About
Our Mission
The mission of the Geneva History Museum is to preserve and share Geneva’s evolving story while inspiring and engaging the community.
We will accomplish this by…
Collecting: Acquiring material on Geneva’s history in all forms from past to present.
Preserving: Caring for the artifacts in our collection for present and future generations.
Researching: Sharing our unique resources with researchers across the world.
Educating: Inspiring and engaging visitors through programs and exhibitions.
Our Vision
Our vision is to continue as an accredited, sustainable Museum, connecting globally as the premier source of Geneva’s history.
Core Values
Stewardship – We are committed to providing the highest level of care for objects the Museum holds in perpetuity.
Authenticity – We provide links to history through well-documented collections, accurate interpretation, diversity, inclusion and reliable scholarship.
Ingenuity – We apply limited resources in innovative ways to maximize the effectiveness of our programs and the efficiency of our operations.
Engagement – We invite community involvement in our exhibits, programs, and collection development, and build partnerships with organizations and individuals.
Read our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan that guides our progress.
Our Story
In 1943, dedicated citizens formed the Geneva Historical Society to preserve local history and educate the community. Artifacts were cataloged and stored in private residences and exhibited in storefronts. A Museum Committee was formed in 1961 to raise funds for a building. After years of searching existing buildings, they made a deal with the park district and city to build the first Geneva History Museum in Wheeler Park. This building was expanded twice, in 1972 and in 1990.
The Historical Society recognized the need for flexible space and a more central location. In 2004, the organization, renamed the Geneva History Center, conducted a successful capital campaign to purchase a two-story building in the heart of Geneva’s historic district. The building was renovated to create two exhibition galleries, storage areas for collections and archives, a research room, a meeting room and offices. The organization has always operated on voluntary donations and does not receive public funds.
In 2013, while participating in the Museum Assessment Program, it was rediscovered that the word Museum best represents the activities and services of the organization. In June 2014, the name became the Geneva History Museum, operated by the Geneva Historical Society.
In 2021, the Museum was voted One of the Finest Museums in Kane County by Kane County Magazine. In 2020 the Museum received two Reader's Choice Awards from the Daily Herald and Glancer Magazine.
The Geneva History Museum achieved national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in June of 2022. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. The Geneva History Museum is the first in Kane County to achieve national accreditation, and is one of only 34 museums accredited in Illinois. Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, over 1096 are currently accredited.
Staff
Terry Emma
Executive Director
Since 2011, the Geneva History Museum has evolved under Terry’s leadership along with a professional and dedicated staff. She recently earned an Institute of Museum and Library Service grant to redesign the lower level collections and archives storage. Terry secured participation in the Museum Assessment Program and a Collections Assessment grant which resulted in a total rebranding effort. She has raised more than $400,000 in grants and donations as well as co-authored content to redesign the main gallery Geneva’s Story. Terry was named the Wood Award recipient by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce in 2019 as an individual who has made significant community contributions. In 2014 she was named Geneva Masonic Lodge #139, “Citizen of the Year,” and longtime community volunteer. She is a graduate of Geneva High School, with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education from Augustana College and a third-generation Geneva resident.
Museum Assistant
Museum Assistant
This position is currently open. Send resumes to Director@GenevaHistoryMuseum.org
Markie Striegel
Curator of Collections & Exhibitions
Markie brings over eight years of museum and collections experience to GHM. Originally from Bradley, Illinois, her history background began as she studied at Northern Illinois University. While there, Markie received both her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies. She worked for three years as the Graduate Assistant for the Center for Burma Studies at NIU, caring for more than 3,000 art objects within the Burma Art Collection, and assisting with the development and installation of over ten exhibitions. Her duties at the Center allowed her multiple travel opportunities to Southeast Asia where she worked with local non-profits and universities exhibiting, presenting on and surveying art objects. Markie previously worked for The Pick Museum of Anthropology at NIU and the Kankakee County Museum in Kankakee, IL.
