Peck Farm Park's Historic House Celebrates 150 Years With Party

GENEVA, IL -- The historic Peck Farm Park house will celebrate 150 years with a fun-filled anniversary party on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Peck Farm Park. Local residents are encouraged to come and explore the history gallery and interpretive center inside the Peck House, and enjoy kid’s activities and sheep herding demonstrations, according to a news release from the Geneva Park District. Children’s games from that time period and butter making will be available to try.

The event is free, and no registration is required.

The interior of the house includes a history gallery, discovery room and gift shop. The history gallery focuses on the Peck Family and their legacy to Geneva and the surrounding area, dating back to 1843. Highlights include a replica of the silo which stands in the center of the room, an interactive family biography wall that includes four generations and a short documentary that outlines the story of the Peck Family.

The discovery room offers hands-on nature exploration, a selection of books and live animals.

“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.

The park serves to preserve the history of the Peck Family but also provides open space and recreation opportunities to visitors. Visitors can explore the footpaths and bike trails that wind through the restored prairie and past the lake, 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. For more information, visit www.genevaparks.org or call (630) 232-4542.