To Iceland! And Beyond!
2023-10-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
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

West Side Cemetery Walk - 12 PM
2023-10-14 12:00 - 13:00
Explore Geneva’s oldest cemetery on Stevens Street. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Also learn about the recent restoration efforts by our Museum Educator and volunteers. Meet at cemetery.
$15/Person; $10/Museum Members
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE
Check out the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk at 10AM

West Side Cemetery Walk - 2 PM
2023-10-14 14:00 - 15:00
Explore Geneva’s oldest cemetery on Stevens Street. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Also learn about the recent restoration efforts by our Museum Educator and volunteers. Meet at cemetery.
$15/Person; $10/Museum Members
REGISTER HERE
MUSEUM MEMBERS REGISTER HERE
Check out the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk at 10 AM

Annual Ghost Walks
2023-10-28
Where is the most haunted spot in Geneva? Join us for ghostly tales shared through guided tours of historic downtown. Tours start at the museum with a few haunting videos and images.
Registration required and this event usually sells out. Please register in advance.
$15/Person; $10/Museum Members
2 PM GHOST WALK REGISTRATION SOLD OUT!
4 PM GHOST WALK REGISTRATION
4 PM GHOST WALK MEMBERS REGISTRATION
6 PM GHOST WALK REGISTRATION SOLD OUT!
8 PM GHOST WALK SOLD OUT!

Winter Life in Viking Times
2023-11-14 12:00 - 13:00
Kick-off your holiday season with a talk on winter Viking traditions. Presented by Dave Nordin, Vice-President of the 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

Annual Geneva Giving Trees Display
2023-11-21 - 2024-01-01
Walk through downtown Geneva and visit the various Christmas trees decorated by local nonprofit organizations. Vote for your favorite online or in person at the museum. Voting continues through January 1, 2024. The organization that gets the most dollar votes for their tree will receive 100% of their proceeds, the others will split their votes with the museum.

18th Century Crèche Display Opens
2023-11-21 - 2023-12-23
Come to the museum to marvel at our 18th century nativity scene, originally displayed at The Little Traveler since the 1930s. Display will be open through December 23.

Christmas Walk
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00
Special evening viewing of our 18th century nativity, the Feature Gallery Viking’s Voyage exhibition and the Main Gallery, Geneva’s Story. Take your photo at our Belong to Geneva’s Story neon selfie wall!

Annual Members Only Meeting
2023-12-11 17:00 - 19:00
A membership meeting to review the bylaws and elect members of the board of directors. (View suggested bylaw changes HERE or pick up a copy at the museum.) Enjoy appetizers and refreshments while we share updates about the museum.
The winning raffle ticket for the diamond and ruby necklace donated from State Street Jewelers will be drawn at this event.
Take 20% off Gift Shop purchases made that evening only.
RSVP by Tuesday, December 5.
REGISTER HERE

Freya's Farewell & Winter Solstice
2023-12-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join us from 7-8:30 PM, Thursday, December 21 at the Geneva History Museum for Freya’s Farewell, a final celebration of the immensely successful “Viking’s Voyage” exhibition. This event will take place on the actual date of the Winter Solstice, which was celebrated each year by the ancient Viking Yule festivities. Taste Viking style snacks and beverages, pose for a photo with costumed Viking reenactors ,and enjoy a final visit to the gallery exhibition before it closes. If you dare, frolic under the mistletoe or make a public announcement of your New Year’s resolutions, just like the ancient Vikings did.
The highlight of the evening will be the formal presentation of 8 handmade, museum quality replica Viking shields by Eagle rank Boy Scout Erik Longo, who organized a team of 15 other Scouts for this outstanding year-long public service project. These beautiful shields will be displayed along with the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition Viking Ship in Good Templar Park.
Please REGISTER HERE for this FREE Museum & Friends of the Viking Ship Member Event

