Geneva History Museum

The Little Traveler After Kate
2022-10-11 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
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 UTC | 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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC | 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 UTC
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 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

Hats Off to Geneva
2022-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
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 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

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 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.

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

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 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!

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

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 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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.