Heidi Howlett
Museum Educator
A Geneva resident and former school teacher, Heidi coordinate educational programs for schools, scouts, summer camps and adult tour groups. Since 2013 she has created multi-faceted tours at the Museum and in the classroom with personal presentations and rentable traveling trunks. Heidi has a Bachelor of Arts from Iowa State University and was on staff at Samford University where her concentration focused on teaching methods for elementary education.
Board of Directors
View the latest GHM Board Meeting Minutes (please contact the museum 630-232-4951 for additional meeting minutes)
Mick Zollers
Historian Emeritus
Mick grew up in Geneva and is a 1956 graduate of Geneva High School. He has been a volunteer in the Museum’s archives for more than 17 years sharing his knowledge of reading abstracts and land records. With his assistance, the Museum has awarded more than 100 bronze plaques to historic buildings in Geneva.
Mary Swanson
President
Mary is Vice President of Riverbank Laboratories Inc. in Geneva. She is a volunteer for Fox Valley Face to Face and the Unitarian Church. Mary brings experience in finances and accounting. "I like the museum's contributions to our community."
Kelly Nowak
First Vice-President
Kelly is a former Co-Chairman of the Tri-Cities Salvation Army Advisory Board and has served on boards of the Geneva Academic Foundation, the Geneva Library Foundation and the Geneva C.U.S.D. #304 Board of Education. She has served on the fundraising committee of the Geneva History Museum and set tables for the Crèche Luncheons and portrayed historic personalities for events. Kelly has lived in Geneva for thirty years.
Anne Cesarone
Second Vice-President
Anne is a long-time resident of Geneva, and is following in her mother's footsteps as a Geneva History Museum board member
Jeff Martin
Treasurer
Jeff is returning to the GHM Board of Directors and is a professional financial advisor with an office in Geneva.
Jewel Jensen
Secretary
Jewel is very passionate about preserving history and giving back to the community. She is a volunteer at the Geneva History Museum, with cemetery preservation efforts and is a member of the City of Geneva Historical Preservation Commission.
JoAnn Cregier
Board Member
JoAnn has lived in Geneva for 52 years and brings experience in fundraising, special events, history and policy development. She also volunteers for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Lazarus House, and the Salvation Army. “I like the Geneva History Museum and what they have done in the community – innovative and efficient.”
Peggy Gurbal
Board Member
Peggy has lived in Geneva for more than fifty years and she loves the Geneva History Museum and wants it to continue to be a wonderful part of Geneva. She is a former member of the St. Peter Church Women's Club.
Pamuella F. Mann
Board Member
Pam is a retired attorney and serves on the Historic Preservation Commission. "I've participated in programs and events at the museum for many years and been impressed by the success of its operation and how well-received and supported it has been in the community."
Tracy O'Connell
Board Member
Tracy is a lifelong resident of Geneva with 28 years experience on the Board of Directors for the Chester Gould Dick Tracy Museum. “I have watched the Geneva History Museum expand and wish to be a part of its future growth.”
Nancy Sohn
Board Member
Nancy is a long time supporter of the Geneva History Museum. She also volunteers for the World Relief refugee organization. She is a retired lawyer and management consultant and former partner of a Chicago-based corporate law firm, specializing in corporate finances. Nancy has lived in Geneva for 35 years and is impressed by the many in-depth, high-quality, enriching educational opportunities the museum offers.
Llona Steele
Board Member
Llona served on the Waubonsee Community College Curriculum Council and is currently a class facilitator for the Lifelong Learning Institute. She is interested in history, preservation and ongoing education is her avocation. "When we moved to Geneva ten years ago, GHM was one of our first stops and a place which welcomed us.”
Kelly Vass
Board Member
Kelly has served on the Mutual Ground Gala Committee, and has lead board positions at St. Peter School. She is a member of the Geneva Women's Club and is currently Operations/Accounting & Technology for State Street Jewelers. She is a life-long resident of Geneva. "I enjoy giving back to my community and adding value and service to any committee."
