Learn about your Community!

“What Was It Like? . . . An Afternoon with Charity Herrington” (grades 2nd and up)
"The group will meet Charity Herrington, the mother of Geneva’s founding family, experience the “close quarters” the eight Herrington children endured in their covered wagon while traveling west, suggest what the Herringtons should bring on their journey, and discover what Geneva looked like when the first settlers arrived. "

“What Was It Like? . . . Swedish Immigration” (grades 2nd and up)
"Participants will listen to the true story of three children ages 13, 9 and 6 who journey from Sweden to Geneva in 1903 by themselves, and then they will try their hand at work done by a Swedish Immigrant girl who came to Geneva in 1899. "

“What Was It Like? . . . Farming in 1900”
"One hundred years ago farming was the way of life for many Geneva residents. Students will step back in time and experience life as a farmer by shelling corn, making butter, as well as taking a “virtual tour” of Geneva in 1900."

“What Was It Like? . . . Making Maps”
"Over time, changes alter the character of a neighborhood and town, including how they look on a map. Students will explore Geneva’s past by looking at maps and hearing stories about neighborhoods from long time residents. Based on these discussions, students will draw a map of their neighborhood today."

“What Was It Like? . . . Breaking Secret Codes”
"During this program, children will explore stories about code breaking connected to Geneva! The program will start by sharing some true accounts of code breaking that took place at Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva. Participants will discover why the government sent soldiers to Geneva to learn how to break codes. Then, using a book published by Riverbank for children, everyone will learn how to read secret messages. The program will end by learning how to write a message in code and taking a group photograph in code."

“What Was It Like? . . . Hiking Through Your Hometown”
"On this walking tour participants will discover little known information about people and places in Geneva. Highlights include seeing how city hall served as the home to numerous high school plays and graduation, learning about a sheriff who caught horse thieves and counterfeiters, hearing about how things have changed at the Geneva Public Library, and walking by two building that served as Geneva’s hospitals. Participants also will be shown clues to help them learn the stories an old building can tell just by taking a closer look. This program can also be presented as a slide show."

 

To schedule a program:

General Information:

Time - Programs last 45 minutes to 1 hour, walking tours generally take 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Place - Programs can take place at the GHC or offsite. Walking tours start and end at the parking lot.

Cost - Geneva schools - free

...........All Others - $1.00 per participant

Scheduling - Two weeks notice is recommended

Contact - (630) 232 4951

Requirements - 1. Minimum 10 participants, maximum 25 per group.

>>>>>>>>>>>2. One adult per 10 children

 

Schedule a Program

“Preserving Photos and Family Treasures”

“Guided Tours”
Many of the school group programs can be adapted to adult groups

Boy Scouts

“Community History”
Tour Description:
"On this walking tour participants will discover little known information about people and places in Geneva. Highlights include seeing how city hall served as the home to numerous high school plays and graduation, learning about a sheriff who caught horse thieves and counterfeiters, hearing about how things have changed at the Geneva Public Library, and walking by two building that served as Geneva’s hospitals. Participants also will be shown clues to help them learn the stories an old building can tell just by taking a closer look. This program can also be presented as a slide show."

Selected Activities:

 

“Secret Codes”
Tour Description:
"During this program, children will explore stories about code breaking connected to Geneva! The program will start by sharing some true accounts of code breaking that took place at Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva. Participants will discover why the government sent soldiers to Geneva to learn how to break codes. Then, using a book published by Riverbank for children, everyone will learn how to read secret messages. The program will end by learning how to write a message in code and taking a group photograph in code."

Selected Activities:

 

Girl Scouts

“ Listening to the Past”
Tour Description:
"The group will meet Charity Herrington, the mother of Geneva’s founding family, experience the “close quarters” the eight Herrington children endured in their covered wagon while traveling west, suggest what the Herringtons should bring on their journey, and discover what Geneva looked like when the first settlers arrived. "

Selected Activities: