Depot Museum

BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM & GUSTAFSON RESEARCH CENTER

155 Houston St. | 630-406-5274

Museum Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 2:00-4:00 pm Closed after Saturday, December 18, until Spring.

Research Center Hours:

Monday, Friday 2:00–4:00 pm, or by appointment Closed Sept. 6, Oct. 11, and Nov. 26

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.

An American Songline: A Musical Journey Along the Lincoln Highway Sunday, November 14, 1:30pm

Join Cecelia “Cece” Otto for an afternoon concert full of the musical history of the Lincoln Highway. Cece is a classically trained singer, composer, international best-selling author and historian who has performed in venues all over the world both as a soloist and in ensemble. In 2013, she completed her cross-country musical journey An American Songline, performing 30 concerts of historic vintage music on venues along the Lincoln Highway. She lives in Portland, Oregon, and has written books and recorded albums based on her research.

Fall & Winter Exhibit

August 1 - December 18 Good Roads: Batavia’s Volunteer Highway

From canoes navigating the river to electric rail lines, Batavia connects to the world via the transportation thoroughfares that have shaped our region. Explore Batavia’s connection to the Good Roads Movement that paved the way for the automobile traffic we rely on today.

Batavia History Trolley Tours

All Ages

Take a ride on the Park District’s historic open-air trolley while experiencing a guided tour of Batavia’s History. Tours last 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

MUSEUM

Batavia Mystery Tours

All Ages (PG-13)

How did the river get 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 your town!

Program Name

Code Age Days Dates Time Location Fee

Batavia Mystery Tours 999029-R5 All Ages F 10/08 6:00-7:00P Batavia Depot Museum $13 Batavia Mystery Tours 999029 -R6 All Ages F 10/29 6:00-7:00P Batavia Depot Museum $13 Batavia Mystery Tours 999029 -R32 All Ages Sa 10/30 1:00-2:00P Batavia Depot Museum $13 Batavia History Trolley Tours 999029 -R12 All Ages F 10/01 5:30-6:30P Batavia Depot Museum $13 Batavia History Trolley Tours 999029 -R13 All Ages Su 10/10 1:00-2:00P Batavia Depot Museum $13

Second Fridays

Now – October

Stop by the Museum campus for extended evening hours, 5:00-7:00 pm on Second Fridays through October.

Art History Inspire your creativity through conversation with history. Explore one inspirational theme each month with the help of the Museum collection.

Check out the Batavia Museum Gift Shop

Show your Batavia pride with a variety of Stocking Stuffers from the Batavia Depot Museum! Zip code pillows have been on everyone’s gift list, and there is a wonderful line of handmade “Batavia” crocks. Take advantage of our extended open season through Dec. 13! After Dec. 13, please call 630-406-5274 to make an appointment to stop in and shop. Or visit the Batavia Depot Museum Gift Shop online at bataviaparks.org/shop. An array of holiday ornaments are on sale, as well as fun accessories and apparel for all your gift-giving needs! Have you played Batavia-opoly?