Holand Land Office Museum

West Side Batavia Ghost Walk
2023-10-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-10-27 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Please join the Holland Land Office Museum for a West Side Ghost Walk on Fridays in October. The walks led by Connie Boyd will take place on October 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 7 pm. We will also be adding second walks beginning at 7:30 on October 6, 13 and 20. Take a walk on the west side and hear tales of murders, hangings, grave robbing, ghosts and other eerie happenings from Batavia’s past. Hear stories of Joseph Ellicott, E. N. Rowell and other famous and infamous Batavians.
Admission is $15.00 or $10.00 for museum members and reservations are required with purchase. Tours are limited to 20 people each. The tour begins and ends at the museum and is approximately 1 1/2 to two hours in length.
For tickets or more information, please call (585) 343-4727, email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com, or stop by at 131 W. Main St. Batavia.

Decomposing Past Workshop: Textiles
2023-10-21 13:00 - 15:00
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the first in our new series of “Decomposing Past” Workshops. The first will be on Saturday, October 21st at 1 pm. This workshop will focus on antique textiles, and discuss various preservation methods of item within the museum collection. Our Curator Tyler Angora will share these methods in the hope that you can use them and understand the textile conservation practices on your own pieces. Admission is $10 of $5 for museum members. This series of workshops is in conjunction with The Decomposing Past mini-exhibits at the museum.

HLOM Java with Joe E.: Tyler Angora, "Victorian Era Mourning"
2023-10-26 09:00 - 10:30
Join us for the next edition of our Java with Joe E. morning presentation series on Thursday, October 26 at 9 am. Our Curator Tyler Angora will be sharing his presentation to go along with the end of our Historic Batavia Cemetery exhibit, “Victorian Era Mourning.”
“Mourning during the Victorian era (1855-1925) was a tradition that faded into the void following the end of the period. Mourning became a mainstream societal measure for almost everyone that lost a loved one. Women, however, became the leading figures in mourning as they followed strict rituals and rules, especially when their husbands died. From Black dresses to black veils which made women sick, mourning has become a fascination of the past.”
Admission is free and coffee and donuts will be served. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

HLOM Guest Speaker: Amy Truesdell, "The Civil War Letters of Rollin Truesdell"
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, October 26th at 7 pm. The museum welcomes Amy Truesdell, writer and consultant from Maine, who has fulfilled a lifelong goal to bring the over 100 letters of her great-great-grandfather to light of his time in the Civil War. Rollin Truesdell enlisted in the Union Army at Binghamton as part of the 27th NY Volunteers and fought in many pivotal battles, writing letters documenting his time in the Civil War. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Chris Mackowski, "Grant's Last Battle"
2023-11-01 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, November 1 at 7 pm. The museum welcomes back Civil War historian and author Chris Mackowski, as he presents “Grant’s Last Battle.” The presentation details the difficulties that Ulysses S. Grant had as he wrote his memoirs near the end of his life, as he battled throat cancer. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Steven Huff, "Resting Among Us: Authors' Gravesites in Upstate New York"
2023-11-07 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next presenter for our Guest Speaker Series on Tuesday, November 7 at 7 pm. Steven Huff will be presenting on his newest work “Resting Among Us: Authors’ Gravesites in Upstate New York.” Steven Huff will make a PowerPoint presentation, and lead a discussion on the region’s literary gravesites, who the authors were, what they wrote, and why they are important. Copies of the book will be available for sale. Admission is $5/$3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
“Too often, the lives and works of authors who called Upstate New York home are overshadowed by the cultural icons of New York City. Steven Huff’s new book, Resting Among Us: Authors’ Gravesites in Upstate New York uncovers the region’s rich literary heritage through his journeys to the graves of writers both famous and celebrated as well as some who have been forgotten. While most Upstate residents are aware that Mark Twain’s grave is in Elmira and that James Fenimore Cooper’s is in Cooperstown, many people don’t realize that a noted author is buried in their local cemetery. For instance, Paul Bowles is buried in Lakemont, John Gardner in Batavia, Rod Serling in Interlaken, John Burroughs in Roxbury, and Adelaide Crapsey in Rochester.”
“Steven Huff’s newest book is Resting Among Us: Authors’ Gravesites in Upstate New York (Syracuse University Press, 2023). He is the author of two story collections, most recently Blissful and Other Stories (Cosmographia, 2017), and three books of poetry, most recently, A Fire in the Hill (Blue Horse Press, 2017). He is editor of Knowing Knott: Essays on an American Poet (Tiger Bark Press, 2017). A Pushcart Prize winner in fiction, he teaches creative writing in the Solstice Low-Residency MFA Program at Lasell University in Boston. He was publisher/managing editor at BOA Editions 1996-2003, and founding publisher at Tiger Bark Press 2006-2022, and now publishes an e-news letter, The Moveable Marquee: Notes on Classic Cinema. He lives in Rochester and Forestville, New York.”
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Exhibit: "98 Years Since the Sun Went Out"
2023-11-08 10:00 - 2023-12-30 16:00
98 Years Since the Sun Went Out- Sponsored by Max Pies Furniture
Come to the Holland Land Office Museum and see a snapshot of Genesee County and Batavia in the 1920s’ through our upcoming exhibit, “98 Years Since the Sun Went Out.” The display will be from November 2023 to April 2024. Experience what living in Genesee County in 1920s’ was like and the commotion around January 24, 1925, the last time we witnessed the total solar eclipse in our area. Go back in time and see what people wore, what our community looked like, where people shopped and worked, their home lives, and how they saw and reacted to the eclipse.
A revamp of the exhibit will occur in January which will open on February 9th , 2024, which will include even more artifacts and a greater experience of what 1920s’ Genesee County and Batavia looked and felt like.

