On Saturday, May 11, Genesee Country Village & Museum will kick off a new season of special events and activities. In the Village, visitors can taste chocolate-almond sweetmeats, a “fairie fancy” cookie, and chocolate puffs, or take walking tours focused on gardens as well as changing 19th-century technology. Visitors can even try their hand at tying up a rope bed. Opening weekend also gives guests the chance to celebrate Mother’s Day with free admission for moms on Sunday.
The Museum will debut several new programs this season, beginning with the grand opening of the John L. Wehle Gallery’s new exhibit “Victoria’s Closet: Fashions of the 1850s,” featuring clothing and accessories from the heyday of the British monarch’s reign, and the beginning of the industrial revolution’s impact on fashion. The summer season will see the return of several popular events like Celtic Faire and Civil War Weekend, plus the debut of the brand new “A Novel Weekend: Lewis Carroll.” In this immersive event, guests will experience the wild and creative world of Lewis Carroll through games, photography demonstrations, and character tea parties.
In the Historic Village the new Print Office will open its doors for the first time, with expanded floor space for the circa 1850 printing press. The “Washington” press was one of the most popular printing presses of the 19th century and features profiles of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin in the top of the frame. With extensive daily programming, every day will offer a special experience for guests. Themed weeks this year will highlight inventors, popular authors, and crafts, plus a delicious weekend in July will celebrate all things chocolate.
GCV&M will also offer premiere programming for members this season with new monthly Hops & History happy-hour talks, which will offer a deep dive into the Museum, one-on-one time with our staff, and the opportunity to explore the grounds. GCV&M will continue the after-hours fun with the History on Tap happy hour on June 7, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and historic dining options. Classes ranging from gardening to blacksmithing will be on offer, as well as summer camp programs that immerse kids in activities centered in the Historic Village and Nature Center. A new camp this year will focus on theatre, giving campers the opportunity to create and perform shows centered on American trailblazers.
The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the regular season. General admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $10 youth, and free for children three and under. On Mother’s Day, moms and children 3 and under are free. Special event pricing may vary. Visit www.gcv.org or call 585-538-6822 for details.
In addition to regular programming, the Museum will host the following special events in 2019:
•May 11-12: Mother’s Day Weekend and Opening Day – Moms free on Sunday
•May 18: 5K Race Through History
•June 7: History on Tap
•June 15: Celtic Faire and evening concert with The American Rogues
•June 16: Father’s Day – Dads are free
•June 22-23: 1812 Weekend
•June 25-30: Kids Free Week
•July 4: Independence Day
•July 20-21: Civil War Re-enactment & Encampment
•August 3-4: A Novel Weekend: Lewis Carroll
•August 9-11: National Silver Baseball Tournament
•August 17-18: Fiddlers’ Fair
•August 31-September 2: Neighbors Free Weekend
•September 2: Hop Harvest Festival
•September 14: The Whirl: A Festive Harvest Dinner
•October 5-6: Fall Festival & Agricultural Fair (kids free)
•October 17-20: Spirits of the Past Theatrical Tours
•October 25-26: Trick-or-Treating in the Village
•November 8-10: Domestic Skills Symposium
•November 30: Breakfast with St Nick and Preparing for Winter
•December 6-8, 13-15, 19-21: Yuletide Tours & Buffet
•December 21: Holiday Open House
Provided information
