Artist rendering of upgraded Depot Museum. (CREDIT: Batavia Historical Society)

The Batavia Historical Society celebrates Batavia’s past, present and future at the kick-off celebration for the Batavia Depot Museum Expansion Project, set for 2 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at the Batavia Public Library.

At the March 12 celebration, the public can learn about the proposed $2 million project and other new programs, including the new History Heroes program for kids at the Depot Museum.

(CREDIT: Batavia Historical Society)

“This is such an exciting time for the Depot Museum,” said Carla Hill, former depot director. “The Historical Society is committed to expanding the museum, resulting in room for new exhibits and new programs.”

A special Expansion Committee has been created to help raise the $2 million need for the project. There are a number of fundraisers planned throughout the year, starting with the Antiques on Main Sale, scheduled for May 5-6, a Night at the Museum scheduled for this summer and an Appraisal Fair planned for the fall.

“These fundraisers will require a large number of volunteers,” said Sharon Mitchell, volunteer coordinator.  “The volunteer community in Batavia has always been strong. We hope volunteers will make a commitment to this project as well.”

When the Depot was dedicated in 1973, almost half of the citizens of Batavia had contributed to the project, through donations of money, and labor.  The Furnas Foundation matched the monetary donations. The Batavia Depot Museum is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Batavia Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, plans to raise $2 million for the construction of the expansion, including the linkup to the existing museum. The theme for the March 12 celebration is “History Happens Here.”

For more information about the project and the Batavia Historical Society, plan to attend the family friendly kick-off celebration at the library or log on to www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org. (Editor’s note: the Historical Society site was under construction and unavailable at the time this article was posted.) To donate to the expansion project, send a check to the Batavia Historical Society Expansion Project, P.O. Box 14, Batavia, IL 60510.

SOURCE: Batavia Park District news release

Feature Photo Credit: Ed Richtsteig Photography

Artist rendering of upgraded Depot Museum. (CREDIT: Batavia Historical Society)