Genesee Country Village and Museum

Story and Photos by Charlotte E. Gerber

If you enjoy historical villages such as Williamsburg and Greenfield Village, you should visit The Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, New York. This 18th century village is easily accessible to visitors from both the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region from Interstate 390.

John L. Wehle was the creator of this village. It was conceived in 1966 and was opened to the public in 1976. In conjunction with architectural historian Stuart Bolger, John Wehle collected buildings that represented early Genesee Country life. As buildings were acquired they were moved either in sections or piece by piece to the village where they were reconstructed. The curatorial staff worked to collect artifacts in which to fill the homes in order to recreate the look and feel of the time period for visitors.

Currently the village boasts 68 historic buildings and 13 heirloom gardens. Many of the buildings have interpreters stationed at the door to answer any questions you may have about the architecture or the prior inhabitants. I especially enjoyed visiting the tinsmith, Jim Nicoll, and his engaging tales of how tin, along with the Phoenicians, changed world history. There are 17 other equally talented artisans working in this village including a blacksmith, cheesemaker, cooper, gunsmith, quilter, weaver and many others. If you enjoy talking to artisans and re-enactors, the best day of the week to visit is Saturday when many are scheduled to work in their respective shops.

One of the first buildings on your tour is the John L. Wehle Gallery of Wildlife and Sporting Art. This building houses the collection in rooms that feature specific themes of the hunt from the 1600’s to the early 1900’s. Bronze and stone sculptures of local Indians, game birds and animals are arranged in a semi-circle outside of the building. This year the featured gallery collection is "Quilts Uncovered: Treasures from Genesee Country Village & Museum." Fans of these quilts will also enjoy visiting the Foster-Tufts House which features live quilt making demonstrations and a display of recently made quilts.

The Carriage Museum features more than 40 carriages and is identifiable by the uniquely painted horse with a top hat located at the front of the building. The carriages within were manufactured in the United States and Europe from the 1800’s to the early 1900’s. The Genesee Country Nature Center offers a chance to explore local flora and fauna with its 175 acres of wetlands, fields, wooded areas and meadows. The center offers a nature walk-and-talk every Sunday at 2 p.m. Bring your walking shoes for this trek and plan at least 2 hours for this.

The weekend I visited this center they were having a sale of wild flowers and seedlings. Contact the center before your visit to see what new programs are being offered. The weekend I visited was the Mother’s Day Salute to Women. This unique weekend featured such notable figures as Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Mary Jemison, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lydia Marla Child, Mellicent Backus, Amelia Bloomer and Laura Ingalls Wilder. There were presentations, programs and singing in many of the buildings throughout the village. A special program for visitors that day was the Mid-day Meal at Jones farm, which featured Harriet Tubman. A Singing Service capped off the afternoon and was led by Harriet Tubman was held at the Brooks Grove Church.

There are many architecturally unique buildings throughout this village that are sure to impress visitors. One of my favorites was the Hamilton House from Campbell, N.Y. This house was built in 1870 and features Italianate architecture. A livery is in the rear of the property and houses several carriages used during the time period. I also enjoyed the hexagon-shaped Hyde House from Friendship, N.Y. The architecture is further enhanced by the landscaping which took its’ cue from A.J. Downing’s 1842 Cottage Residences. There are many other noteworthy buildings including the Romulus Female Seminary, Davis Opera House, Colonel Nathaniel Rochester House and Hosmer’s Inn.

If you find yourself tiring out before the end of your walk through this historic village, a tractor-driven trolley will pick you up at one of the many designated stops. The trolley is also wheelchair-accessible, as are most of the village and its buildings. Visitors can recharge their energy by dining in the Depot Restaurant, the Garden Pavilion or at snack stations and vending machines located throughout the village. If the weather is permitting, bring along your picnic basket and enjoy the large manicured lawn by the gazebo in the center of the village. Don’t forget to visit one of the four shops located within the village for a remembrance of your trip. These shops feature handmade items from the villages’ artisans such as period clothing, toys, tin items, redware pottery and many other collectible items.

Upcoming events this summer at the village include a Genesee Highland Gathering, June 4 & 5, which will feature dancing, athletics, a tartan parade, marching bands and a sale of Scottish goods. Re-enactors will enjoy the War of 1812 on June 18 and 19 featuring free admission for dads and a BBQ as well as the July 16 and 17 Civil War Re-Enactment. A Fiddlers’ Fair will be at the village on August 20 & 21 and an Antique Show & Sale will feature more than 50 top dealers on September 16 & 17. There are many more fun and exciting programs scheduled each weekend through October 30. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.- 5p.m. weekends and holidays.

To check scheduled events visit the villages’ website at www.gcv.org.