Genesee Country Museum
Calendar for 2012
May
Opening Day: 19th-Century Fashions
Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Come and see the latest spring fashions for women in 1810 and 1860! The museum opens for the season with a focus on fashion. Attend a fashion show, view specifically selected garments from the museum’s historic clothing collection.
NEW: Military Heritage Day
Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Discover the story of western New York’s involvement in the nation’s various conflicts that started in the late 17th century and continue through to today. See displays and talk with experts on the military history of western New York.
June
Opening Weekend of Vintage Base Ball
Saturday & Sunday, June 17-19
Celebrate the start of the museum’s 12th season of old-time base ball at the museum. The ladies kick off the season on Saturday afternoon and the men’s teams present an exciting doubleheader on Sunday. DADS GET IN FREE ON FATHER’S DAY.
War of 1812 Bicentennial and Jane Austen Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, June 23-24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The historic village comes to life as it was in 1812 with re-enactors portraying artisans, tailors, shopkeepers, housewives, merchants, local militia and American soldiers. Enjoy the lively sounds of fifes and drums; see cannons and muskets try to hit their mark in live shooting competitions; clap along to Austen-era dancing; play yard games; and visit with craftspeople in the village.
July
Independence Day
Wednesday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Experience all the pomp, pageantry and rowdy merriment that marked Independence Day observances of the past. Whether you cheer on the grand parade, participate in the pie eating contest or play 19th-century games — you will be part of America’s greatest holiday. In the morning, witness a grand and moving ceremony as some 50 people take the oath to become American citizens.
Civil War Re-enactment
Saturday & Sunday, July 14-15 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hundreds of re-enactors converge on the museum for one of the largest Civil War re-enactments in New York. Enjoy two battles daily—at noon in the historic village, and the other, featuring artillery and mounted cavalry, at 2 p.m. in a large nearby field. In the village, townsfolk will offer musical concerts, specialty shopping and vignettes depicting civilian life during the war. Don’t miss shopping in our sutler’s marketplace all around the Great meadow.
August
National Silver Ball Tournament
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 3-5
More than a dozen teams from across the Midwest, East Coast and Canada, compete in period style uniforms for top honors using 1865 rules during our 10th annual tournament. Championship game is Sunday at the museum’s Silver Base Ball Park.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Days
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 11-12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find out a lot more about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her ties to Western New York during a day of hands-on activities especially chosen to appeal to kids of all ages. Run a sack race, make a cornhusk doll or enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. Come dressed as one of your favorite characters. Celebrity guest appearances by a member of the original cast of Little House on the Prairie.
Old-Time Fiddlers’ Fair
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 18-19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If you love fiddle music, then prepare to immerse yourself in a day of traditional music rooted in New York State’s rich heritage. Hundreds of musicians! Non-stop entertainment! Bring your fiddle for free admission and the opportunity to play on one of five venues; or jam under a tree in the historic village.
October
The Fall Festival featuring the Agricultural Society Fair – Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 6-7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The autumn harvest ushers in this annual museum celebration with activities that hearken back to an earlier time; judged competitions from poultry to pies, livestock exhibits, fair foods and demonstrations of vintage farm machinery. The Farmer’s Market alone is worth the trip, but there is so much more, including a magic show, tent of wonders and carnival games.
Mayor’s Cup Base Ball Championship!
19th-century base ball at its finest. Cheer on the season’s top two men’s teams— playing by 1865 rules—as they battle for the coveted Mayor’s Trophy at Silver Base Ball Park.
Spirits of the Past Tours
Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 19-20 & 26-27
Take a guided tour in the historic village after hours to explore iconic tales of 19th-century horror. Make your way through candlelit and spooky streets to witness theatrical scenes from many of the spooky stories & novels that Western New Yorkers were reading some 150 years ago. Reservations required.
November
Preparing for the Holidays the 19th-Century Way!
Saturday, Nov. 24 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How did local families get ready for the upcoming winter? Watch as the village townsfolk decorate for the Yuletide season and butcher a hog for the holiday feast.
Plus:
… Crafts at Christmas
Spend quality family time creating beautiful 19th-century crafts to give to loved ones.
…Breakfast with St. Nicholas
Start the day with a morning meal with the jolly old elf himself.
December
Yuletide in the Country
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7-9 & 14-16
Join us as we journey back through time on the snow-covered streets of our historic village to meet characters from the past as they celebrate Christmas with festive holiday songs, lively music, seasonal refreshments and dance. You won’t want to miss the lighting of the candle-decorated Christmas tree. A light supper buffet will be available. Reservations required for tours and buffet.
Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York State and the largest collection of historic buildings in the Northeast. The museum, open May 12-October14, is located in Mumford, N.Y., 20 miles southwest of Rochester and 45 miles east of Buffalo. For more information, visit www.gcv.org or call (585) 538-6822.Except for special events, Genesee Country Village & Museum is closed for the season and will reopen in May 12, 2012.
FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS OF CIVILIAN INTEREST, VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE OAKLANDS HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM AND VIEW THEIR 2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Oaklands Historic House Museum
900 N. Maney Ave. – Murfreesboro, TN 37130
615-893-0022 – www.oaklandsmuseum.org