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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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History:
The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.
One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.
We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.
When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.
Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.
Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.
It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.
The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.
Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.
His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.
The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.
Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.
The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Facebook and YouTube
Online Event
Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT
Online Event
Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Zoom
Online Event
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/geneseo-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Geneseo, IL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/geneseo-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-GENESEO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum - Geneseo, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/geneseo-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Geneseo, IL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/geneseo-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/geneseo-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/geneseo-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained" name="description"/> <meta content="Geneseo, Historical, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Geneseo Historical Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.451698"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.1558"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Geneseo Historical Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>205 South State Street</div> <div> <span>Geneseo</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61254</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Geneseo Historical Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 309-944-3043</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Geneseo+Historical+Museum%2C+205+South+State+Street%2C+Geneseo%2C+IL+61254" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The large, white brick corner home at 205 S. State Street, the home of Mrs. Robert Thede, attracts many an admiring glance for its restrained elegance. A photo in the museum archives shows that in 1869 it was painted white as it is today.</p> <p>One other substantial building, the original First Methodist Church, built by 1855, was standing on that block when George Richards built his fine, brick, Italianate style home.</p> <p>We can best visualize Geneseo of that day if we are reminded that the colony's residential and business development was around the public square from 1837 to 1854.</p> <p>When the railroad came through in 1854, Merritt Munson, a gentleman with foresight, was already laying out a business addition, to the town near the depot. There were immediate sales of lots. Buffalo Street became the busy street. Next he laid out Munson's Second Addition, from State Street to College (then called "Railroad") and from Second Street to the railroad.</p> <p>Adjoining Munson's Second Addition, on the new business street, State Street, George Richards in July of 1855 bought Lot 1 on the southwest corner of State and Second Streets. Tax assessor's records tell us that this home must have been built in 1865.</p> <p>Richards lived there with his wife, Ann Gora Gilmore Richards, till 1867. During this time he served as president of the village board, 1861-1862, and joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church as a charter member, 1863.</p> <p>It has been determined that this home was built as two houses at two different periods, each house with separate front and rear entrances. The original home, the north house, was built by George Richards. Richards, born in Vermont, may have come to the county very early, being listed with the stockholders of the Wethersfield Colony in 1835. By 1840, he is listed with Geneseo settlers who immediately followed the first settlers in 1836 and 1837. He had bought a lot on Main Street and in 1852 was landlord of Geneseo House there.</p> <p>The Richards house was sold in 1867 to Hiram and George Wilson, brothers, and both bankers, who were born New York. At this time, both were associated with the First National Bank on Main Street.</p> <p>Hiram and his family moved in, and a second house in the same style was added on the south side for the George Wilson family. Both brothers were very attentive to their work. Hiram, a cashier at the Geneseo First National Bank, continued with his work at the bank even at age 89, when he was brought in a wheelchair.</p> <p>His brother George and his wife on occasion interrupted a quiet life with a splendid and memorable social affair, such as the wedding reception for their daughter Emma. Food was catered from Chicago, as well as cut flowers. A Chicago band played for dancing on an outdoor deck erected for the occasion in the garden.</p> <p>The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls.</p> <p> Magnificent chandeliers hang throughout the museum. In the south side formal parlor hangs the Chicago’s Hull House chandelier with 191 glass prisms.</p> <p> The museum houses permanent museum exhibits as well as changing displays featuring thousands of local artifacts. It is a historic home and a working museum. We invite you to visit the general store, dentist office, children’s room and stroll through the lovely gardens.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/geneseo-il/report/place/geneseo-historical-museum-geneseo-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/geneseo-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Geneseo</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/geneseo-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-GENESEO-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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