Saturday, July 25
2:00 p.m.

The Friend and Mrs. Wagener

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Universal Friends! Join The Public Universal Friend (played by Anita Gaston) and Mrs. Rebecca Wagener (played by Stephanie Olsen) for a discussion about their tumultuous relationship. Salacious details will be provided!

The Public Universal Friend was founder of the Society of Universal Friends, the first permanent non-native settlers of Yates County, and Wagener's husband David was a prominent and early follower of the Friend. $10/members, $15/non-members. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Penn Yan. Free parking available at the Presbyterian Church or the Yates County History Center. Tickets available at the door or at the Underwood Museum of the Yates County History Center during business hours, Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, August 5
6:30 p.m.

250 Years of Haudenosaunee History

Join us for "250 Years of Haudenosaunee History," a lecture by Perry Ground, (Onondaga, Turtle Clan), a Traditional Storyteller and Cultural Educator, at the Penn Yan Methodist Church, 166 Main Street, Penn Yan. $10/members, $15/non-members. Free parking. Call (315) 536.7318 for more information.

When many people think of the Haudenosaunee, they often imagine living in the forest prior to contact with Europeans. Or they think of trading Beaver pelts or other colonial era activities. But what has happened since the United States was founded in 1776? What role have the Haudenosaunee played in the history and culture of New York State? What relationships have been maintained between the governments of the United States, Canada, and the Haudenosaunee over these years? Why has there been such great movement of people to many different areas? What issues still face the Haudenosaunee today as they struggle to maintain culture, land, language, and tradition in an ever-changing world? This PowerPoint slideshow will highlight how the Haudenosaunee were shaped by, and contributed to, the growing country, and how they adapted to the changing technology and government policies that shape our world.

Saturday, September 12
2:00 p.m.

Walk Through History Cemetery Tour

Come out to City Hill Cemetery on City Hill Road in Torrey for our annual A Walk Through History Cemetery Tour. Six members of the Society of Universal Friends will reflect on their lives on the 250th anniversary of the Society's foundation. $10/per person, $20/per family. Free parking across the road. Call (315) 536.7318 for more information. 

RAIN DATE: September 19 at 2:00 pm.

Saturday, October 3
11:30 - 3:00 p.m.

On the Trail of the Friend: a Bus Tour of Public Universal Friend Sites

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Society of Universal Friends by the Public Universal Friend. Follow in the pathway this enigmatic religious leader made through Yates County on a bus tour of Yates County sites associated with the Society. Lunch provided before the tour. Check in and lunch at the Penn Yan Methodist Church, 166 Main Street, Penn Yan will begin at 11:30 AM. Bus tour will begin at the Yates County History Center, 107 Chapel Street, 1:00 PM. Tour will last approximately an hour and a half. Some (voluntary) walking involved at select sites. $50.00 includes lunch and tour. Limited seats available. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. Call (315) 536.7318 for information.

YCHC events held virtually may be enjoyed on our Vimeo Channel.

The following list of lectures, interviews and portrayals are available:

Interviews

Phyllis Smith
Milly Bloomquist
Maxine Fullagar
Marge Cornell
Marcia Dugan
Ellen Salisbury
Doris Scherer
Corrie Stork
Carlotta Kirk Coriser
Ann Potter Boyd

Portrayals

Julie Sheppard
Susannah Clara Hatmaker
Myron Hamlin
Frankie Merson
John Thomas

Lectures