BLUSH AND BRILLIANCE:
AN EVENING HONORING
NELLE FABYAN
September 17, 2026
6:00 PM
Celebrate the Tri-Cities’ illustrious history as we honor the legacy of Nelle Wright Fabyan.
6:00 PM - Cocktail Hour
7:00 PM - Plated Dinner
7:30 PM - Presentation: Who Was Nelle Fabyan?
by Terry Emma, Executive Director of the Geneva History Museum
Shannon Hall
Batavia Park District
14 N. Van Buren
Batavia, IL 60510
Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley is thrilled to present our 2026 late-summer banquet and benefit. This evening features a unique historical dive into the life of Nelle Fabyan, presented by the Geneva History Museum’s Executive Director, Terry Emma.
About the Presentation:
Many stories of Colonel George Fabyan have been told over the years, but not much has been shared about his wife, Nelle Wright Fabyan. Terry Emma, Executive Director of the Geneva History Museum, will share Nelle’s story discovered through a 1920 magazine interview. This article unveils four important parts of Nelle’s life as a socialite, a farmer, a sculptor, and philanthropist. This program will explore the life of this fascinating woman who accomplished more than her famous last name.
About the Presenter:
Terry has served as the director of the Geneva History Museum since 2011. During her tenure, the museum has received over a million dollars in grant awards and earned the title as the first nationally accredited museum in Kane County by the American Alliance of Museums. Terry was awarded the 2019 Geneva Chamber of Commerce Wood Award for her service to the community. A native of Geneva, Terry is fourth-generation on her mother’s side, and third-generation on her father’s. She is a mother of three daughters and Nona to six grandchildren.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
