April 16, 2024
Local News | Kane County Chronicle
Local News

Batavia highlights its past with several events during Preservation Week

Organizations hope to inspire community members to preserve history April 22-27

By KANE COUNTY

The Batavia Park District and other local nonprofit organizations are hosting several events focusing on the city's history as part of National Preservation Week, April 22-27. This photo dates back to a parade in the early 1980s. (Photo provided)

BATAVIA – Several Batavia organizations are teaming up to highlight the importance of local history during National Preservation Week, which is April 22 to 27, through a variety of programs. Tickets range between free and $20, and all proceeds benefit the missions of the program's presenting organization.

Mayor Jeff Schielke will kick off this week-long event with a presentation about the great number of changes between historic Batavia and today. To register for this event and all the other programs taking place during Preservation Week, please visit www.BataviaHistoricalSociety.org/events.

April 22 – Then and Now, Presented by Mayor Schielke

Batavia Public Library at 7 p.m., free, presented by the City of Batavia

April 23 – Your House Has a Story: House Research Program

Batavia Public Library, 7 p.m., free, presented by the Batavia Public Library

April 24 –Batavia Memories Roundtable: Fifty Years of Fun

Batavia Public Library, 2 p.m., free, presented by the Batavia Depot Museum and Burnham Creative

April 25 – Realizing the American Dream: Sears Kit Homes in Batavia, a Legacy Worth Preserving 

Bartholomew Room at the Batavia Civic Center, 7 p.m., donations to Batavia Historical Society are encouraged. Presented by the Batavia Historical Society

Friday, April 26 – Historic Pub Crawl 

Starts at the Depot Museum, 5 to 7 p.m., $20, presented by Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley

Saturday, April 27 – Downtown Batavia Walking Tour

Starts at Water Street Studios, 10 am, $8, presented by Water Street Studios

Saturday, April 27 – Batavia Road Rally

Eastside Community Center, 1:30 to 5 p.m., Cost $10/team, presented by the Batavia Park District.

This event is modeled after "The Amazing Race" and Batavians will compete against each other through a series of hints, clues and activities to test their knowledge of Batavia's history. Pre-registration is encouraged. An awards ceremony and refreshments will begin at 4:30 p.m. For information or to register for this event, call 630-879-5235 or visit www.bataviaparks.org.

For more information about Batavia Preservation Week or the participating organizations, contact the Depot Museum at 630-406-5274 or visit bataviahistoricalsociety.org/events.