Batavia is home to many organizations that are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique qualities of our town, and we are working together to bring you an amazing week of preservation-minded events. This program was the recipient of the Award of Excellence from the Illinois Association of Museums in 2018.
Please join us for one or all of our programs below. If you have any questions, call Jennifer at the Depot Museum at 630-406-5274.
Monday, April 27 – Then and Now, presented by Mayor Schielke
Location: Batavia City Hall Chambers at 7 pm
Cost: free. Registration information coming soon!
Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke will take us on a photographic tour through the history of Batavia in a presentation titled, “Then and Now.” The Mayor will share his treasure trove of historical photographs of what some iconic Batavia sites looked like in its earlier days and compare that with photographs of the same sites today.
Presented by the City of Batavia
Tuesday, April 28 – When Was It Taken: Dating Old Family Photos
Location: Batavia Public Library at 7 pm
cost: free. Please Register on-line through the Library or call 630-879-1393 #2
Old family photos are often a puzzle, but fashion trends, hairstyles and photographic methods provide clues to your family story. In a slideshow of photographs from the 1870s to the 1920s, local historian Julia Johnas illustrates clues that may be in your family photos. Do you have a puzzling photo? Bring it to share.
Presented by the Batavia Public Library
Wednesday, April 29 – Collecting and Preserving Historic Lincoln Artifacts
Location: the Lodge at Laurelwood at 7 pm
Cost: $10 suggested donation. Register on-line here.
A collection of authentic items related to Abraham Lincoln will be discussed, including reproductions, by avid collector and Batavia Historical Society president Dan Hoefler.
Presented by the Batavia Historical Society
Thursday, April 30 – Downtown Historical Walking Tour
Location: Start at Waterstreet Studios at 10 am
Cost: $8. Online registration coming soon, or call (630) 761-3528
Join Batavia MainStreet as we explore Downtown Batavia’s history and architecture on foot. This guided walking tour highlights the unique historic buildings of downtown and unveils detailed stories of the town’s founding and early settlers.
Presented by the Batavia Main Street
Friday, May 1 – Connection with Culture History Biking Tour
Location: Start at the Lodge at Laurelwood, 5pm
Cost: $5. Register online here, or call the Batavia Park District (630) 879-5235
Join us for a unique biking tour of Northeast Batavia exploring our African-American roots. The tour will be led by Amber Foster, curator of the new spring exhibit at the Depot Museum: Community, Culture, and Conversations: African-American Heritage in Batavia. Please bring your own bicycle and equipment; these are not provided.
Presented by the Batavia Depot Museum
Saturday, May 2 – A Walk Down Memory Lane
Location: Batavia Civic Center Bartholomew Room, at 10:30 am
Cost: $10. Register online here, or call the Batavia Park District (630) 879-5235
Join us for a fun-packed hour of nostalgic memories, covering Chicagoland and the surrounding local areas. From the 1940s on up to the Baby Boomers, the audience is the star! Denny, a 1968 Vietnam Vet, grew up in St. Charles with 50 years of broadcast experience in the major radio and TV markets in Chicago, LA, and New York. He’ll guide the discussion to remember all the good places and memories!
Presented by the Batavia Park District
