Geneva Lake Museum discovers and preserves the rich history that hides throughout Geneva Lake and the surrounding communities. The exhibits within the walls are time capsules that capture every essence of Geneva Lake and its people; people with amazing stories that unravel with every scene and every word led by our exclusive guides. These stories wait for people young and old who have the ears eager to listen, the eyes that are ready to be awakened and the open mind waiting to learn.
. Turn of the century architectural styles - Georgian, Second Empire, Italianate, Colonial
. Log cabin with Potawatami tools and arrowhead collection
. Blacksmith shop with anvils, horseshoeing tools and ice cutting tools
. Fire engine house with 1890 Hose Wagon
. Farm implements and tools
. Spring house for cooling milk
. Telephone switchboard
. 1920's Dental Work Station
. General Store
. 1890's school room with teacher and students
The volunteers who created our museum and those who staff it and maintain it are proud and pleased to offer to the public the history of the Geneva Lake area. There is always more to be done. Updating displays, developing new display areas, helping with museum events, guiding and informing museum guests (docent), historical research, little projects and ongoing projects - all of this is done by volunteers. If you really enjoy local history come share your time and talents with us! To volunteer, or to become a docent, contact the museum for details. Docents are requested to work twice a month for a three hour period of time (10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm week days or 12pm-3pm Sundays). All docents will be thoroughly trained in their responsibilities
If you have a Lake Area historical item that you think others would appreciate, you can share your piece of Lake history with others by lending it or donating it to the museum. If it is a loan, you can specify the loan period. If it is a donation, the Geneva Lake Museum of History is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and contributions are tax deductible
Founded in 1983 the museum was originally located in the house at 818 Geneva Street. In the 1990's the city moved the Waterworks Department, which had been housed in the 1929 Wisconsin Power & Light building, to a new larger facility. The Geneva Lakes History Buffs persuaded the city to let them use the old building for a museum. In 2004 the museum moved to that building at 255 Mill Street. Taking advantage of the generous space the new building provides, the Museum Board along with the History Buffs and much volunteer help, created Main Street, Lake Geneva. There was ample room left over for additional display areas, a museum store and meeting rooms, which may be rented for meetings or special events.
Special Exhibitions which change with each summer season. Educational committee works with teachers and groups as we plan to meet the needs of our guests. Docent program is a huge reason for our success and is growing. Public and private gallery tours are available - either self guided or with a docent. Summer workshop series begins in June as well as lectures specific to special exhibits. Fees charged depend on requirements of project.
Geneva Lake Area History Buffs
Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours