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.
During this week, you can learn more about how to research your home, take a walking tour of downtown, reminisce with other Batavians and even enjoy a history oriented pub crawl! 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 22 – Then and Now, presented by Mayor Schielke
Location: Batavia Public Library at 7 pm
Cost: free. Register on-line through the Library or call 630-879-1393 #2
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 23 – Your House Has a Story: House Research Program
Location: Batavia Public Library at 7 pm
cost: free. Please Register on-line through the Library or call 630-879-1393 #2
Curious about the history of your house? When was it built? What style is it? Who were the original owners? Author and local historian Julia Johnas presents an illustrated step-by-step guide to researching the history of your house.
Presented by the Batavia Public Library
Wednesday, April 24 – Batavia Memories Roundtable: Fifty Years of Fun
Location: Batavia Public Library at 2 pm
Cost: free. Register online through the Park District, or call 630-879-5235
Join us at the public library for a lively discussion about all the fun we have had here in Batavia! We will cover topics such as the origins of the Park District in 1969, talk a little about the Quarry as the town swimming spot, and show historic photos. Bring your memories!
Presented by the Batavia Depot Museum and the Burnham Group
Thursday, April 25 – Realizing the American Dream: Sears Kit Homes in Batavia, a Legacy Worth Preserving
Location: Bartholomew Room at the Batavia Civic Center at 7 pm
Cost: Donations to the Batavia Historical Society appreciated. This event is sold out! Thank you!
If you live in or like the charm of the older homes in Batavia, please join the Batavia Historical Society’s Sears Kit Home Research Volunteers as they share findings on some suspected and confirmed Sears Kit Homes built in Batavia between 1908-1940. This lively presentation will also include information about the Batavians who originally lived in these homes. You’ll also learn some of the ways to positively identify a Sears Kit Home.
Presented by the Batavia Historical Society
Friday, April 26 – Historic Pub Crawl
Location: Start at the Batavia Depot Museum between 5-7pm
Cost: $20. Register online here, or by calling The Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley (630) 377-6424
Raise your glass to Preservation and the City of Batavia and explore some of the city’s most historic pubs and bars. This self-guided tour includes stops at pubs distinctive for their history, architecture, and spirits, as well as sites that represent some of Batavia’s most important history.
Presented by the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley
Saturday, April 27 – Downtown Properties Historical Walking Tour
Location: Start at Waterstreet Studios at 10 am
Cost: $8. Register online here, 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
Saturday, April 27 – Batavia Road Rally
Location: Start at the East Side Community Center at 1:30 pm
Cost: $10 per team. Register online through the Park District or call 630-879-5235.
Batavia is the oldest city in Kane County and with all the history comes an opportunity. Compete against your fellow Batavians through a series of hints, clues, and activities. Earn points along the route as you test your knowledge of Batavia history and your navigation skills of the city. Join us for this epic excursion into Batavia and its history!
Presented by the Batavia Park District
