Geneva History Museum
113 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134
Museums
These facilities, combined with multiple award-winning exhibits, educational programs, cutting-edge research, and dedicated volunteers, continue to make the Geneva History Museum a source of great community pride.
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.
As newcomers began to outnumber long-time residents, 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 received 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.
What's happening nearby...
![](https://enjoyillinois.dottie.io/assets/Tourism-Operators/images/Gen-ClassicCar-2019-032-cr__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNjAwLDQwMF0.-Laura-Stoecker-Photography-LTD..jpg)
Geneva Classic Car Shows
Downtown Geneva • Jul 18 @ 5AM
From 5 - 8pm, free admission. Check out the antique, custom build, muscle, and sport cars. Enjoy delicious treats and a DJ. Downtown shops, pubs and…
Read more about Geneva Classic Car Shows![](https://enjoyillinois.dottie.io/assets/Tourism-Operators/images/GC-Couple-toasting-1__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNjAwLDQwMF0.jpg)
Festival of the Vine
Downtown Geneva • Sep 06 – Sep 08 @ 11AM
Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare” partnered with wine and live musical entertainment.
Read more about Festival of the Vine![](https://enjoyillinois.dottie.io/assets/Tourism-Operators/images/GenevaChristmasWalk-03651__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNjAwLDQwMF0.jpg)
Geneva Christmas Walk
8 S. Third St., Geneva, IL • Dec 06 @ 6PM
Christmas in Geneva begins Friday, December 6.
Read more about Geneva Christmas WalkYou might also be interested...
![](https://enjoyillinois.dottie.io/assets/Tourism-Operators/images/Fabyan-Villa-Winter__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNjAwLDQwMF0.jpg)
Fabyan Estate and Forest Preserve
Geneva
Enjoy architecture and the estate of Colonel Fabyan.
Read more about Fabyan Estate and Forest Preserve![](https://enjoyillinois.dottie.io/assets/Tourism-Operators/images/Fabyan-Japanese-Garden__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNjAwLDQwMF0.jpg)
Fabyan Japanese Garden and Fabyan Villa Museum
Geneva
A tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a…
Read more about Fabyan Japanese Garden and Fabyan Villa Museum