Swedish Days Trolley Tours
At the turn of the twentieth century, railroads and electric trolley lines were important modes of transportation for Chicago’s western suburbs. The Aurora, Elgin and Chicago electric railway system, also known as “the third rail,” connected the Fox River Valley to Chicago. The transit system provided frequent operations and easy connections for both daily commutes […]
Birthday Celebration of 127 S. First Street
In May 1917, the building at 127 South First Street was constructed for the Chicago Telephone Company in an effort to unify exchanges and standardize equipment. It was reported that the first long-distance phone call west of Chicago was made through this telephone office. Eventually, the building housed administrative offices of the Kane County […]
May is Membership Month Activities
Your dedication has been instrumental to our success, including being voted one of the 2017 Best Area Museums by West Suburban Living Magazine! In 2016, your support made our own fiscal history – it was the first year we did not have to disburse funds from our investment reserves. Now, because many donations […]
Kate Raftery’s River Lane Beautification
South River Lane was considered the “slums” of Geneva before the 1920s. Around 1925, Kate Raftery began purchasing properties on this street as part of her River Lane Beautification Project. Collaborating with her architect son, Howard, she transformed this area into a desirable neighborhood, marketing it through The Little Traveler Almanacks. 413 South River […]
2nd Floor Office Space for Lease
The Geneva History Museum has 3,200 sq. ft. office space for lease on our second floor. Enjoy working in the heart of Geneva’s historic district with four offices, dedicated parking spaces, large conference room, kitchen with eating area, private restrooms, security alarm system, and dumpster use. The office is five blocks from the Geneva Metra […]
We are a “Best of the West” Museum 2017
We are pleased to announce that the Geneva History Museum has been named one of the Best Area Museums by West Suburban Living Magazine. “We are excited and honored to be included in the list of Best Area Museums,” said Terry Emma, Executive Director of the Geneva History Museum. “All of the activities and accomplishments could […]
Geneva’s Fire of 1953
On February 1, 1953, flames engulfed nearly an entire block of buildings on the south side of State Street between First and Second Streets in Geneva. Starting in the Lance Classic Barber Shop at 122 West State Street, the fire then travelled next door to Rosenfelder’s Ace Hardware Store containing a variety of flammables causing […]
2016 Geneva Giving Trees
Vote for your favorite tree decorated by local groups.
A Geneva Christmas Tradition Since the 1930s
The Geneva History Museum’s oldest and rarest treasure is an 18th-Century Neapolitan Crèche that is displayed in a 17th-Century French provincial corner bed. Kate Raftery, founder of The Little Traveler, acquired these incredible artifacts while traveling in Europe. She created a holiday tradition by displaying it each year at The Little Traveler from 1930 […]
Cemetery Walks, Oct. 15 & 22
Explore Geneva’s cemeteries and learn the meaning of markings on tombstones along with stories of prominent Geneva settlers. Meet at the cemeteries and wear comfortable walking shoes. Saturday, October 15, 2PM and 4PM at West Side Cemetery on Stevens Street. Prominent settlers include the founding family of Geneva the Herringtons, Unitarian Church’s first minister […]