Preservation Week

April 30-May 6

Celebrate and explore the sights and spaces that make Batavia unique!

All week long stay tuned to the social media channels of the Batavia Depot Museum and our Preservation Week partners: the Batavia Historical Society, the Batavia Public Library, and the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley. You’ll find hidden histories, local trivia, and pop-up experiences all week long.

History House

All Ages

Thursday, May 4, 7:00-8:00P

Batavia Public Library

Donations accepted

If your walls could talk, what stories would they tell? Julia Johnas, author and house history expert, returns to the Batavia Public Library to share her tips and tricks for discovering the history of your home. Register with the Batavia Public Library to reserve your free ticket.

Cheers Through the Years

Age 21+

Friday, May 5, 7:00-9:00P

$10

Depot Museum start

Grab your friends for a history-flavored night of 21+ fun in downtown Batavia. Check in at the Depot Museum by 7:30 p.m. to pick up your wristband and map. Then head out to meet the barkeeps who keep some of Batavia’s best old properties still in use. Guided tour group leaves at 7:10 p.m.

(sub)urban Adventure Tour

All Ages

Saturday, May 6, 2:00P

$20 for trolley pass

Our History Trolley goes further afield for Preservation Week to explore some of the surrounding landmark buildings.

The Batavia Project Workroom

All Ages

Saturday, April 15, 2:00–4:00P

Saturday, April 22, 2:00–4:00P

Saturday, April 29, 2:00–4:00P

$15

Get that big Batavia Project checked off your third grade to-do list. Explore the museum to learn about Batavia’s history, then stop by the maker stations in the Research Center where you’ll find supplies to help you create your project. Registration fee includes supplies and we encourage kids to bring an adult at no cost.

Women’s History Hindsight: The Struggle for Suffrage

All Ages

Sunday, May 21, 1:00–2:30P

$15

August 26, 2020 marked 100 years since the 19th Amendment was passed, granting American women the right to vote in all elections. It didn’t happen overnight, folks! Countless people labored for decades to bring enfranchisement to both genders. This program takes you back to 1920 with a woman who will illustrate for you how the women struggled for the right to vote. Join Ellie as we celebrate and reflect on the path to women’s suffrage and the road that lies ahead.

Cemetery Walk

All Ages

Monday, May 29, 10:00A, 1:30P, 3:30P

$20

Captain Don Carlos Newton raised the funds to erect the Batavia Civil War Memorial in the West Side Cemetery. Museum staff share stories of Batavia’s Civil War Veterans on this respectful Memorial Day walk in the West Side Cemetery. Weather permitting, all ages welcome.

Batavia History Trolley Tour

All Ages

Friday, April 14, 6:00P

Sunday, April 16, 1:30P

Friday, May 12, 6:00P

Sunday, May 21, 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.

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 12 participants. Tours last 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and are weather dependent. Call the Museum to schedule, 630-406-5274.

Museum

Check Out the Batavia Museum Gift Shop

Support your local museum with every purchase of Batavia apparel, housewares, toys, and collectibles at the Batavia Depot Museum Gift Shop. We have a number of new items for sale!

Stop in to shop at the Museum during open hours, or buy online and schedule a pick up at your convenience.