Community Corner
Geneva History Center's $30K Grant Honors Dick Jaeger
The "Greetings From Geneva" exhibit will debut with the the Geneva History Center's "Grand Re-Opening" in 2014, its 10th anniversary year.
Richard "Dick" Jaeger, one of Geneva's favorite sons and champions of history, is being honored through contributions to a substantial, matching grant for the Geneva History Center.
The GHC will use a $30,000 Robinson Foundation Grant to complete a special project to enhance and expand the current award-winning exhibition titled Greetings From Geneva: A Trip Through History.
The matching grant's initial funding came from GHC supporters in memory of Jaeger.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"This project was well-received by supporters because of the respect of Dick's passion for the Geneva History Center and for the possibility of celebrating our 10-year anniversary occupying the location on Third Street with a grand re-opening in 2014," said GHC Executive Director Terry Emma in a press release.
Jaeger was a GHC board member, Herrington Circle member and regular volunteer up until his illness. He was instrumental in the capital campaign organized in 2001 to raise the funds to purchase the GHC's present building in the heart of downtown Geneva's Historic District.
Jaeger built miniature models of "Lost Geneva Buildings" displayed throughout that building.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"The models would bring more meaning if repurposed in an updated exhibition," Emma said. "This is a very fitting memorial to Mr. Jaeger."
Emma said the full $60,000 will be used to add technology elements such as touch screens to take the visitor deeper into the subject matter with videos and stories recounted from longtime Genevans. It will also incorporate Jaeger's models into the exhibition as a way to allow the visitor to walk through old-time Geneva. Lighting will also be changed to LED with motion sensors to guide the visitor and keep electrical costs down.
A check was presented from Nan Jaeger, Dick's daughter and member of the Robinson Foundation, with Dick's wife, Norma Jaeger, and his sister, Mary Jaeger on Oct. 23 at the Geneva History Center.
The GHC is working hard to complete the project by 2014 in time for the 10th anniversary of the center's move to Third Street.
Donations to the project are still needed for the GHC to achieve that goal as well as add special enhancements to the exhibition. Donor to GHC, 113 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134 or donate at www.genevahistorycenter.org and indicate Jaeger Fund with payment. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
SOURCE: Geneva History Center press release
