Mary Richmond founded the Holland Purchase Historical Society (HPHS) in 1894 for “the discovery, procuring and preservation of whatever related to the Holland Purchase lands, and all lands that has been owned by Robert Morris in Western New York.” Today it is an educational non-profit organization that oversees the operations of the Holland Land Office Museum and over 20,000 artifacts.

Our Story

Since 1894

Our Mission is to preserve the past of Genesee County, western New York, and The Holland Land Company for present and future generations. 

The Holland Land Office is the fourth land office to be built in Western New York. Erected in 1815 by Jospeh Ellicott, this stone building operated as a land office until the 1830s. After the departure of the Holland Land Company the building was used as a bank, a music school, and a church. With the threat of demolition looming, Batavia High School rallied together to raise the funds to purchase and save the building, with the help from Superintendent John Kennedy and Batavia entrepreneur Mary Richmond. In 1894, the Holland Land Office Museum opened! For over 130 years, the HPHS has operated out of the museum to conserve and exhibit local history. 

We invite you to come and explore the history of Genesee County and the Holland Land Company! With an array of exhibits, both permanent and temporary, you will learn a varitey of histories! Stop in during regular operating hours or attend one of one of our special events to experience what history we have to offer!