Historical Society hopes to raise $2 million for Depot Museum expansion

By Jack McCarthy Chronicle Media

The Batavia Historical Society hopes to raise $2 million of ran expansion of Batavia’s Depot Museum, located on the Riverwalk. (Photo by Jack McCarthy / Chronicle Media)

The Batavia Historical Society plans a $2 million expansion project at the Batavia Depot Museum.

The public can learn about the plan and help kick off fundraising on Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library.

The theme for the March 12 celebration is “History Happens Here.”

“This is such an exciting time for the Depot Museum,” said Carla Hill, former depot director. “The Historical Society is committed to expanding the museum, resulting in room for new exhibits and new programs.”

A special Expansion Committee has been created to help raise $2 million. A number of fundraisers planned throughout the yea starting with the Antiques on Main Sale, scheduled for May 5-6, a Night at the Museum scheduled for this summer and an Appraisal Fair planned for the fall.

“These fundraisers will require a large number of volunteers,” said Sharon Mitchell, volunteer coordinator.  “The volunteer community in Batavia has always been strong. We hope volunteers will make a commitment to this project as well.”

When the Depot was dedicated in 1973, almost half of the citizens of Batavia had contributed to the project, through donations of money, and labor.

The Furnas Foundation matched the monetary donations. The Batavia Depot Museum is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information about the project visit www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org. To donate to the expansion project, send a check to the Batavia Historical Society Expansion Project, P.O. Box 14, Batavia, IL 60510.

 

 

 

— Historical Society hopes to raise $2 million for Depot Museum expansion —