Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Carla Hill, Director & Trevor Steinbach presented A lot of interesting things are happening at the museum, including a planned addition. Director Carla Hill: "Our mission is to preserve and educate," to do that, "you have to keep collecting," and for that you need space. Plans are in place to acquire new property and begin fundraising. 

The museum's building, the actual old Batavia depot, used to stand where Berkeley's grocery now does. Carla thinks it's the first Burlington depot (though this is disputed - welcome to the world of history and historians). After it fell into disuse a "Blue Ribbon Committee" of 10 businessmen bought it. It was moved and opened as a museum in 1975. Carla's been its director just about from the very beginning (for 35 year now) and appreciates the special relationship between the Batavia Historical Society and the Park
District, that make this possible. 

The museum has 2 paid employees and 100 volunteers. The museum sponsors the annual quilt show, featuring over 100 quilts from vintage/historic to modern. 

Special Event: Civil War Encampment Weekend Coming up September 7th-8th, the museum's sponsoring a Batavia first - a civil war encampment. Special guest Trevor Steinbach isn't a doctor but he plays one at Civil War reenactments. He has won the award for "most fascinating presentation not involving explosives" (which I just made up). Portraying a medical doctor treating casualties, he entertains and educates at reenactments and encampments all over. The encampment will be a real treat for Batavia. A full schedule kid's drills, music, Trevor's medical presentations, eating with the troops (kids welcome, bring your own food), and cannon drills is on offer.