Genesee Country Village & Museum: Inspiring Excitement and Curiosity About The Past
Just a hair outside (1.5 miles) of Genesee County is a significant visitor destination with national relevance. The Genesee Country Village & Museum (1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY) is the United States’ third largest historic recreated village. The beautiful facilities’ 400 acres are third in size to Historic Williamsburg, Virginia and Greenfield Village in Michigan.
For first time visitors and returning guests, Genesee Country Village & Museum is a world of wonder. Although there are many components and programs associated with the organization, the three major areas of interest are: the historic Country Village, the Nature Center, and the John L. Wehle Gallery.
Stepping out into the Historic Country Village is like being in a time machine. When you walk through the entrance and gazed out over the countryside and 40 authentic buildings, you truly feel like you’ve been transported back to 1830. A vast majority of the structures were built somewhere else, torn down and reconstructed at the village. Many of the buildings are like mini-museums, filled with artifacts and activities from the era of the house. You stroll through the village, taking a gander at each structure. An 1854 Roman Catholic Church, a Victorian 1870 house, a 1807 tavern and an 1825 dressmakers shop are just a few of the buildings you’ll encounter. This is truly a remarkable place – a unique American history experience.
The Genesee Country Village & Museum also has a fun and expansive nature center. In addition to a physical nature center, this area features a 5+ mile network of educational hiking trails. Each pathway features a different outdoor learning experience as explorers traverse through forests, swamps and fields. The Nature Center hosts countless programs throughout the year for all ages.
The John L. Wehle Historic Art Gallery is a real jewel on the property and quite possibly ties the Historic Country Village and the Nature Center together. The gallery has a collection of world-class wildlife and sporting art. The recently built gallery is spacious and offers a top-notch viewing experience. The artwork is simply jaw-dropping. Another major part of the gallery is the clothing and textile exhibition. On display are stunningly preserved articles of clothing through out history. Just like the buildings in the Historic Village, what people wore are striking reminders of “how things used to be.” The gallery is worth the trip alone.
Whether you visit there for one-day or make many return trips – the Genesee Country Village & Museum offers an unending array of experiences good for the mind, body and soul.
