Since August 2018, the new board of directors (appointed by the Geneseo City Council in July 2018) has been making efforts to reopen the museum in 2019. Please read below for a short summary of recent work.

The Geneseo City Museum, established by Dr. Elmer D. Janzen within his home, represents countless hours by Janzen and the many individuals who've led and volunteered for the organization over the years.

Work Updates

January 2020 Donations of an office desk, computer desk, sorting tables, and dress forms/mannequins have been received by the Museum.

Jeffrey Janssen joins the board.

Photos have been sorted into family groups and topics. School collections are being sorted for developing new displays. School and military uniforms are being displayed on the mannequins.

Generous donations have been received from alumni and friends of the Museum. In addition, local foundations and businesses have provided support for the work in the Museum. Central Prairie COOP, Land O'Lakes COOP, Stumps Foundation, Lyons Federal Bank, Edward Jones, and Geneseo Booster Club have given generously. Photobook sales have been strong with the profits supporting the Museum.

The funds have been used to purchase a computer, screen, copier and slide scanner. The slide documentation can begin with these components in place. A new room divider has been purchased as a first step in developing the new displays of collections.

November 2019 The Geneseo High School photobook was published containing 83 graduating class composite photos, school and community history, and school memorabilia. The photobook is available for purchase ($35.00 + $6.00 shipping). The photobooks are available by writing to the Museum, at the City of Geneseo office or contacting Linda Nicholas.

June & July 2019: Work continues on exhibit design and the first steps towards systematic cataloging of the Janzen photographic collection. The cataloging project builds upon the successful completion of a preservation project, begun in 2016. Linda Nicholas joins the board.

On July 6 & 7, timed with the City of Geneseo's annual observance of Independence Day, the museum holds its second open house.

March - May 2019: With renovation of two spaces now fully underway, board members and local volunteers work together to create inviting and accessible interiors. Tina Goodwin Podlena and Janet Splitter join the board.

On May 25 & 26, in conjunction with the annual Geneseo School Alumni Banquet, the museum opened its doors to the public for the first time in three years. Special thanks to the Ladies Thanksgiving Club (Geneseo), Rick Hager (Lyons), David & Pam Robinson (Geneseo) and Aaron Hamilton (Geneseo) for helping us reach this important goal.

Our utmost thanks to Mike Dobosz, board treasurer, who was also instrumental in planning and carrying out major work during this time. He and his wife Carla assisted with refreshments for the May open house, before stepping away to enjoy retirement and time with his family.

February 2019: Work continues on organizing Dr. Janzen's slide materials, including his voluminous notes.

Work is also ongoing within the interior of the museum, including the former living room--which is being prepared as a the main display area. It will serve as a kind of "sampler" exhibit space, highlighting parts of the museum's collection and showcasing plans for future exhibits.

The main floor's bathroom is also being renovated, with better use of existing space.

(above) Bathroom interior before and after gutting (old wallpaper exposed)

January 2019: Organization of Dr. Janzen's impressive slide collection begins, restoring their order and making them searchable once again. 60 volunteer hours were spent on organizing the Geneseo people and landmarks portion of the collection.

December 2018: Old termite damage is identified in the northeast corner of the main floor. Affected floorboards and joists are removed and replaced.

Designs for the new exhibit continue to be refined and evaluated for the space once used as a living room.

November 2018: Preliminary designs are drafted for a new exhibit and the museum's 2019 re-opening.

October-November 2018: The basement cleaning plan is implemented. The basement is sealed off from the rest of the building, artifacts in the basement are isolated from the rest of the collection, and sheetrock and other porous materials are disposed of. With guidance provided by nationally-recognized preservationists, interior surfaces are treated, so that the space may be used for future needs.

September 2018: The board of directors develops a basement cleaning plan, which addresses past issues related to exposure to moisture. Cleaning also begins on the main floor.

August 2018: Through the generous donations made by the alumni of the Geneseo School, a new cellar door and roof gutter system is installed, in order to better secure the building against the elements.

Work Updates