Quilts, Coverlets, and Bedspreads

This exhibit features over twenty-five bed coverings made between 1800 and 1930 from the OCHS collection. Not only did these quilts and coverlets keep people warm they reflect the skills, artistic creativity and practicality of the makers. Quilts were one of the more common bed coverings and were most often made by women. Quilts are […]

Mapping Ontario County

“Mapping Ontario County” explores how Western New York was first surveyed and mapped for settlers moving from New England and the Mid-Atlantic to the area. What was the Phelps and Gorham Purchase? What were the first surveys and how were these accomplished? Who were the surveyors? What was the Pre-emption Line? How and when did […]

Crime and Punishment in Western New York

Although today’s society often appears to be rife with crime, little has changed since the 1800s when it comes to human nature. Western New York was no exception. Crimes of passion, drunkenness, murder, greed, power, control, indebtedness, bootlegging occurred frequently and made the headlines of many local newspapers. Sheriffs were elected and court systems were […]

Stitches through Time

The most common makers of needlework samplers were young girls and women during the 18th and 19th centuries. Great effort has been made to conduct research beyond simply the name and birth date of the makers of the samplers. Who were the makers of these samplers? What kinds of family were they from – their […]