Western New York Historian Project

About the Project

What is the Western New York Historian Project?

In the summer of 2020, we reached out to the village, town, city, and county historians of the eight counties of WNY and asked them to participate in the society's Western New York Historian Project. We did this by emailing or mailing a questionnaire to each of the historians for whom we had an email or address listed. We hoped they would share with us their response to our questions.

What is the purpose of this Project?

We wanted to learn from the historians, in their own words, about

their job and role as the guardians of their municipality's history
the historic records and collections within their village, town, city or county
the means they use to provide this information to the community at large
their goals, as historian, for the next four years, and
how, and in what ways, WNYGS could help them in achieving these goals.

image of Genesee County History Department's Research Library in Batavia New York

Image: Genesee County History Department Research Library (Batavia, NY)

WNY Historian Project Chair:

Marie-Cecile Tidwell, PhD

historianproject@wnygs.org

What have we learned so far?

The WNY historians are very dedicated and loyal keepers of history. Some are new to the task, while others have been in their role for as many as 45 years. They often fulfill their duties with little or no pay; even office and storage space can be limited, if any. Some historians work in conjunction with the county and town historical museums and societies, as well as with local government officials. Municipality websites may have sections devoted to local history and often include material presented by their local historians.

What is our goal as a result of the Historian Project?

Our goal is to share with our membership what we have learned through this project in order to help them with their family research of their WNY ancestors. It is our hope that in addition to learning more about the history of the eight counties of WNY, our membership, as well as others in the community, will volunteer with these local historians and societies in the preservation of these important and often irreplaceable pieces of family and local history.

The mission of the Western New York Genealogical Society is to preserve public and historical records, and to encourage interest, knowledge, and research in the WNY region's rich genealogical heritage. This is a mission we share with all local historians across WNY.

Find A Government Historian

Events of Interest In

Western New York

Cattaraugus County:

Fundraiser for the Ischua Valley Historical Society: "Maple Festival"

Location: Franklinville, New York

Dates: 04-26-2025 Saturday and 04-27-2025 Sunday

Description:

The Maple Festival! IVHS is dependent on fundraising and donations, and the success of this event is important to us. Please remember that all our work is done by volunteers. No one is paid. The funds we raise are used to pay utilities, insurance, printing, postage, supplies and repairs.

Join us at The Maple Festival in Franklinville, NY for food and fun. We will have a raffle for gift baskets and gift certificates, and a silent auction. The winner need not be present to win. If you are looking for books to enjoy this summer, check out our display featuring many of the latest mysteries and publications. Prices range from 25 cents to 50 cents. No hardcover is over $1.00. Finally, please consider giving your family and friends an IVHS membership.

This year's Highlight is a beautiful queen-size quilt with a bumble bee theme. It was created and donated by Suzanne Linderman. Tickets are now available at 3 Park Square and at the Maple Festival. Tickets cost 1 for $5.00 and 3 for $10.00. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, April 27th.

This event is the main fundraiser for our organization. We have had a serious bee problem at The Miner's Cabin and it is crucial that we address the issue this year. We have also discovered structural problems that need our attention. Our Queen Anne Victorian mansion is 130 years old. To save this historical home, fund raising is important. If you are interested in helping preserve our history, please come to room 221 during the Maple Festival to support us.

Please come out and support the Franklinville The Maple Festival and the Ischua Valley Historical Society.

Click here for full event information