Geneva History Museum

Annual Members Celebration
2022-12-12 17:00 - 18:30 UTC
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

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.

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’.”

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.

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 - 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 - 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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Architecture of The Little Traveler
2022-05-19 17:00 - 18:30, 2022-05-12 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

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

Kate Raftery's River Lane Beautification
2022-05-10 12:00 - 13:00
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

Hats Off to Geneva
2022-04-13 10:00 - 11:00
The Geneva History Museum will share an interesting piece of The Little Traveler’s fashionable history. Back in the day, when women would buy a dress from the Traveler’s dress department, they would receive extra fabric so they could have a matching hat made at a local hat shop. This program starts with a brunch at The Little Traveler followed by the program at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 320 Franklin Street. The museum will show hats from their collection and share Geneva’s millinery history. Register through The Little Traveler HERE. Proceeds benefit the Geneva History Museum.

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

Who Was Kate Raftery?
2022-03-08 12:00 - 13:00
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 History of The Little Traveler
2022-02-08 12:00
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.

Annual Members Celebration 2021
2021-12-13 17:00 - 18:00 | 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

Refueling the Past
2021-11-09 12:00 - 13:00
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 Ghost Walks
2021-10-30 14:00 - 21:00
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!

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

Cemetery Walk - Oak Hill Cemetery
2021-10-16 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 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 Restoration Project
2021-10-12 12:00 - 13:00
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!

Virtual BBQ at the Museum Fundraiser
2021-09-16 18:00 - 19:00
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.

A Hidden Gem in Geneva - The Sacred Heart Grotto
2021-09-14 12:00 - 13:00
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).

Architect John Todd Hetherington: From Lake Forest to Geneva
2021-05-11 12:00 - 13:00
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.
