Standing proudly on Main Street in Penn Yan is the anchor building of the Yates County History Center, the Oliver House Museum, one of four 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
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An important part of our mission at the Yates County History Center is to inform the public about the history of Yates County through museum exhibits and hands-on programs.

Fund raisers are held throughout the year that are educational, fun and supportive of the Center's programs. To register or for more information regarding an event, please call 315.536.7318.

All of our programs are open to members and the general public. Check out what's going on at the History Center!

Calendar of Events

Now open!

Scherer Carriage House Reopening
We are excited to announce the reopening of our permanent Public Universal Friend exhibit, following its temporary closure for the expansion of museum space. On February 11 the exhibit became available to explore once again, offering visitors a deeper insight into this unique and historically significant figure.

   

Thursday, November 6
6:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting & Dinner
Join us for an evening of great food and learning at the Wagner Restaurant! Dinner is $40 per person and includes your choice of Chicken French, Steak, Broiled Fish or Vegetable Lasagna, served with salad, dessert and coffee. Light hors d’oeuvres will be available before dinner. Guest speaker Rick Bates will give an engaging talk on "The Geography of the Finger Lakes Region." Call 315-536-7318 by October 30 to reserve your spot.


 

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

Free From the Fear
Veterans of Yates County
Outdoor Cooking, Part 1
Outdoor Cooking, Part 2
Immigrants Who Got the Job Done: Foreign Fighters in the American Revolution
Historic Mourning Customs

Colonial Crafts-Candle Dipping

Make Your Own Holiday Wreath
Colonial Crafts-Chair Caning

The Art of Canning Peaches

 

 
           
 

Open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315.536.7318 | Email YCHC | Email Webmaster
Friday, October 17, 2025 | Copyright © 2025

A community museum where every story matters!

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