[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM

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                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2025

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
50th anniversary of the Batavia Depot Museum, a prominent landmark and 
vibrant cultural institution that celebrates the town's history and 
community. Since its opening, the Batavia Depot Museum has served as a 
repository of local history, preserving and sharing the stories that 
have shaped the community for over a century.
  Founded in 1975 by the Batavia Historical Society, the museum 
occupies the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot, a 
building that itself is a testament to the city's rich history as a 
transportation hub.
  Over the past five decades, the museum has grown into a focal point 
for residents and visitors alike. With over 4,000 visitors annually, 
the museum offers exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of Batavia, 
many of which were donated by the residents themselves. These artifacts 
help tell the story of Batavia's development, its railroad history, and 
the contributions of those who shaped the city into what it is today.
  In addition to its historical exhibits, the Batavia Depot Museum has 
become an educational center, providing programs that engage young 
minds in the exploration of history, science, and culture. Whether 
hosting school field trips, community events, or seasonal celebrations, 
the museum plays an important role in fostering a deep sense of pride 
and connection to the past for Batavia's residents.
  As we commemorate this incredible milestone, it is important to 
recognize the dedicated staff, volunteers, historians, and local 
leaders who have worked tirelessly to ensure the museum's success and 
its continued relevance in the community. Their stewardship of 
Batavia's legacy--through exhibits like the Gunzenhauser Gazebo, the 
Coffin Bank, and the Gustafson Research Center--ensures that future 
generations will continue to learn from and appreciate the city's rich 
history.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the Batavia Depot Museum in my 
district, and I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing them on 
their 50th anniversary and expressing gratitude to Kate Garrett, the 
current museum director, along with the many families, businesses, and 
organizations that have contributed to its growth and development. May 
it continue to be a beacon of history and collective community pride 
for many years to come.

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