Depot Museum

BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM & GUSTAFSON RESEARCH CENTER

155 Houston St. | 630-406-5274

Museum Hours:

Su 10:00A–4:00P M 2:00–4:00P Tu By appointment W 2:00–4:00P Th By appointment F 2:00–4:00P Sa 10:00A-4:00P

Research Center Hours:

Monday, Friday 2:00–4:00P, or by appointment

Find us on:

@BataviaDepotMuseum @bataviadepot The Batavia Depot Museum, a cooperative effort between the Batavia Park District and the Batavia Historical Society, houses the rich history of the city’s past. The Museum is in a restored Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad station, which was built in 1854 and recognized for its uniqueness in 1979 by the National Register of Historic Places. There are two floors of exhibits on local and state history to explore, as well as a 1907 caboose!

The Gustafson Research Center, located in the lower level of the Depot Museum, houses our archives. Researchers have access to Kane County Census records, Tri-City directories, cemetery records, obituary indexes, local church records, probate and court records, historical books, photographic files, local business catalogs and more.

For additional information on the history of Batavia and the Historical Society’s collections, visit the Batavia Historical Society web page at

www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org.

Holiday Hours | December, January

The Museum will close on December 18 and resume regular hours March 1, 2023. Shopping, research, and tours always are available by appointment. Call 630-406-5274 for bookings.

MUSEUM

Fall and Winter Exhibits

August 1 – December 18 City of Energy – The Forces that Built Batavia

Robots are taking over the Museum! Discovery and innovation is in store for Batavia this fall, where the Fox Valley Robotics Team is teaming up with the Depot Museum. On the main floor, learn about Batavia’s history of energy and power, from the first wooden dam to the Tevatron. Then venture to the lower level to see the work of today’s young engineers who are building on the traditions of the past.

November 14 - December 18 Magic of Batavia

The Charlie Tree, the Peace Bridge, and the Celebration of Lights—Batavians celebrate each holiday season with traditions both public and private. Stop by the Museum from Monday, November 14, to Sunday, December 18, to learn more about our unique Batavia holiday traditions and add yours to our tradition tree.

Mysterious Batavia Walking Tour

All Ages Friday, October 14, 6:00P $10 Content is PG-13

How did the river acquire its name? What happened to Mayor Snow? Who is responsible for the October riots of 1935? Explore startling history and eerie happenings on this one-mile, guided walking tour. Learn something new about our town!

Brew Ha-Ha

Ages 21+ Wednesday, September 14, 7:00P $20

Join Illinois brewery historian, John Bittermann, at Sidecar Supper Club and have a barrel of fun! Discover the complicated, engaging history of local breweries. Ticket price includes a beverage of your choice and a reserved seat in the dining room. Please drink (locally) responsibly.

Witty Whiskey

Ages 21+ Friday, November 18, 6:30-8:30P $20

Pair a tasting flight of five Illinois whiskies with a little learning. Cynthia Clampitt, 2022 Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, will speak about “How Corn Changed Itself and then Changed Everything Else.” Join us between 6:30 and 7:30P for cocktail hour, and between 7:30 and 8:30P for the lecture.

Batavia History Trolley Tour

All Ages Fridays, September 2, October 7, 6:00P Sundays, September 18, October 16, 1:30P $20

Take a ride on the Park District’s historic, open-air trolley for a guided tour of Batavia’s history. Tours last 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Weather dependent.

Private Trolley Tours

Looking for a tour on the trolley, but want to choose the day and time? Book a personal tour of Batavia’s history for you and up to twelve participants. Tours last 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and are weather dependent. Call the Museum to schedule.

MUSEUM

Program Name Code Age Days Dates Time Location

Fee

Batavia History Trolley Tour 600004-1A All Ages F 09/02 6:00-7:00P Batavia Depot Museum $20 Batavia History Trolley Tour 600004-1B All Ages Su 09/18 1:30-2:30P Batavia Depot Museum $20 Batavia History Trolley Tour 600004-1C All Ages F 10/07 6:00-7:00P Batavia Depot Museum $20 Batavia History Trolley Tour 600004-1D All Ages Su 10/16 1:30-2:30P Batavia Depot Museum $20 Brew Ha-Ha 600000-1A Ages 21+ W 09/14 7:00-8:00P Batavia Depot Museum $20 Witty Whiskey 600005-1A Ages 21+ F 11/18 6:30-8:30P Batavia Depot Museum $20 Mysterious Batavia Walking Tour 600006-1A All Ages F 10/14 6:00-7:00P Batavia Depot Museum $10

Shop for unique gifts at the Depot

Show your Batavia pride with a variety of stocking stuffers from the Batavia Depot Museum! Take advantage of our extended open season through Dec. 18 or shop online! After Dec. 18, please call 630-406-5274 to make an appointment to stop in and shop.