Current Exhibits

Discover the history of Yates County through our long-term and changing exhibits open during regular museum hours.

At the Oliver House Museum

Jemima Wilkinson;
The Publick Universal Friend

Our long-term exhibit, Jemima Wilkinson; The Publick Universal Friend, is housed in the Oliver House Museum. Funded through New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the panels and objects within the exhibit tell the story of this extraodinary woman who gained importance both nationally and locally.

The Yates County Basket Industry

At the L. Caroline Underwood Museum

Caroline Underwood: Collector, Teacher, Traveler

A teacher in the Penn Yan School system for over 50 years, a traveler to many points on the globe and an avid collector with a wide range of interests, Our long term exhibit, Caroline Underwood: Collector, Teacher Traveler tells the story of a single, working woman living in the 20th century with strong ties to Yates County's early history. Through her collection of primarily 20th century objects, Caroline has given us the unique opportunity to think about local history, about identity, about collections, and about the mission of local history in our communities in terms of our lives today.

Easter Parade: 70 Years of Millenary Splendor
March 26, 2010 through the end of April

The Oliver House Museum is the venue for this incredible collection of more than 60 amazing hats: Handmade woven horsehair hats embellished with velvet flowers from the Edwardian era, amazing cloches worn bedecked with sequins and pheasant feathers from the Roaring Twenties, Broad brimmed straw bonnets festooned with fruit and flowers, pillbox hats inspired by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and many, many more!

Lorraine Loomis – Konig works to set up the “Easter Parade” exhibit

Toys From the Attic
December 4, 2009 through Spring 2010

Thanks to many recent and past donors we have an incredible collection of vintage toys! Nostalgia will run rampant as you’re reminded of not only your own toys but the ones that your Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa played with! We have an incredible assortment including everything from antique dolls to Erector sets, Lincoln Logs, board games, baby’s pull toys, wooden toys, puzzles, toy guns, wind up toys, metal toys, a mechanic’s garage, metal cars and trucks, assorted earth moving equipment and much more! There’s sure to be at least one toy to spark everyone’s magical childhood memories! Bring a photo of you and your favorite childhood toy – we’ll scan the photo and add it to our collage.

Enjoy our grand opening of this exhibit anytime between 5pm and 8pm December 4th at both YCGHS Museums: The Oliver House is located at 200 Main St., in Penn Yan with the L. Caroline Underwood Museum directly behind it at 107 Chapel St.. There is no charge and all are welcome! Light refreshments will be served. This exhibit will be displayed until Spring 2010 during our normal business hours. Call 315-536-7318 for information.