Veterans Open House
2023-11-08 11:00 - 14:00
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell NSDAR chapter and the Holland Land Office Museum (HLOM) are collaborating on a special event to honor our Genesee County veterans and Vietnam War-era veterans.
All veterans plus 1 guest will have their entrance fees waived and will receive a small goodie bag; Vietnam War-era veterans, who have not yet been acknowledged by the Vietnam 50 Commemorative Committee, will also receive the DAR Certificate and an eagle pin.
Any military personnel, with an honorable discharge, who served during the Vietnam War era is eligible for the Award Certificate and eagle pin. Please pre-register your name and service for your Certificate. If you are unable to attend, please let us know by November 30 so we can arrange another time & date. Robin Laney Ettinger, a member of the NSDAR chapter, has created a limited-time email address for inquires – r.j.laney1@gmail.com.

Trivia Night @ the Museum: Cuban Missile Crisis (@GO ART!)
2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, November 9 at 7pm. This month’s topic is the Cuban Missile Crisis. Trivia will take place again at GO ART! located at 201 E. Main St. in Batavia. Their Tavern 2.0 will also be open if you would like a beverage. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

22nd Wonderland of Trees "The 12 Days of Christmas" Opening Gala
2023-11-17 18:00 - 20:30
Come and experience the 22nd annual Wonderland of Trees! The opening gala will occur on Friday, November 17th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Holland Land Office Museum. This year’s theme is “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Visit the museum to see all the wonderfully decorated trees and displays by local businesses and organizations. This year’s opening gala will feature many great gift baskets to win, including an extra special grand basket. The night will also feature holiday music by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. After dinner hors d’oeuvers provided by D&R Depot Restaurant. Tickets are $20, $15 for museum members, and $5 for children 12 and under.
The Wonderland of Trees will run through the end of December. The basket raffle winners will be drawn Friday, December 15th. Further holiday events will also be held throughout the season. If you would like to participate by decorating a tree or contributing a basket, or general sponsorship, please contact the museum.

22nd Annual Wonderland of Trees "The 12 Days of Christmas"
2023-11-18 10:00 - 2023-12-30 16:00
Come by the Holland Land Office Museum and experience the 22nd Annual Wonderland of Trees, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” from November 17th through December 30th. Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit like seeing all of the wonderfully decorated trees by local organizations and businesses. The trees will remain up through the New Year. Be sure to stop on by and vote for your favorite one. Also, our basket raffle will be available until Friday, December 15th to give everyone as many opportunities to win. Admission follows the same as the regular museum admission.

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Rob Thompson, "Linden Murders, Sullivan Expedition, Anne Rippel Cold Case
2023-12-02 13:00 - 16:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next speaker of its Guest Speaker Series on Saturday, December 2 from 1-4 pm. Local author Rob Thompson will speak on the topics of four of his books. He will discuss the Linden Murders (The Linden Murders Solved, The Twisted Tree), the Sullivan Expedition (Behold & Blush!), and the 1997 Anne Rippel cold case (Candles in the Rain). Copies of Mr. Thompson’s books will be available for sale for signing. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Holiday Concert with the Genesee Symphony Orchestra
2023-12-08 19:00 - 20:00
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum on Friday, December 8th at 7 pm for a holiday music concert featuring a flautist group from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. Come by the museum to enjoy some wonderful music. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

Trivia Night @ the Museum: Battle of the Bulge
2023-12-14 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, December 14 at 7pm at GO ART! located at 201 E. Main Street. This month’s topic is the Battle of the Bulge. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

HLOM Trivia Night @ the Museum: The Founding Fathers
2024-01-11 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Holland Land Office Museum for its first edition of its Trivia Night of 2024 on Thursday, January 11 at 7 pm. This month’s Trivia Night will be held at GO ART! located at 201 E. Main St. The topic for January is the Founding Fathers. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

HLOM Java with Joe E.: 1925 Solar Eclipse
2024-01-25 09:00 - 10:30
Join us at Pub Coffee Hub, in the Harvester Building at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia, as our Curator Tyler Angora and Director Ryan Duffy share what was going on during the last total solar eclipse in our area, which occurred on January 24, 1925. Admission is free, coffee and baked goods will be served.
Thank you to Pub Coffee Hub and Richard Beatty and RaeAnn Engler for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2024.

