This August, Genesee Country Village & Museum offers opportunities to get outside and enjoy the summer with events that take advantage of their spacious 600-acre grounds. The month begins with the return of the popular literature-based event, “A Novel Weekend” on Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2. Guests will explore the literary world of the 1800s through the classic stories and characters from Little Women, Alice in Wonderland, and Little House on the Prairie. Guests can join a “mad” tea party and games of the Queen’s croquet, take dancing or writing lessons with the March sisters, and hear fiddle music just like Pa Ingalls used to play.
The sweetest days of the summer are the museum’s “Celebrating Chocolate Weekend” on August 8 and 9. Demonstrations will feature chocolate tea, antique chocolate graters, and even chocolate skincare! The D.B. Munger Confectionery and Depot Restaurant will have fresh-baked chocolate goods for sale, including a “tasting box” of treats made from both historical and modern recipes, and the peddler’s bread cart will feature chocolate bread for sale as well.
To round out the month, the museum features evenings of food, drinks, and music at the Summer Sunset Series. On the Friday evenings of August 7 and 21, live bands will play as guests are invited to grab dinner and drinks from the Depot or Freight House, and enjoy a picnic on the Great Meadow.
In addition to weekend activities, GCV&M is hosting weekday summer camps on-site through August 21, allowing kids to enjoy the outdoors and stay active in a supervised, safety-minded space. Campers will be able to experience the 19th century through games, crafts, and fun at the Summer Sampler classes, and explore the museum’s extensive Nature Center as part of Earth Camp, including fishing, pond dipping, and animal tracking. Small class sizes and outdoor activities are some of the updates in place to keep campers safe and engaged. Registration for summer camps is currently open and includes options for busing, lunches, and before-and-after-hours care. Details are available at gcv.org.
The John L. Wehle Gallery has re-opened, featuring the new exhibit “Nature’s Chain: The Land and Our Place in It,” which examines the impact and changes to the climate, geography, plants, and animal life of the Genesee Valley across the 19th century. Returning to the gallery is the colorful and opulent “Victoria’s Closet: Fashion of the 1850s,” offering a look at the technological and textile fantasy of the mid-19th century. Also opening this summer is a collection featuring favorites of museum staff and benefactors, ranging from housewares and fashion to furniture and fine art.
Genesee Country Village & Museum is open Fridays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the month of July. In August, the museum will expand to Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the admissions booth. For special event weekends, discounted pre-sale tickets are available online as pre-purchase is suggested due to reduced capacity. This summer, daily and special event admission for members is always free (discounted for Summer Sunset Series), and admission to special events for members is guaranteed with no need to pre-register.
To maintain an atmosphere of healthy fun, GCV&M has put safety protocols in place in accordance with state and local guidelines, including creating one-way traffic patterns through historic buildings. For the protection of guests and staff, visitors are asked to practice social distancing, and all visitors over the age of two are required to wear a mask when in any indoor or high traffic outdoor spaces. Visit www.gcv.org or call 538-6822 for details.
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