Geneva History Museum celebrates 75 years with ceremony Oct. 29 and a jewelry raffle
The Geneva History Museum is celebrating 75 years as an independent nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve and share Geneva's evolving story while inspiring and engaging the community.
The museum recently received a Platinum Anniversary Award from the Illinois Association of Museums.
On Oct. 29, 1943, Geneva residents gathered at city hall to discuss the importance of saving Geneva's history and starting the Geneva Historical Society.
According to the minutes of the meeting, Dr. Charles Little, professor of religious history at Meadville Theological Seminary at the University of Chicago, presided as chairman.
He said, "what if 25 years from now the president of a World Federation might be from Geneva. This city would become famous and historians would come here seeking information but if Geneva didn't save their records there would be no information of Geneva life or of any individual."
Dr. Paul Angle, State Librarian and Executive Secretary of the Lincoln National Historical Association at Springfield, was invited to address the group. He said "the best place to begin the study of national history is to trace its eras and influences in the record of one's hometown … no better source of patriotic loyalty can be found than local civic pride and appreciation for the public spirit of the men and women who through generations have made its life and its institutions."
Dr. Angle added, " … forming such a society will take some time and effort; not to be exclusive or too highly organized; to limit the constitution, bylaws and dues to essentials; and not to expect miracles."
Following Dr. Angle's address, Geneva Mayor O.J. Adamson, H.M. Coultrap, and E. Devol endorsed the project and Warren Smith presented the following motion in the form of a resolution which was seconded by Mrs. LeBaron Turner and adopted with no negative votes.
"Resolved, That we who are here assembled, residents of Geneva, Illinois, or its immediate vicinity, favor the organization of the Geneva Historical Society, for the collection and preservation of records, articles and other relics of the history of our community from the times of its earliest settlement; for the photographing of important landmarks and their designation by permanent markers; for the recollection, by public observances and printed memorials, of significant events and phases of our history to the end that the patriotic pride and civic loyalty of present and coming citizens of Geneva may be fostered and enhanced."
On Monday, Oct. 29, the Geneva History Museum invites the community to an anniversary celebration to honor those who started this organization. It will begin at 5 p.m. at the Geneva City Hall, 22 S. First St.
The first 75 people that arrive will receive a custom-designed sweet from Graham's Fine Chocolates. The group will gather on the James Street front lawn of city hall promptly at 5 p.m. to create the largest Geneva selfie taken by a drone. After the photo, the event moves inside city hall council chambers for a mayoral proclamation and celebration with cupcakes and a "Business Beat" video of behind the scenes at the museum.
Diamonds represent 75 years so State Street Jewelers created a custom-designed diamond necklace for the Geneva History Museum to raffle.
The necklace has three diamonds representing the past, present and future totaling 1.21ct. on a 20-inch adjustable 14-carat white gold chain with the museum's "G" on the slider. The necklace is valued at $4,000. Raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100 and are available at the museum, State Street Jewelers, 230 W. State St. and online at GenevaHistoryMuseum.org.
Drawing will be held at the museum during the Merry Mixer holiday fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13. Winner does not need to be present.
Stop by the Geneva History Museum, 113 S. Third St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and check out the 3,000 square-foot Main Gallery "Geneva's Story" and the 950-square-foot Feature Gallery exhibit "In Other Words: The History of Communication in Geneva." Admission is $3 per person or free for museum members. The museum also offers programs, tours, research services and a gift shop. For more information, visit GenevaHistoryMuseum.org or call (630) 232-4951.