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.

Through December 7

Book Donation Station

The Oliver House Museum will be acting as a donation station for Yates Christmas Program's children's book drive. Each December, the Christmas Program gives away over 700 new books to children in the program. Won't you help us collect so that each child can get a new book? Wea re collecting new books for K-12 children. They can be dropped off Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Oliver House Museum.

Friday, November 22

Let's Decorate The Oliver House Museum

Do you enjoy decorating for the holiday season? The History Center staff needs your help to decorate the OHM for the holidays and StarShine. We need great ideas and lots of energy. Please come down to the museum and get in the spirit of the season!

Saturday, November 23
11:00 am

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Long gone traditions from other lands! This lecture by Tricia Noel, Director of YCHC, are for those interested in forgotton Christmas traditions or for anyone who wonders about the origin of things like mistletoe and Christmas trees. Join us at the L. Caroline Underwood Museum, 107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan. The cost of the lecture is $8 for YCHC members or $12 for non-members.

Saturday, December 7
4:00 - 7:00 pm

StarShine

Plan to visit the Oliver House Museum as Penn Yan's Main Street celebrates the holiday season. The museum will be decorated for the holiday season and the traditional Christmas toy tree will be standing. Children are invited to pick a free toy from the tree courtesy of the volunteers at the Once Again Shoppe. Refreshments will be served. Bring a book to donate.

Be sure to visit the new Children's Room upstairs and say hello to Besty the cow. Volunteer docents and cookie bakers are needed, contact Tricia or Lisa at 315-536-7318.

Saturday, January 25
11:00 am

With Your Own Two Hands: Embroidery

Learn basic stitches with Katie Tomlinson, see the progression of intricate pieces and assorted styles, and see examples from the History Center's collections, including human hair embroidery. Fee of $18 for YCHC members and $22 for non-members and includes a kit with all supplies needed to create an ornament. Class will be held at the L. Caroline Underwood Museum, 107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan. Register by email at ycghs@yatespast.org or call 315-536-7318. The deadline to register by is January 21, 2020, class is limited to 12 people.

Saturday, March 14
11:00 am

With Your Own Two Hands: Grow Heirloom Plants

Lecture by Cornell Cooperative Extension agricultural educator, Carolyn Boutard-Hunt on choosing and caring for historic types of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Recommendations on varieties to grow successfully in New York. Fee of $8 for YCHC members and $12 for non-members. Class will be held at the L. Caroline Underwood Museum, 107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan. Register by email at ycghs@yatespast.org or call 315-536-7318. Deadline to register by is March 10, 2020, class is limited to 30 people.

Saturday, May 9
11:00 am

With Your Own Two Hands: Pioneer Open Fire Cooking

Learn fire making techniques with Denny and Merrill Race, prepare colonial and modern recipes. Includes tasting & take-home recipes. Fee of $15 for YCHC members and $20 for non-mmebers. Class will be held at the L. Caroline Underwood Museum, 107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan. Register by email at ycghs@yatespast.org or call 315-536-7318. Deadline to register by is May 2, class size is limited to 12 people.

Ongoing

Donate your refundable cans and bottles to our tote in the parking lot of History Center.  Every penny counts!  There is also a container at Two Can Dan’s refund center on Benham Street with our name on it!

Ongoing

Check us out on Facebook.  There are always old photos posted with fun recollections by friends of the History Center.   Find fellow history lovers and former residents of Yates County who have moved away.

Ongoing

The Oliver House Museum is open Tuesday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm year around.  Additionally, during July and August the museum is open Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm.

Ongoing

The L. Caroline Underwood Historical Museum is open Tuesday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm year around.  The administrative offices and the research center are located here.

Ongoing

The Scherer Carriage House is open Tuesday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm year around.

Ongoing

The Catherine Spencer Center for Genealogical and Historical Research at the L. Caroline Underwood Museum is open when the Underwood Museum is open.