Speaker to tell history of 'Girls' School' in Geneva

The Geneva History Center will host a lecture by John J. Laukaitis, Ph.D., about the history of the Illinois State Training School for Girls which was located in Geneva.

The "Girls' School" was a fixture on Geneva's east side for decades and occupied the space where the Fox Run Development is today. The only remnant of the former institution is the school's cemetery where former residents are buried.

The presentation at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, will focus on the establishment of the school in the late 19th century to its rapid growth in the early 20th century and include an examination of the school's importance within the broader history of reform in the Progressive Era. Along with his research, Laukaitis will share many photographs and maps from the Geneva History Center's archives that document the time.

Admission is $5 for nonmembers and $3 for members, with all proceeds benefiting the Geneva History Center. The history center is at 113 S. Third St. For details, call (630) 232-4951.