Make it an October to remember at Genesee Country Village & Museum. Spanning over 600 scenic acres, GCV&M invites visitors of all ages to explore its Historic Village, world-class Gallery, and immersive Nature Center or attend one of the special programs offered throughout the month. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s happening at GCV&M in October:
Homeschool Days:
Thurs., Oct. 2 and Fri., Oct. 31,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Featuring highly discounted rates for homeschool families, co-ops, and groups. On October 2, homeschoolers are invited to experience a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming new American citizens, then spend the afternoon with hands-on civic activities or hearth cooking workshops.
On October 31, there will be a Halloween celebration at the Nature Center. Spend this special day outdoors in the woods, where you can enjoy a guided hike, crafts, games, storytelling, and s’mores by the fire.
Agricultural Fair:
Sat., Oct. 4 and Sun., Oct. 5,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There’s something for the whole family to enjoy at the annual Agricultural Fair. Shop a bustling Farmer’s Market Tent with 50 local vendors, enjoy fall colors erupting around the 19th-century village, see costumed historical interpreters undertaking seasonal tasks, enjoy livestock shows and demonstrations like sheepherding, gather for live performances like a Punch and Judy Show on the Village Square, peruse a Blue Ribbon Competition and see who took home the prizes this year, and more.
Fall Landmarks &
Lunch Trolley Tour:
Thurs., Oct. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon outing on a guided trolley tour, followed by a light lunch. An interpreter will accompany visitors on the ride, highlighting favorite points of interest while exploring the Village. After the tour, unwind at the Freight House pub and enjoy a light lunch.
Historic Dining Opportunities:
Fri., Oct. 10, Sat., Oct. 11, and
Fri., Oct. 31, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Join GCV&M’s historical cooks as they serve an authentic 19th-century meal in the Historic Village. Guests will play parlor games and enjoy a full seven-course dinner (served family-style).
Brotherhood & Betrayal
After-Hours Tours:
Fri., Oct. 10 and Sat., Oct. 11,
5 to 7 p.m.
Did you know that the first third party in America, the Anti-Masons, emerged from the intriguing landscape of the Genesee Country? Delve into the riveting tale of a scandal that forever altered the course of history. Led by a knowledgeable historic interpreter, attendees will encounter firsthand accounts from witnesses, opportunistic politicians, and everyday citizens, each sharing their unique perspectives on this pivotal moment that transformed American politics.
Spooky Saturday:
Sat., Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See the Historic Village in all of its fall splendor, attend a frighteningly fascinating talk on the history of rural cemeteries in America, visit GCV&M’s new exhibit Everybody’s Going to be There! The American Rural Cemetery Movement, snack on a funeral bun from the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery, see the Village bedecked in autumnal hues, and more.
October Overnight
at the Museum:
Sat., Oct. 11 into Sun., Oct. 12,
5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Enjoy a new “night at the Museum” type offering at GCV&M. Bring a bagged dinner, then stop by the 19th-century tavern to enjoy family-friendly beverages and treats, play historical games, make seasonal crafts, and your own historical games to take home. Before camping out for the night, attend a ghostly tour in the 19th-century Village and a campfire. In the morning, enjoy breakfast and coffee before heading out on a morning trail hike to see the fall foliage.
Kids Free on
Indigenous People’s Day:
Mon., Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be hands-on activities and demonstrations all day long in the Historic Village, plus guests can visit the Nature Center and Wehle Gallery. And kids 12 and under are free.
Spirits of the Past:
A Walk in the Dark:
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 17-19 and 24-26,
5:30 to 9 p.m.
Beware, “Spirits of the Past” is back with an enchanting nighttime event. Tours last approximately 75 minutes and groups will enter the dark and spooky recesses of the Historic Village. Before and after tours, attendees can rest their bones at the “Spirits Lounge” or the “Fright” House Pub, where they can delight in a ghoulishly good beverage and bite to eat.
Due to the popularity of this event, advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to secure your desired tour time online and in advance.
All Hallows’ Tea:
Fri., Oct. 24, Sat., Oct. 25 and
Sun., Oct. 26, 1 to 3 p.m.
Explore the haunting history of the American rural cemetery movement in an exhibit in the John L. Wehle Gallery and learn from GCV&M’s curatorial team about Victorian mourning. Tickets to All Hallows’ Tea events include access to the Historic Village (open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a limited number of open buildings), more than miles of Nature Trails, exhibits in the John L. Wehle Gallery, and shopping in the Flint Hill Store.
Trick-or-Treating
in the Historic Village:
Sat., Oct. 25 and Sun., Oct. 26,
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Make your way to eight different historic porches where kids in costume can gather sweet treats, plus enjoy an assortment of other fall-fun activities.
Fall Workshops
From cooking and wool spinning to heirloom flower arrangements and printmaking, GCV&M has a timeless skill for every interest. Museum experts guide participants to explore new hobbies and skills, and give a taste of life in the 19th century.
•Wool Spinning Workshop – Sat., Oct. 18
•Coffee & Doughnuts Workshop – Sat., Oct. 18
•Printmaking Workshop: Holiday Greeting Card – Sat., Oct. 25
•Sweet & Savory Pasties & Pies Workshop – Sat., Oct. 25
Visit https://www.gcv.org/events/ for more information and to purchase tickets.
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