“Geneva’s Story” will be told in a new, permanent exhibit as the Geneva History Museum celebrates its 10th anniversary in a big way.

The exhibit will be unveiled with a special event open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at the museum at 113 South Third St., Geneva.

With a new logo and a new name — the Geneva History Center is now the Geneva History Museum — the exhibit and grand reopening are worth a look, whether you live in Geneva or anywhere in Kane County.

“Geneva’s Story” features iPad stations and a Fargo Theater for visitors to see, hear and interact with Geneva’s history using today’s technology.  Large super graphics cover the walls along with artifacts from the 1992 archaeological dig at the site of the 1835 Herrington Cabin along the Fox River, a Geneva High School letterman’s jacket from 1903, and a bicentennial quilt made by high school students and the community in 1976.  Seven hand-made detailed models of “lost” Geneva buildings are also featured.

The project was made possible by a grant from the Robinson Foundation, support from the Fabyan Foundation and the Geneva Lion’s Club as well as private donations from more than 70 individuals.  The museum will continue to seek funding from the community to complete Phase II of the gallery project which will include a Story Booth to collect, share and preserve in the Museum archives.
The Geneva History Museum is an independent, non-profit organization and takes pride in operating without help from government institutions or taxpayer dollars.

“Our life-blood lies with annual memberships, donations, sponsorships, grants and bequests,” Geneva History Museum Executive Director Terry Emma said. “These things alone allow the museum to be a valuable asset to the community.”

‘Geneva’s Story’

SATURDAY, AUG. 23, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

• 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m.: Various kids activities including Make Your Own Windmill; Educational activities exploring Geneva’s history.
• 11:30 a.m. — 3 p.m.: Behind-the-scenes look at the Museum’s collection. Private group tours taking place every half hour.
• 1:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.:  Premiere of The History of the Fox River in Geneva, IL. Video by David Phyfer of Stage Fright Productions
• 2:30 p.m. — 4 p.m.: Program and book signing with author Adam Gibbons. Founders & Early History of Geneva, Kane County, Illinois