Explore Batavia's history during Preservation Week April 22-27
For a second year, eight Batavia organizations are teaming up to inspire community members to preserve personal, family and community history in conjunction with National Preservation Week. In this increasingly virtual world, memoirs or memorabilia can bring feelings of joy, belonging, and connectedness. Share and enjoy our common history in Batavia by attending the programs presented by Batavia organizations that have a vested interest in our community.
Ticket pricing ranges from free to $20, and proceeds go to support the missions of the organization presenting the program of interest.
Mayor Jeff Schielke will kick off this weeklong event with a presentation about the great number of changes between historic Batavia and today.
To register for this event and all the other programs taking place during Preservation Week, visit www.BataviaHistoricalSociety.org/events. All programs are free unless otherwise listed.
• On Monday, April 22, Mayor Schielke will present "Then and Now" at 7 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. 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.
• On Tuesday, April 23, the Batavia Public Library will host "Your House Has a Story: House Research Program" at 7 p.m. 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.
• On Wednesday, April 24, join "Batavia Memories Roundtable: Fifty Years of Fun" at 2 p.m. at Batavia Public Library. Presented by the Batavia Depot Museum and Burnham Creative. Stop by the library for a lively discussion about all the fun over the years in Batavia! They 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!
• On Thursday, April 25, the Batavia Historical Society presents "Realizing the American Dream: Sears Kit Homes in Batavia, a Legacy Worth Preserving" at 7 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room at the Batavia Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St. A suggested donation to Batavia Historical Society is much appreciated. If you live in or like the charm of the older homes in Batavia, 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.
• On Friday, April 26, Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley will host a Historic Pub Crawl from 5 to 7 p.m. It will starts at the Depot Museum. Tickets are $20. 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. Drinks are not included in the ticket price, but each pub stop will have a drink special available only to pub crawlers. It is a fundraiser for Preservation Partners and includes a souvenir bag, booklet providing history of the community and pubs, and the satisfaction of supporting heritage education and historic preservation in the Tri-Cities.
Pub sponsors include: Bar Evolution, Bulldog's Cellar, Full Moon Bar and Grill, River's Edge Bar and Grill, and Wilson Street Tavern.
• On Saturday, April 27, the Downtown Batavia Walking Tour starts at 10 a.m. at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St. Cost is $8. Join Batavia MainStreet in exploring downtown Batavia's history and architecture on foot. This guided walking tour highlights the historic buildings of downtown and unveils detailed stories of the town's founding and early settlers.
• On Saturday, April 27, join in the first Batavia Road Rally from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St. Cost is $10 per team. Presented by Batavia Park District. 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 this epic excursion into Batavia and its history!
For more information about Batavia Preservation Week or the participating organizations, please contact Depot Museum staff by calling (630) 406-5274 or visit bataviahistoricalsociety.org/events.