Along with the return of summer weather comes the sights, sounds, and flavors of 19th-century life at Genesee Country Village & Museum. In July, visitors will celebrate the nation’s birth at the Independence Day Celebration (Monday, July 4); savor bitter, sweet, and savory flavors during Celebrating Chocolate Weekend (July 16 and 17); and delve into the nuanced history of how the Civil War impacted life in New York State in the 1860s during Civil War Living History Weekend (July 23 and 24). Plus, visitors will find opportunities to explore the Historic Village, John L. Wehle Gallery, and Nature Center and trails Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Independence Day Celebration
Kick off the summer season with a 19th-century style celebration of America’s birthday on Monday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will enjoy live musical performances, historic games, a 19th-century parade around the Historic Village, pie eating contest, and so much more. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence and Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” read by David Shakes of the North Star Players, as well as demonstrations by costumed interpreters in the Historic Village. Returning this year is the Naturalization Ceremony, during which visitors will celebrate along with people from 39 countries around the world as they are sworn in as new American citizens by the Honorable Judge Mark W. Pedersen. The Depot Restaurant and Freight House Pub will be serving hot dogs, burgers, craft beer, cider, and soft drinks, and festive historic treats will be available for sale in the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery. This event is sponsored by M&T Bank. Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.gcv.org/events/independence-day/.
Summer Sunset Concert Series
Genesee Country Village & Museum welcomes visitors to enjoy an evening on the Great Meadow during this year’s Summer Sunset Concert Series. Enjoy live music by local bands, food and drink in the Freight House Pub, and the opportunity to watch the sunset over the Museum grounds. On Friday, July 15, local jazz group DSP Jazz Trio will take the stage. Visitors will enjoy the sounds of jazz while enjoying the sunset over the Great Meadow. Summer Sunset Series Concerts will also take place on Friday, August 12, and Friday, September 2. Tickets are available online now at https://www.gcv.org/events/summer-sunset-series/. This concert series is sponsored by Mercury Print Productions.
Celebrating Chocolate Weekend
Visitors to GCV&M during Celebrating Chocolate Weekend, July 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will discover historical recipes, sample sweet and savory goods, and dig into the history of chocolate production in the 19th century. Visitors can sample both historic and modern recipes around the museum, purchase chocolatey treats in the Confectionery, learn about unconventional uses of chocolate throughout history, and more. Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.gcv.org/events/chocolate-weekend/.
Civil War Living History Weekend
During Civil War Living History Weekend at GCV&M on July 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests will step beyond battles and behind front lines to experience interactive and educational programming bringing the many sides of New York in the 1860s to life. The inconsistency between America’s founding freedoms and the lived experience of enslaved persons was thrust into the consciousness of many throughout the country. While no battles took place in New York, more than 400,000 New Yorkers fought in the war, and the state played a key role in the Abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Throughout the weekend, interpreters, reenactors, and guest speakers (including the Sons and Daughters of Ham, and Cheyney McKnight of Not Your Momma’s History) will share stories of how the war impacted all residents of New York. Hear from President Abraham Lincoln and renowned orator and advocate Frederick Douglass as historical reenactors Fritz Klein and Rochester’s own David Shakes share the story of Lincoln and Douglass’s relationship. Attend a presentation by Derek Maxfield about the Elmira NY Prison Camp, explore a military encampment, see drilling and live fire demonstrations, meet interpreters and reenactors showcasing the lives of civilians during the war, learn about 19th-century medical practices and innovations, and more. Tickets are available online now at: https://www.gcv.org/events/civil-war/.
Historical happenings every day
Visitors to GCV&M this season will find something fascinating happening around the Historic Village on any day. Meander through expertly-tended heirloom gardens and orchards, explore historic kitchens and see 19th-century cooking in action, meet heirloom breeds on the Pioneer Farmstead, enjoy a historical craft beer in the Freight House Pub, chat with knowledgeable costumed interpreters working on trades like coopering, blacksmithing, or weaving, and so much more.
New in the John L. Wehle Gallery
Museum visitors are invited to explore a new exhibit in the John L. Wehle Gallery focusing on waterfowling in the 19th century and subsequent efforts to conserve waterfowl populations and habitats. “Duck, Duck, Shoot: The Story of American Waterbirds” features natural specimens, works of art, duck decoys, firearms, historic clothing, and more. Admission to the John L. Wehle Gallery is included in the cost of general admission. A series of curator-led talks and tours also happen throughout the season in the Gallery – more information can be found at https://www.gcv.org/john-l.-wehle-gallery-talks-tours/.
Order 19th-century treats from the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery
Online pre-orders of handmade 19th-century baked goods from museum’s Historic Confectionery are back this season. Visitors can pre-order cookies, breads, and other confections online at https://www.gcv.org/explore/historic-village/d.b.-munger-confectionery/ and pick them up on select Saturdays from the Flint Hill Store. During the month of July, the Confectionery is offering Shaker Chocolate Pound Cake, Chocolate Cookie Box Assortment, and Chocolate Babka. Museum visitors can also shop in the Confectionery on-site Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With a full schedule of special events on weekends, plus demonstrations and activities during the week, Genesee Country Village & Museum will be bustling with fun for all ages in July. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase tickets online in advance to get early bird discount pricing – there is a small additional fee at the door for daily admission and special event tickets purchased day-of. Visit www.gcv.org to learn more and purchase tickets online.
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