We wandered to the Geneva History Museum this week to experience the new Viking's Voyage exhibit highlighting the ship Viking. Viking was originally part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and now calls Geneva home. However, we quickly learned that the museum's main exhibit focusing on Geneva history engages the spirit of discovery. We enjoyed exploring the two galleries and learning about Geneva.
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| Geneva History Museum takes you on a journey through the city's history with artifacts, displays, and multimedia elements. |
Viking's Voyage Highlights An Interesting Local Treasure
We began our journey learning the history of Viking, a replica Viking ship on exhibit several months of the year in Geneva. The exhibit lays the foundation of the Viking story discussing the ancient Norwegian Viking ship Gokstad which served as a model for the replica.
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| Learn about Viking's journey from Norway to Chicago during Viking's Voyage. |
Interesting Fact -- Islendingur in Iceland is also a replica of Gokstad. It sailed across the Atlantic to commemorate Leifur Eiriksson's journey. I have visited both Islendingur and Viking which is kind of neat!
A timeline of Viking history and replicas of Viking artifacts provide some context about the Viking world. Other exhibits include videos portraying the history of Viking while also detailing restoration efforts. Exhibits offer so many interesting details of the ship including its voyage across the Atlantic from Norway to Chicago to be part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Upon arrival, the ship was a marvel and many noted exhibitors at the event including Buffalo Bill Cody were amazed by it. Pretty cool! Additional artifacts bring us back to the exposition.
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| The original oars used to sail Viking. |
After the fair, the ship sailed to New Orleans eventually returning to a spot outside of the now Field Museum. When the Field Museum chose to focus more on natural history, the ship was dry-docked at Lincoln Park Zoo. As the zoo expanded, the ship was moved to West Chicago. A couple of years later it was moved to Geneva to Good Templar Park. The Friends of the Viking Ship took over management in 2012. We are very fortunate for the efforts of FOVS in maintaining, restoring and managing the ship as well as educating the community.
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| I stepped back through history to see Viking through a stereoscope. |
My favorite little treasure within the exhibit is the stereoscope. Loved seeing Viking through the stereoscope!
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| The dragon head and tail of Viking have recently been restored and are amazing! |
We loved this exhibit and learning more about Viking. While visiting, you can take part in the experience by naming the newly restored dragon head and tail. Amazingly, these pieces had been stored for quite some time. They are magnificent after the recent restoration!
Viking's Voyage will be open through December 23, 2023.
Geneva's Story
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| Learning about Geneva's agrarian history with artifacts including an ox yoke and milk cans. |
While visiting Geneva, a wander through Geneva's Story provides a wonderful foundation for your visit. We learned about Geneva from its very beginnings to today. I was surprised about how many industries called Geneva their home over the years including the Lancaster Caramel Company owned by the Pennsylvania Hershey family, the Bennett Mill for flour, a phonograph manufacturer called Hiawatha, and Penguin Software which created early video games. Additionally, Geneva still has ties to its agrarian roots with Kautz Farm Co-op founded in 1864 and Windy Acres Farm.
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| A peek into a millinery shop from Geneva's past. |
The museum incorporates an amble through historic streets giving a little peek into Geneva past. We saw a shoe store, a millinery, and, of course, inside The Little Traveler. We also learned about Geneva in times of war as well as movies filmed in the city. It is really amazing how much was packed inside of the museum's exhibits!
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| A multimedia exhibit welcomes guests to share their Geneva stories. |
Geneva History Museum not only inspired us to explore but also to become part of Geneva history. A video booth encourages you to leave your own Geneva story to become part of the village's history. Another exhibit shared stories from Geneva residents.
Geneva History Museum provides an amazing adventure right in the vibrant, charming downtown of Geneva. The museum is just steps away from all of the great small businesses and eateries of Geneva, so a great add-on. Visiting is a remarkable value -- currently only $5 admission for adults and $2 for kids. Additionally, there is a gift shop where you can pick ups something totally Geneva. I highly recommend a visit for an interesting and enjoyable exploration of history.
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