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Depot Museum
BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM & GUSTAFSON RESEARCH CENTER
155 Houston St. | 630-406-5274
Museum Hours:
Call for appointments December 18- March 1 Starting March 2: 2:00-4:00PM daily, but closed Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Research Center Hours:
Call for appointments December 18- March 1 Starting March 2: Monday, Friday 2:00–4:00 pm, or by appointment
Find us on:
@BataviaDepotMuseum @bataviadepot @bataviahistory 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 and Quincy railroad station, which was built in 1854 and recognized in 1979 for its uniqueness 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, 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, photograph 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.
Museum Volunteer Open House
All Ages January 15, 2:00-4:00 PM
Looking for a new way to support your community? Stop in the Museum for a cup of something warm, to talk with volunteers and professional Museum staff, to peek behind the scenes, and to find out how you can help make history happen at the Batavia Depot Museum. Saturday, January 15, 2:00-4:00 PM.
MUSEUM
Spring/Summer Exhibits
March – July 2022 Refraction: Finding Identity
Have you ever struggled to decide if that child in the beautiful dress in your old family photographs actually is great-grandpa or his sister? Do you know which First Lady cemented the idea of pink for girls and blue for boys? Learn more about the changing norms of identity and celebrate the stories of Batavians who have created their own path throughout our history.
Inspiring Expression
Batavians of all skill levels from the prehistoric period to the present day have used visual art to express themselves and their view of the world. “Inspiring Expression” celebrates our community’s creativity and showcases the Museum’s deep collection of rarely seen visual artworks created and treasured by Batavia residents.
Spring Opening Reception
All Ages March 4, 5:00-7:00 PM
Join Depot staff for a special viewing of our dual spring exhibits- Refraction and Inspiring Expression on Friday, March 4 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Depot Museum.
All Ages March 25, 6:00-7:00 PM Via Zoom
In the 19th century, the court of public opinion depicted Mary Lincoln as both a sainted war widow and a vilified spendthrift. Battles to control how she, and by extension her family, were viewed seemed to reflect the anxieties of a deeply conflicted nation. In one extraordinary case of hidden identity, Mary Lincoln’s image was so powerful, it trapped another woman under layers of paint and varnish for nearly a hundred years. Hear this remarkable story from the man who uncovered the truth, professional art conservationist Barry Bauman.
MUSEUM
Program Name
Museum Volunteer Open House
Code Age Days Dates Time Location Fee
N/A All Ages Sa 01/15 2:00-4:00P Depot Museum Free
Spring Exhibit Opening Reception N/A All Ages F 03/04 5:00-7:00P Depot Museum Free
The Demise of Mary Lincoln 999029-R16 All Ages F 03/25 6:00-7:00P Zoom (Virtual) $15
Check out the Batavia Museum Gift Shop
It feels just as good to give as to receive this season when you shop for a little piece of home from the Batavia Depot Museum gift shop. Stock up for a long winter’s night with a cozy Batavia hoodie, an insulated tumbler for your hot chocolate, and a copy of our new, 300-piece “Skaters on the Pond” puzzle. Your purchase of local history books, Batavia apparel, holiday ornaments, greeting cards and more supports local history research and education. Stop in to shop at the Museum during regular business hours, or buy online and pick up at your convenience.
