Depot Museum

BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM & GUSTAFSON RESEARCH CENTER

155 Houston St. | 630-406-5274 www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org

Museum Hours:

Now – February 28 by appointment only. March 1 – December 11 – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 2:00–4:00 pm

Research Center Hours:

By appointment only.

Group tours:

Year-round, call 630-406-5274 to schedule

Find us on:

@BataviaDepotMuseum @bataviadepot @bataviahistory The rich history of the city’s past is housed in the Batavia Depot Museum, which is a cooperative effort between the Batavia Park District and the Batavia Historical Society. The museum is in a restored Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy railroad station, which was built in 1854 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. 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 the Batavia Historical Society’s archives. Researchers have access to Kane County court 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 Museum and its collections, check out the Batavia Historical Society web page at www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org.

BATAVIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Join our effort to keep the legacy of our community alive. Visit bataviahistoricalsociety.org and see our great upcoming events, become a member and learn how you can get involved!

FUNDRAISING TARGET AMOUNT $2,000,000

MUSEUM

Spring & Summer Exhibit

March 1 – August 1 Heart and Hustle: Batavia Sport Heroes

Come out and root for our hometown team! This exhibit showcases Batavia athletes, coaches, and fans at the center of the action. Exhibit highlights include the careers of Batavia natives such as Ken Anderson, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1971-1986 and coach for the 2009 Super Bowl XLIII champion Pittsburgh Steelers; Corey Williams who played professional basketball for 12 years in Luxembourg, Switzerland and Belgium and now works for ESPN as a men’s college basketball analyst; and Sharron Moran who toured with the LGPA from 1967-1977 and currently gives lessons at the Bird Golf Academy in Palm Springs, California.

Exhibit Opening Reception

Join Depot staff for a special viewing of Heart and Hustle: Batavia Sport Heroes on Friday, March 5 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Depot Museum.

Cup Check Please: A Scholarly Talk on a “Jocular” Subject

It turns out that the athletic supporter was actually invented in Chicago in 1874 by C. F. Bennett. Ellie Carlson, a Chicagoan tried and true and manager of The Chicago Salmon Vintage Base Ball team, will explore and illustrate the changes and some of the more unusual versions of this athletic wear that seem nearly insane to modern sentiments. There is positively no modeling of jock straps by anyone during this presentation.

Find the program for you! Start planning your spring schedule on page 74.

Volunteer Open House

Friday, March 19 2:00-4:00P

Are you interested in volunteering at the Batavia Depot Museum but want more information? Stop by the Depot Museum to talk with staff about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

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, and we will deliver you back to the Depot in time to visit the exhibits at your leisure. Space is limited for this opportunity, so sign up early!

Batavia Mystery Tours

All Ages

Explore creepy history and eerie happenings on this mysterious guided walking tour. Learn something new about your town!

Shop for unique gifts at the Depot!

Now offering online ordering and curbside pick-up!

Show your Batavia pride with a variety of items from the Batavia Depot Museum! Items include zip code pillows, Batavia crocks, t-shirts, sweatshirts, ornaments, tumblers, and more! Order online at bataviaparks.org/shop or call to make a special shopping appointment.