Standing proudly on Main Street in Penn Yan is the anchor building of the Yates County History Center, the Oliver House Museum, one of three 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
  Facebook   Instagram   Twitter     YouTube   Vimeo  
   


Divider Visit Us
Oliver House Museum
L. Caroline Underwood Museum
Scherer Carriage House Museum
Divider Exhibits
Events Calendar
Digital Resources
Collections
Divider Genealogy & Historic Research
Becoming a Member
Book Store
Article Archive
Divider About Us
Links
Site Map

Who We Are

Standing proudly on Main Street in Penn Yan is the anchor building of the Yates County History Center, the Oliver House Museum, one of three 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. Its collections of over 50,000 artifacts date from the mid 1700s and include magnificent costumes, an impressive 6,000 digital images, and the foremost collection of The Public Universal Friend artifacts in the United States.

Carrie died in 1942, leaving the Oliver House to the Village of Penn Yan to house various organizations, including the Yates County Genealogical and Historical Society. In 1948, the Society took over the whole of the Oliver House and we have operated it as a museum ever since.

At 107 Chapel Street, across the parking lot, is the Underwood Museum, owned by the L. Caroline Underwood Trust. The Yates County History Center operates the museum, maintaining Miss Underwood’s collections with a room of permanent display and the Gracey Gallery of changing exhibits. The Spencer Research Center is also housed there.

The Scherer Carriage House behind the Underwood Museum is the permanent home of our exhibit on the "The Publick Universal Friend.”

The History Center staff and volunteers interpret history through programs, lectures, reenactments and tours. They aid researchers from around the world to find their family histories. The Yates County History Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization which relies on memberships and donations to continue to fulfill its mission of collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Yates County. Please consider becoming a member and investing in the future success of the Yates County History Center.

     
     
 

Would you like to volunteer at the Yates County History Center?

We have many opportunities for volunteer work, including acting in skits and plays, baking for events, helping with our chicken barbecues, cleaning, gardening, and leading tours. We are sure to have a volunteer role to suit your interest. Call (315) 536.7318 or email us at ycghs@yatespast.org to get started.

 
     

Staff

Tricia Noel
Executive Director/Curator

Bill Murray
Registrar

Jonathan Monfiletto
Administrative Assistant

Jan Hafner
Bookkeeper

Board of Trustees

Sallie Jensen, President
Vacant, Vice President
Lisa Harper, Treasurer
Gwen Chamberlain, Secretary
Phil Bailey
Ellen Chirco
Timothy Dennis
Jeanette Dickerson-Putman
Lyn Fitch
Len Kataskas
Patty Larzelere
Leigh MacKerchar
Stephanie Olsen
Joan Paddock
Rich Stewart

Our mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Yates County, increasing knowledge and understanding of the history for the betterment of present and future generations.


Open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone 315.536.7318 | Fax 315.536.0976
Email YCHC | Email Webmaster
Sunday, November 26, 2023 | Copyright © 2023

A community museum where every story matters!

NYS History Trip Advisor