Standing proudly on Main Street in Penn Yan is the anchor building of the Yates County History Center, the Oliver House Museum, one of four buildings comprising the YCHC. The Center, formerly Yates County Genealogical & Historical Society, is one of the oldest in NYS, has been actively collecting, preserving and interpreting history since 1860. Continue reading about us...

Open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
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An important part of our mission at the Yates County History Center is to inform the public about the history of Yates County through museum exhibits and hands-on programs.

Fund raisers are held throughout the year that are educational, fun and supportive of the Center's programs. To register or for more information regarding an event, please call 315.536.7318.

All of our programs are open to members and the general public. Check out what's going on at the History Center!

Calendar of Events

Now open! Scherer Carriage House Reopening
We are excited to announce the reopening of our permanent Public Universal Friend exhibit, following its temporary closure for the expansion of museum space. On February 11 the exhibit became available to explore once again, offering visitors a deeper insight into this unique and historically significant figure.

Thursday, March 20
11:00 a.m.

Genealogy Workshop: Introduction to Ancestry and Find a Grave
One workshop is $25 or attend all three for $50. Register in advance by calling 315-536-7318.

Thursday, March 27
11:00 a.m.

Genealogy Workshop: Finding Your Revolutionary War Ancestor
One workshop is $25 or attend all three for $50. Register in advance by calling 315-536-7318.

Thursday, April 3
11:00 a.m.

Genealogy Workshop: Identifying Generations Through Historic Events, Pop Culture and More
One workshop is $25 or attend all three for $50. Register in advance by calling 315-536-7318.

Thursday, May 1
through Friday, May 30

History Scavenger Hunt 2025: American Revolution Edition
Gather your friends, challenge your other friends, hop in the car, and explore local history. Join Yates County History Center's annual History Scavenger Hunt. The fun starts when teams receive their brochures containing clues on Thursday, May 1. The fun continues until Friday, May 30 at which time teams will submit their answers. Points are awarded for correctly answered questions.

Cost of participation is $25 for a team of four people and $10 for each additional team member. Registration begins April 1 and is permitted any time before May 30. Participants may register by calling 315-536-7318 or in person or through our online Book Store. A small fee is applied when registering online. Registered teams will receive a brochure.

The scavenger hunt provides a fun way to learn about our local history while competing against other teams to see who knows the most. Because this year marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, this year’s clues will lead you to sites connected to the Revolution in some way.

Join us for the fun!

 


 

YCHC events held virtually may be enjoyed on our Vimeo Channel.

The following list of lectures, interviews and portrayals are available:

 
 

Interviews

Phyllis Smith
Milly Bloomquist
Maxine Fullagar
Marge Cornell
Marcia Dugan
Ellen Salisbury
Doris Scherer
Corrie Stork
Carlotta Kirk Coriser
Ann Potter Boyd

Portrayals

Julie Sheppard
Susannah Clara Hatmaker
Myron Hamlin
Frankie Merson
John Thomas

Lectures

Free From the Fear
Veterans of Yates County
Outdoor Cooking, Part 1
Outdoor Cooking, Part 2
Immigrants Who Got the Job Done: Foreign Fighters in the American Revolution
Historic Mourning Customs

Colonial Crafts-Candle Dipping

Make Your Own Holiday Wreath
Colonial Crafts-Chair Caning

The Art of Canning Peaches

 

 
           
 

Open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315.536.7318 | Email YCHC | Email Webmaster
Saturday, March 8, 2025 | Copyright © 2025

A community museum where every story matters!

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