Genesee Country Village & Museum recently announced a transformative, multi-year initiative to expand its interpretation of the history of enslavement and the Black American experience in 19th-century New York. With the support of a $188,841 grant from the Museums for America program, GCV&M will enhance the educational interpretation of four key historic buildings in the 19th-century village: the Nathaniel Rochester House, Land Office, Livingston-Backus House, and the Quaker Meeting House.
The Museums for America program, part of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public. This funding will enable GCV&M to ensure that the history of Black Americans in the Genesee Valley Region is comprehensively and authentically represented in the Museum’s 19th-century Historic Village. By collaborating with interpretive and educational consultants, local community partners, and national subject experts, GCV&M will create and deliver accurate, inclusive, and engaging content through in-person interpretation, exhibits, audio tours, and school programs and also undertake a robust program of staff training and development.
“We are committed to expanding the stories we tell to include the full range of 19th-century Black experiences in our region,” said Becky Wehle, President and CEO of Genesee Country Village & Museum. “This project will honor the voices that have been marginalized and ensure that all visitors see their histories represented and valued. While GCV&M was once a museum of buildings – with the goal of preserving the architecture of the Genesee Valley – today we see ourselves as a museum of stories, bringing to light the voices of the historical residents of this region.”
With the help of the grant, GCV&M aims to reach new audiences who have yet to see their history included in the Museum’s narratives. By connecting the rich diversity of the 19th century to the present, GCV&M will create a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of our shared past.
“This project aligns with the Museum’s mission, values, and strategic plan, and is an educational opportunity for both our staff and visitors,” Wehle added. “It will enhance how GCV&M interprets history, ensuring that our Museum remains a welcoming space for learning, exploration, and play for decades to come.”
Community members interested in keeping up on the latest work happening at Genesee Country Village & Museum can learn more at www.http://.gcv.org.
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