Door to Western New York

How were the Finger Lakes formed? What were the dynamics of Native American life in the Genesee Valley?  What brought people of European descent to Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region? Ontario County Historical Society’s exhibit, Door to Western New York: A General History of Ontario County, will answer these questions and more […]

America 250: Changemakers of Ontario County

America 250: Changemakers of Ontario County! Be inspired by the individuals who came before us, fulfilling the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice, right here in Ontario County! In Geneva, NY, Mary Ann Mallard fought to recognize Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a school holiday, twelve years before it was passed into federal law.  […]

Wedding Traditions

Welcome to A Taste of Wedding Traditions in Ontario County. Weddings in all cultures are steeped in tradition, ceremony, and symbolism. Many families keep and cherish wedding dresses, suits, veils, hats, gifts, and other mementos to remember this rite of passage. Ontario County families were no different, as reflected in the large number of wedding-related items […]

Inspiration

The Ontario County Arts Council presents Inspiration, an exhibit of OCAC members’ interpretations of the theme. The exhibit runs through October 15, 2026.      

Virtual Exhibit

Enjoy this digital tour of “Let’s Go Have Fun!”, a 2023 exhibit produced by OCHS exploring recreation in Ontario County. This virtual re-creation allows you to view the amazing artifacts that were part of the exhibit and watch videos breaking down the topics within.

Open Hearth Kitchen

Welcome to our Open Hearth Kitchen, an original exhibit created when the Ontario County Historical Society first opened its museum in 1914. This exhibit is a 1914 interpretation of an early nineteenth century kitchen. Its design was inspired by illustrations of kitchens in Boston and by features found in early Canandaigua area homes during fieldwork […]