Depot Museum

BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM & GUSTAFSON RESEARCH CENTER

155 Houston St. | 630-406-5274

Museum Hours:

Call for appointments January-February Starting March 1: M, W, F: 2:00-4:00 PM Sa, Su: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Closed Tuesday and Thursday

Research Center Hours:

Call for appointments January–February Starting March 1: M, F 2:00–4:00 PM, 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 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 Jan 14, 2:00-4:00 PM

Calling all history buffs, friendly faces, and folks who want to get more involved in their community. The Batavia Depot Museum can connect you! Tour the Museum and Research Center and learn about ways you can help us meet our mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing local history.

Spring/Summer Exhibit | March – July 2023

Never Done: The Women Who Built Batavia

This spring and summer, the Museum is pleased to showcase the lives and labor of the women who made Batavia what it is today. This new exhibit, featuring artifacts from the Batavia Historical Society’s collection, sheds light on the experiences of the women of Batavia’s history as they navigated personal callings, domestic duties, and the social currents of life on the Fox River.

Spring Opening Reception

Never Done: The Women Who Built Batavia

All Ages March 3, 6:00-8:00P

Get your first look at the Batavia Depot Museum’s new exhibit: Women at Work. Join Museum staff and your neighbors to learn about the lives of our founding women. Light refreshments and a cash bar provided.

History on the Go

Bring the Museum to you with bookable programming tailored to your interest and audience. Call or email to discuss your group’s needs, or choose from a menu of popular presentations:

Batavia’s Black Pioneers

Discover the ways Black families in the 1850s navigate Illinois’ Black Laws to find security and success in Batavia.

The Madness of Mary Todd Lincoln

In 1874, the President’s widow found herself incarcerated in a mental health institute in Batavia in the care of Dr. Patterson. Learn what led to her stay in Batavia and how she secured her independence.

DIY History

Practical advice on how to preserve your family treasures for posterity.

Tour Guide To-Go

If you have a bus, we have a guide. Enjoy a personal tour of downtown Batavia historical sites from the comfort of your own vehicle.

MUSEUM

Program Name

Museum Volunteer Open House Spring Exhibit Opening Reception

Code Age Days Dates Time Location Fee

N/A All Ages Sa 01/14 2:00-4:00P Depot Museum Free

N/A All Ages F 03/03 6:00-8:00P Depot Museum Free

Shop for unique gifts at the Depot

Celebrate Batavia and bring history home with our one-of-a-kind apparel, home goods, books, stationary, and games. Best of all, you can feel great about your purchases at the Batavia Depot Museum Gift Shop knowing all proceeds go directly to our mission of preserving and sharing Batavia history.