Genesee Country Village and Museum, Mumford, NY

Genesee Country Village and Museum is located in Mumford, New York. It is a living museum patterned on the 19th century. The entire museum runs over 600 acres. Part of the center includes the John L. Wehle Gallery of Sporting Art, Nature Center, Carriage Museum, Silver Baseball Park, and the Heirloom Gardens. The village and museum were established in 1976 as a tourist destination. Since that time they have seen numerous visitors.

The idea for the museum was begun ten years before the actual implementation. John L. Wehle wanted to have a place where art and other forms of artistic expression could be offered. He felt carpenters, master builders, and housewrights should be able to get recognition for their work. At the time the area was losing its history because the houses there were beginning to crumble, disappearing into the landscape as it were. With the proposition of the village and museum the homes were fixed up to look like they had been in the 19th century. Some places had to be completely recreated as they were too far gone.

Architecture is one of the main purposes of the museum along with cabinetry, weaving, pottery, and other useful artistic creations. The site was chosen not only for its history but also because the land was fairly clear, which meant they could create more homes from the past. Stone fences and hedgerows remain in place from the frontier days.

It took ten years for the museum to open in order to renovate and create the homes and buildings of the past. Several masons and carpenters were hired to do the work. The result was a complete historic village with 68 restored and furnished buildings. A simple frontier cabin was built as well as an elaborate Victorian mansion to show how the village would have evolved over the century. Religious and business buildings were also created.

Visitors today can see the entire village as well as the artifacts. For example demonstrations happen in the village like 19th century games, quilting, weaving, wool spinning, fabric dying, cooking, broom making, coopering, and woodworking. The village is not just about the buildings though.

It is also about the Silver Baseball Park which takes the history of baseball and gives the story to those who visit. The park is also a replica of the first ball park ever created in America. The Heirloom Gardens is yet another different exhibit. In this area one can learn about the different flowers that grow in New York, how they are useful, and also about those that were brought over from other countries. Blossoms, fragrant herbs, and luscious fruits are all found within the gardens.

Admission can range from $5 to $15 dollars for most of the exhibits. However, special events may be a bit more. There are also different group admission rates for those who need them. They also have memberships for those who may be more local to the village and museum.