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Who We Are
 Standing proudly on Main Street in Penn Yan is the anchor building of the Yates County History Center, the Oliver House, one of four buildings comprising the YCHC. The Center, formerly Yates County Genealogical & Historical Society, is one of the fourth oldest historical society in New York State. We have been actively collecting, preserving and interpreting history since 1860. Our collections of over 50,000 artifacts date from the 18th century and include hundreds of textiles, thousands of digital images, and the foremost collection of The Public Universal Friend artifacts and archives in the United States.
Carrie Oliver died in 1942, leaving the Oliver House to the Village of Penn Yan to house various organizations, including the Yates County Genealogical and Historical Society. In 1948, the Society took over the whole of the Oliver House and we have operated it as a museum ever since.
At 107 Chapel Street, across the parking lot, is the Underwood Museum, owned by the L. Caroline Underwood Trust. The Yates County History Center operates the building, maintaining Miss Underwood’s collections with a room of permanent display and the Gracey Gallery of changing exhibits. The Spencer Research Center and Bullock Imaging Center is also housed there.
The Scherer Carriage House behind the Underwood Museum is the permanent home of our exhibit on the "The Publick Universal Friend.” Soon, the Bailey Archives and Exhibit Hall will open to provide us with extra archival storage and a large object display area.
The History Center staff and volunteers interpret history through programs, lectures, reenactments and tours. They aid researchers from around the world to find their family histories. The Yates County History Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization which relies on memberships and donations to continue to fulfill its mission of collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Yates County. Please consider becoming a member and investing in the future success of the Yates County History Center.
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Would you like to volunteer at the Yates County History Center?
We have many opportunities for volunteer work, including acting in skits and plays, baking for events, helping with our pancake breakfast and golf tournament, cleaning, gardening, data entry and clerical work.
We are sure to have a volunteer role to suit your interest. Call (315) 536.7318 or email us at ycghs@yatespast.org to get started. |
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Staff
Tricia Noel
Executive Director/Curator
Bill Murray
Registrar
Julia Yount
Administrative Assistant
Board of Trustees
Sallie Jensen, President
Stephanie Olsen, Vice President
Lisa Harper, Treasurer
Gwen Chamberlain, Secretary
Phil Bailey
Katy Doan
Lyn Fitch
Len Kataskas
Patty Larzelere
Leigh MacKerchar
Joan Paddock
Peter Salva
Ron Spike
Rich Stewart
Our mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Yates County, increasing knowledge and understanding of the history for the betterment of present and future generations.
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