Peck Farm Park Historic House Debuts New Look with Expanded Exhibits

Submitted by the Geneva Park District 

The Geneva Park District is proud to announce the completion of the Public Museum Grant at Peck Farm Park.

The grant was awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to restore the front porch of the historic Peck House and to redevelop its exhibit space.

The front porch historic renovation was completed in September and is now open to the public. The restoration work of the porch returns the house to its full grandeur and provides more program space for field trips, scout groups and summer camps.

The interior of the house now includes a History Gallery, Welcome Center and Gift Shop.

The history gallery focuses on the Peck Family and their legacy to Geneva and the surrounding area.

Some highlights include: a replica of the silo which stands in the center of the room as a main focal point, an interactive family biography wall that includes four generations of the Pecks and a short documentary that outlines the story of the Peck Family travels from Vermont to Illinois and became one of the premier sheep ranchers in the country.

The Welcome Center allows staff to greet visitors as they enter the house. Information in the room allows visitors the opportunity to learn what Peck Farm Park has to offer and provides a variety of souvenirs.

“Peck Farm Park is the jewel of the Geneva Park District and provides visitors from the region a unique look at the history of sheep ranching in Illinois,” said Trish Burns, Manager of Peck Farm Park.

It now serves to preserve the history of the Peck Family but also provides open space and recreation opportunities to visitors. Visitors can set off on the footpath and bike trails winding through the prairie landscapes the Pecks first saw in 1843.

Visitors to the park can climb the stairs of the Observation Silo, marvel at the wonder of the Butterfly House and play with their family at Hawks Hollow Nature Playground.

“Peck Farm Park is an all-day family destination and provides a variety of environmental educational programs year round,” said Burns.

“The Peck Family has left a rich cultural legacy that is being carried on with the conservation of the land by the Geneva Park District,” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director of the Geneva Park District.

Peck Farm Park is open year round and is located at 4038 Kaneville Road.