VIP/Members Only Exhibition Preview
2024-02-09 17:00 - 19:00
Saving Fabyan’s Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story – VIP/Members Only Exhibition Reception
5 -7 PM, Friday, February 9
One of the many benefits of membership – join us and be the first to preview this new exhibition. Refreshments will be served, reservations required. Recognition and brief presentation from the Larson family at 6 PM.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Friends of Fabyan Panel
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
Come hear personal stories from some of the people who worked with Darlene Larson on Fabyan estate projects. Attendees will also be able to add their stories as well as ask questions from the panel.
REGISTER HERE

Who Was Nelle Fabyan?
2024-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a talk on the woman behind Colonel George Fabyan, including her accomplishments and the legacy she left behind. Presented by GHM Executive Director, Terry Emma.
REGISTER HERE

The History of South Third Street
2024-04-09 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about Geneva’s South Third Street including its evolution from residential to retail. Presented by GHM Educator, Heidi Howlett.
REGISTER HERE

Cryptanalyst-in-Chief: Elizebeth Smith Friedman
2024-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Elizebeth Smith Friedman was a pioneer in code-breaking and one of the nation’s foremost cryptanalysts. She took down smuggling syndicates during Prohibition, broke enigma codes in WWII, and caught Nazi spies in South America. She and her husband, William Friedman, practically invented their field overnight. Learn about her start at the fabulous Geneva estate of Colonel George Fabyan, the eccentric millionaire, and how her research led to the start of the NSA. Presented by Vivien Lasken, Director of the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden.
REGISTER HERE

Team Trivia
2024-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Penrose Brewing Company, 509 Stevens Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join us for a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions and great beer at Penrose Brewing Company! Test your knowledge in four rounds of different topics (one round Geneva history) while enjoying delicious brews and good food with friends. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team, most creative team name and best costumes, so round up your smartest pals and show off your trivia skills. Don’t miss out on this exciting event to raise funds for the Geneva History Museum!
6-8 PM, Thursday, May 23, 2024
Penrose Brewing Company, 509 Stevens Street, Geneva
$100/team of four – Includes four drink tickets and swag bags for each team member with coupons and goodies from the museum’s Sterling Society partners. Pre-registration is required.
6:00 – 6:30 – Check-In
6:30 – 7:30 – Trivia Contest
Four rounds of topics with one round Geneva history specific
7:30 – 50/50 Raffle Winner Announced
PRIZES
Highest Score – Four $25 gift cards to Ella’s Italian Pub
Most Creative Team Name – Four $10 shop Geneva gift cards from the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (Submit team name at event check-in)
Best Team Costumes – Four $10 gift cards to the Gift Shop, image store or research at the Geneva History Museum

PRE-ORDER ONLY
Food must be pre-ordered with online registration or by calling Geneva History Museum by May 20.
Roman Style 8”x12” Pan Pizzas from Ella’s Italian Pub, pick-up at event check-in
Ella’s Farmhouse Pie $23
House Tomato Sauce | Sausage | Pepperoni | Mushrooms | Oregano | Basil | Fresh Mozzarella | House Cheese Blend
Simple Tomato Pie $18
House Tomato Sauce | EVOO | Basil | Fresh Mozzarella | House Cheese Blend
Smoked BBQ Chicken Pie $22
Calabrian BBQ Sauce | Smoked Chicken | Bacon | Basil | Fresh Mozzarella | House Cheese Blend | Red Onion | Cilantro
Onion Dip + House Chips $11
House made French Onion Dip | Chives

PRE-ORDER & PURCHASE AT THE EVENT
Beer Ticket $7 (4 included with team registration)
Soft Drink $5
Bottled Water $2
Mulligan $10 (earn a point for no answer, maximum two per team)
50/50 raffle $20

