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, May 1
through Friday, May 30

History Scavenger Hunt 2025: American Revolution Edition
Gather your friends, challenge your other friends, hop in the car, and explore local history. Join Yates County History Center's annual History Scavenger Hunt. The fun starts when teams receive their brochures containing clues on Thursday, May 1. The fun continues until Friday, May 30 at which time teams will submit their answers. Points are awarded for correctly answered questions.

Cost of participation is $25 for a team of four people and $10 for each additional team member. Registration begins April 1 and is permitted any time before May 30. Participants may register by calling 315-536-7318 or in person or through our online Book Store. A small fee is applied when registering online. Registered teams will receive a brochure.

The scavenger hunt provides a fun way to learn about our local history while competing against other teams to see who knows the most. Because this year marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, this year’s clues will lead you to sites connected to the Revolution in some way.

Join us for the fun!

Saturday, May 10
11:00 a.m.

Lecture Series
Join us for a fascinating lecture as we explore a unique chapter of American history. Tricia Noel presents A Hero's Journey: Lafayette's Visit to the United States in 1824-25. The cost of the lecture for members is $10 and $15 for non-members. It will be held at the Caroline Underwood Museum, 107 Chapel Street.

Sunday, June 1
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast at the Moose
Come hungry and bring your friends!

Join us for delicious breakfast at the Moose Lodge, 301 East Elm Street. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Underwood Museum or by calling 315-536-7318.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, good company and help preserve our local history - all in one morning! Everyone's welcome. See you there!

Saturday, June 7
11:00 a.m.

Lecture Series
Join us for a fascinating lecture as we explore a unique chapter of American architecture. Jeff Gabel presents The Origins of our Architecture: Kit and Catalog Homes of the Keuka Lake Region, Part II. The cost of the lecture for members is $10 and $15 for non-members. It will be held at the Caroline Underwood Museum, 107 Chapel Street.

Wednesday, June 25

Concert in the Park 🎶
Enjoy great music, fresh air, and sweet treats! Keep an eye out for History Center volunteers selling delicious homemade cookies — all proceeds support local history programs!

Saturday, July 12
11:00 a.m.

Lecture Series
Join us for a fascinating lecture as we explore a unique chapter of American history. Tricia Noel presents Immigrants Who Go the Job Done: Foreign Fights in the American Revolution. The cost of the lecture for members is $10 and $15 for non-members. It will be held at the Caroline Underwood Museum, 107 Chapel Street.

   

 


 

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, April 11, 2025 | Copyright © 2025

A community museum where every story matters!

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