New Plaques Added to Discover Historic Batavia Walk

BATAVIA, IL, June 3,2026) – If you've noticed new Discover Historic Batavia signs appearing throughout the community, there is now even more local history to explore.

The Batavia Historical Society has expanded its Discover Historic Batavia program with the addition of 10 new historic plaques, bringing the total number of markers throughout the city to 20. The program highlights significant people, places, businesses, and events that have helped shape Batavia's history and identity.

The original 10 plaques were installed in 2024 through a partnership between the Batavia Historical Society, the Batavia Park District's Depot Museum, the Batavia Public Library, and the City of Batavia. Funded through a grant from the Dunham Foundation, the project was created to help residents and visitors discover and celebrate Batavia's rich heritage. The 10 new plaques, funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, expand the project’s reach.
 
The 20 Discover Historic Batavia locations now include:

• Appleton Manufacturing Company
• Batavia High School (1915)
• Batavia Institute/Bellevue Place
• Batavia's Island Park
• Batavia's Original Depot
• Batavia Theater
• C. W. Shumway & Sons
• Calvary Episcopal Church
• The Challenge Company
• Congregational Church of Batavia
• Dunbar Kapple Inc. / DK Aerospace Company
• The Elijah H. Gammon Estate
• Harold A. Hall Quarry Pool at Frederick H. Beach Park
• Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church
• The Rev. Abraham Thompson Hall Family
• United Methodist Church of Batavia
• United States Wind Engine and Pump Company
• The Van Nortwick Family
• Visits from Future Presidents
• The Windmill City