The Fabyan Windmill
2024-09-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Learn all about the Fabyan windmill including its history and function. Presented by Mark Rivecco, a volunteer miller for the Fabyan windmill. This is a “2nd Tuesday @ 2PM” program and includes admission to the museum’s Feature Gallery exhibition “Saving Fabyan’s Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story” highlighting how one woman’s passion started the restoration of the former Fabyan estate.
REGISTER HERE

Cemetery Restoration Project
2024-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
GHM Educator, Heidi Howlett, will share an update about the ongoing restoration of West Side Cemetery. Over 500 stones have been either cleaned or restored since the project began in 2020. This is a “2nd Tuesday @ 2PM” program and includes admission to the museum’s Feature Gallery “Saving Fabyan’s Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story” highlighting how one woman’s passion started the restoration efforts of the former Fabyan estate.
REGISTER HERE

Oak Hill Cemetery Walk - 10 AM
2024-10-12 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 cemetery, rain or shine.
REGISTER HERE

West Side Cemetery Walk - 12 PM
2024-10-12 12:00 - 13:00 | 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. Also learn about the recent restoration efforts by our Museum Educator and volunteers. Meet at cemetery, rain or shine.
REGISTER HERE

West Side Cemetery Walk - 2 PM
2024-10-12 14:00 - 15:00 | WestSide Cemetery, 301 Stevens Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States

Ghost Walks 2, 4, 6 & 8 PM
2024-10-26 14:00 - 20:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Where is the most haunted spot in downtown Geneva? Join us for ghostly tales shared through a 45-minute guided walking tour of historic downtown Geneva. Stories include the faceless, handless man, the mystery of the piano teacher’s music playing in a house and the haunted courthouse. Tours start at the museum, rain or shine.
REGISTER at the links below:
2 PM GHOST WALK
4 PM GHOST WALK
6 PM GHOST WALK
8 PM GHOST WALK

Eden on the Fox: The Fabyan Japanese Garden
2024-11-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Learn the history of the Japanese Garden in the Fabyan Forest Preserve. Presented by Vivien Lassen, Director of the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden. This is a “2nd Tuesday @ 2 PM” program and includes admission to the museum’s Feature Gallery, “Saving Fabyan’s Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story” highlighting how one woman’s passion started the restoration of the former Fabyan estate.
REGISTER HERE

Annual Members Meeting & Celebration
2024-12-16 17:00 - 18:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Members only private meeting and party to elect board members and to celebrate the museum’s accomplishments. Wine and light refreshments will be served along with a fun game to end the evening. Special 20% off Gift Shop discount for attendees.
REGISTER HERE

Trivia Night Fundraiser
2025-01-16 18:00 - 20:00
Compete in four trivia rounds (one round Geneva history) while enjoying delicious food with friends. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team, most creative team name and best costumes, so round up your smartest pals and show off your trivia skills. Don’t miss out on this exciting fundraiser! Teams of up to 8 people. Registration required and includes appetizer buffet, soft drinks and water. Cash bar and 50/50 raffle at the event.
REGISTER HERE

VIP/Members Only Exhibition Preview Celebration
2025-02-07 17:00 - 19:00
Be the first to see the latest Feature Gallery exhibition “Eat Your Heart Out Geneva” – an exploration of Geneva’s historic restaurants. Enjoy appetizers and wine while you explore this exhibition. Special presentation at 6 PM featuring restaurant critic, Izzy Kharasch of Hospitality Works Inc.
REGISTER HERE

Restaurant Roundtable
2025-02-11 14:00 - 15:00
Geneva’s seasoned restaurant owners come together to share insights and stories from the world of hospitality. From managing daily operations to cultivating community connections, this discussion offers a look at the challenges and joys of owning a restaurant in Geneva. Registration recommended, $5/person, free for museum members.
REGISTER HERE

A Brief History of The Girls School
2025-03-11 14:00 - 15:00
Museum Educator, Heidi Howlett, will present a history of the Illinois State Training School for Girls that was once located in Geneva. Reservations recommended, $5/person, free for museum members.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
