architectural legacy in Geneva and neighboring communities.
This a Geneva History Museum Brown Bag Virtual Program. Those that would like to receive the link to the Zoom presentation, please send an email to director@genevahistorymuseum.org before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12.

Good Cheer and Gossip: Geneva Nurses Alumnae Newsletter (1928-1947)
2020-09-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Join us virtually to hear stories of the nurses who trained at Colonial and Community Hospitals between 1911 and 1935 from letters they wrote for the hospital Christmas newsletters. Volunteer, Sue Anderson, will share how these resourceful women grew their careers and raised families during two tumultuous decades that encompassed the Great Depression and World War II.
Register HERE to receive the Zoom link via email.

Virtual Night at the Museum Fundraiser
2020-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
Join us via ZOOM for a fun & free virtual night at the museum, complete with camaraderie, collections & cocktails, to raise funds for GHM!
REGISTER HERE!

60th Anniversary of JFK Speech in Geneva
2020-10-13 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
In honor of the 60th anniversary of then Senator John F. Kennedy’s visit to Geneva, join us virtually to learn about his itinerary on October 25, 1960, his speech, and stories shared by those who were there. Attendees can also share their stories at the end of the program. (this will be recorded for the GHM archives)
REGISTER HERE for this FREE Zoom Webinar

Unveiling of the Crèche Mural
2020-11-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Be the first to see the new mural backdrop for our historic Neapolitan Crèche painted by Geneva artist, Dennis Gramlich. Dennis will share his inspiration and story of creating this beautiful addition to our 18th century nativity. This is a FREE virtual program. Please register at the button below to receive the Zoom link to your email inbox.
REGISTER HERE

Virtual 2020 Annual Celebration
2020-12-07 17:00 - 18:00 UTC
Celebrate Your Museum!
5 p.m., Monday, December 7

2020 Highlights

Sneak peek of projects and recent collections discoveries

Enjoy a fun trivia game

Elect 2021 GHM Board Members

Learn GHM plans for the future

REGISTER HERE
Review GHM 2019 Audit (link to come), GHM Board nominees and Minutes from the 2019 Annual Celebration.

Catalog Homes Virtual Program
2021-02-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Ordered by mail and sent by rail, catalog houses filled a need for sturdy, inexpensive and especially, modern homes—complete with conveniences of indoor plumbing and electricity. All shipping was done by rail with boxcars full of labeled parts, consequently the largest concentrations of catalog houses are in the Northeast and Midwest, which were served by more rail lines.
Learn about Geneva’s catalog houses during the Geneva History Museum’s virtual program on Catalog Houses at 12 p.m, Tuesday, February 9. Hear stories about these quaint homes designed by Sears Roebuck, Aladdin, Montgomery Ward, Gordon-Van Tine and Harris Brothers, and learn how to discover if a house came from a catalog.
REGISTER HERE to receive the link for this free Zoom program. The Geneva History Museum remains closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, but will continue to share these monthly virtual programs. In honor of Women’s History Month, at 12 p.m., March 9 we will share “HerStory” about remarkable women in Geneva’s history.

HerStory Virtual Program
2021-03-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
In honor of Women’s History Month, register for HerStory, a free virtual program at 12 p.m., March 9, that highlights remarkable women in Geneva’s history.
Inspired by Geneva’s founding mother, Charity Herrington, women have continued to influence and improve the well-being of our city. Although denied the opportunity to vote through most of the Progressive Era, women in Geneva exercised their rights as citizens to shape public policy and create institutions.
Stories include Little Traveler founder, Kate Raftery, cryptologist, Elizebeth Friedman, political activist, Julia Plato Harvey, artist, Rebecca Krehbiel, and businesswoman, Jamie Daniel.

Virtual Public Art Tour
2021-04-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a virtual tour of the many public art pieces throughout Geneva. Learn the stories behind their creation and the artists who made them. Artwork includes the 1910 Kane County Courthouse murals, the secret grotto behind the Kane County Government Center and the Eagle Statues on the Fabyan Estate and at Riverbank Laboratories. REGISTER HERE for this free virtual forty-five minute program that takes place at 12 p.m, Tuesday, April 13. The program will be recorded for a later viewing on the Geneva History Museum’s YouTube channel.

