Mission & Vision
To nurture and add value to a county-wide community by preserving and presenting our historic collections in a way that provides more accessible educational opportunities, encouraging dialogue.
To be a culturally inclusive partner, inspiring our future through interpretation of our past.
Recent News
Recent News
The Ontario County Historical Society was founded in 1902 for the purpose of preserving the history of Ontario County, NY. The organization constructed its existing Georgian Revival building in 1914, which was designed by famed architect Claude Bragdon. Located in Canandaigua, NY’s State and National Historic Districts, the building houses the organization’s collections, archives, and exhibit and gallery spaces.
Originally, Ontario County Historical Society’s museum building was also home to Canandaigua’s Wood Library. Today, Ontario County Historical Society shares its space in a new partnership with the Ontario County Arts Council.
The Ontario County Historical Society is a member-supported 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization chartered by the New York State Education Department.
Visit Us
The museum and research center is open to the public Tuesday-Friday, 10-4:30, and Saturdays 11-3. There is a parking lot behind the building accessible through our driveway or off Gibson Street. If interested in research, you must schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. For Tuesday appointments, please schedule by the Friday before.
We have an elevator entrance located at the back of the building if the steps at the front entrance pose a challenge. To access the elevator, call (585) 394-4975 and a staff member will come to operate the elevator. All public spaces can be accessed by the elevator.
For those utilizing a wheelchair or walker, please be advised that coming from the elevator to the lower gallery the narrowest doorway is 28 inches across.
Our Collection
The Ontario County Historical Society collects objects, photographic images, and archival materials that contribute to a more complete understanding of the origins and historical development of Ontario County, NY and its environs. The collection includes items and materials related to the cultural and socio-economic diversity of the county’s inhabitants and their changing lifestyles and values. The collection continues to grow and holds over 12,000 artifacts, 30,000 photographic images, 30,000 archival items, and 5,000 books and periodicals. Please contact us if you have items you would like to donate to the collection.
Our Staff
Ulana Fuller
Executive Director
Ben Falter
Director of Education
Wilma Townsend
Curator
Max Perrin
Visitor and Member Services
Linda Alexander
Volunteer Librarian
Judy Kiehle
Volunteer Research Assistant
📨 Email Us
Our Board
Geoff Astles
President
Tricia Carey
Vice President
Tricia Carey
Treasurer
Eric Palumbo
Secretary
Sean Cutri
Linda Farchione-Hawks
Jack Schuppenhauer
Jeanna Savage
Natalie DeTraglia
Gloria Dancause
David White
John Michalko