May is Membership Month
2021-05-01 17:00 - 2021-05-31 23:30 UTC
May is Membership Month at the Geneva History Museum. Help preserve Geneva’s best cultural institution during the month of May by renewing or becoming a Museum Member for a chance to win a $100 Gift Card to the Museum. Gift Card can be used for programs, research services, events or in the Gift Shop.
Membership support is important, however, it covers a very small portion of operating expenses. That is why your unrestricted, tax-deductible donation is vital to preserve Geneva’s history with engaging exhibitions, programs and events. Donors of $100 or more receive a complimentary Membership, and recognition on the lobby donor wall and in the annual mailing.
Become a Geneva GEM (Giving Every Month) to elevate your donor level and create a consistent revenue stream to sustain GHM.

Architect John Todd Hetherington: From Lake Forest to Geneva
2021-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
With a career long overlooked, John Todd Hetherington was the architect to some of Chicago’s most prominent residents at the close of the 19th century. Hetherington–along with other leading residential and landscape architects of his era—designed some of the first, estate homes at Lake Forest, Illinois. At the dawn of the 20th century (and on the heels of Colonel George Fabyan), longtime friends E. F. Gorton and T. S. Fauntleroy moved from the North Shore to the banks of the Fox River…commissioning Hetherington to design 3 homes that began the transformation of the Batavia Road neighborhood.
Discover the nearly-forgotten career of John Todd Hetherington, his wealthy clients, and the establishment of Geneva’s “country gentlemen estates.” Presented by Michael A. Lambert, Preservation Planner – City of Geneva. REGISTER HERE for this free virtual program that takes place at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11.

A Hidden Gem in Geneva - The Sacred Heart Grotto
2021-09-14 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Learn the story of The Sacred Heart Grotto, hidden on the grounds of the Kane County Government Center. Presenter, Bob McQuillin, from The Knights of Columbus, will share its history and current restoration efforts.
$5 / person or 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 Brown Bag Programs offered at noon on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May (Note: programs are not offered in December or January).

Virtual BBQ at the Museum Fundraiser
2021-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
You’re Invited to the Geneva History Museum FREE Virtual BBQ Fundraiser with 95.9 The River Host, Scott Mackay!
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 16

Get a kick out of our fun video stories, including filming Geneva scenes for the movie “Road to Perdition”
Enjoy amusing clips from our new Story Booth
Explore behind-the-scenes of the museum
Check out exciting artifact discoveries

Curbside meal pickup from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the museum, 113 South Third Street. Catered by FireWater, Geneva.
REGISTER HERE for the event and order your BBQ menu choices of pork, beef brisket, chicken or vegetarian.
All meals served with Mac & Cheese, Brisket Beans, Corn Bread & Cookie and include a Party in a Box full of fun stuff!
Diamond Necklace Raffle
You could win a custom-designed diamond necklace from State Street Jewelers! The drawing will be held and the winner announced during this virtual event.
$25 per ticket; $100 for 5 tickets PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS ONLINE or at the Geneva History Museum until 6:30 p.m., September 16.
All G.E.M.s (Giving Every Month) who give $35/month are entered with one raffle ticket. Sign up to become a G.E.M. online prior to the event.

Cemetery Restoration Project
2021-10-12 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Museum Educator, Heidi Howlett, will share the story of the ongoing restoration project at Geneva’s West Side Cemetery. Heidi received training from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on how to restore and repair headstones. She will tell the tales and mysteries that she and a group of dedicated volunteers have experienced while they have restored more than 180 headstones.
$5 / person or 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 of each month from September through May (Note: programs are not offered in December or January). DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS refreshments will not be provided and please do not bring food. Thank you!

Cemetery Walk - Oak Hill Cemetery
2021-10-16 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | 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 (rain or shine).
Reservations: $10/person $5/Museum Members
SOLD OUT!
West Side Cemetery Walk – 2 PM REGISTER HERE

Cemetery Walk - West Side Cemetery
2021-10-16 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | 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, rain or shine.
Reservations: $10.00/Person $5.00/Museum Member
REGISTER HERE

Annual Ghost Walks
2021-10-30 14:00 - 21:00 UTC
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 OUT!

Refueling the Past
2021-11-09 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
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 of each month from September through May (Note: programs are not offered in December or January). DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS refreshments will not be provided and please do not bring food. Thank you!

Annual Members Celebration 2021
2021-12-13 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
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

The History of The Little Traveler
2022-02-08 12:00 UTC
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 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.

Who Was Kate Raftery?
2022-03-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
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 Little Traveler” after the program.
Register for VIRTUAL attendance.

"The Fox"
2022-04-12 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
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 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