HLOM Trivia Night @ the Museum: Presidents of the United States
2024-02-08 19:00 - 20:00
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum on Thursday, February 8 at 7 pm for our next Trivia Night @ the Museum. In honor of President’s day, come and test your knowledge of the Presidents of the United States. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

HLOM Reimagining History Opening
2024-02-09 18:00 - 20:00
When the museum reopens in February, it will be “Reimagining History”. This project developed by Museum Curator Tyler Angora is the steppingstone into a new era for the Holland Land Office Museum. “Reimagining History” will showcase a redesign of exhibits and exhibit spaces on the bottom level of the original structure of the Holland Land Office. Our permanent exhibit, “The Land Office,” will be presented with a new flow of story and presentation of artifacts. Also, the opening will showcase the newly revamped and enlarger exhibit, “98 Years Since the Sun Went Out.” In its new location in the old room where The Land Office” used to reside, it will triple in size and truly show what Genesee County looked like back in 1925 when the last total solar eclipse occurred over this area. There will be more history integrated into the exhibit along with many new objects! On February 9th at 6 pm the museum welcomes all to view the new edition of “98 Years Since the Sun Went Out” and of “The Land Office.” You won’t want to miss it!
Leonard Oakes Winery will be providing a wine tasting during the event.
If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Rick Falkowski, "The Spirit of Buffalo Women"
2024-02-15 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome as the first presenter of our 2024 Guest Speaker Series Rick Falkowski on Thursday, February 15th at 7 pm. Mr. Falkowski is an author and lecturer who has given presentations on several aspects of WNY life and history, will be presenting on his newest book, “The Spirit of Buffalo Women: Prominent Women who called WNY their Home.” The book highlights the many accomplishments of local women throughout history and their lasting impact on our area. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members.
“This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO Art!”

HLOM Java with Joe E.: Ryan Duffy, "Presidential Visits to Genesee County"
2024-02-22 09:00 - 10:30
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe E. morning coffee series on Thursday, February 22nd at 9 am. This month in honor of President’s Day our Director Ryan Duffy will share the many times that a sitting, future, or former President of the United States has visited Batavia and Genesee County, it is more times than you think. Admission is free with pastries and coffee. Reservations are required, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
We want to thank Pub Coffee Hub for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2024.

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Rev. Jeremai Williams, "Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church"
2024-02-23 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series on Friday, February 23rd at 7 pm. We are happy to welcome Reverend Jeremai Williams of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Batavia. Reverend Williams will be presenting on the history and importance of the African American church, along with church member Ethal Miles, and his wife Dr. Cassandra Williams. Ethal will be speaking on the beginnings of the church and how things have changed, and Dr. Williams will be speaking on important African Americans in medicine and her own perspective.
Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
“This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Michael McBride, "John Joseph 'Exile' McBride"
2024-03-12 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 12th at 7 pm. We welcome Michael McBride, who will share his personal journey as he unravels his research into the fascinating story of his great uncle: internationally known Irish freedom fighter and Buffalo’s forgotten human rights crusade, John Joseph “Exile” McBride. “Exile” McBride left Ireland joining the Fenian Movement, but eventually came to dine with Presidents and Prime Ministers, and was even present at the Holland Land Office dedication in 1894. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
“This project is a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Trivia Night @ the Museum: Famous Women of History
2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:00
Join us at Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night at the Museum on Thursday, March 14th at 7 pm. In honor of Women’s History Month, our topic is Famous Women of History. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

HLOM Concert Series: Irish Music with No Blarney!
2024-03-15 19:00 - 21:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome back No Blarney for our St. Patrick’s Day tradition, as they play all your favorite Irish music tunes from throughout the years. The concert will be Friday, March 15 from 7-9 pm. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. Seating is limited to reserve your spot early.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Julianna Woite, "Our Invisible String"
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, March 21st at 7 pm. We welcome Buffalo author and historian Julianna Woite, as she shares her most recent work, a historical novel, “Our Invisible String: a year long journey through the stages of forbidden love,” which is set in Buffalo in 1957. It follows the teenage love affair of 16 year old Josie Johnson and her “test of character and her ability to find beauty between the lines.” Copies of the book are available for sale for $15.00. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

HLOM Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: "Spirits & Suspects, a Roaring 20's Murder Myster"
2024-03-23 18:00 - 20:00
Join the Holland Land Office Museum for another Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. The event will be Saturday, March 23 from 6-8 pm at the Batavia Country Club, located at 7909 Byron Rd. in Batavia. Come and enjoy a great meal from The Lodge at the Country Club and a wonderful show by WNY Improv. The mystery is “Spirits and Suspects, a Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery.” Prohibition may be in full swing but for the Kingpin of Genesee County, the booze business is booming! What could possibly go wrong? Put your glad rags on and join the fun as mobsters, molls, and even a medium, face the eclipse….

Tickets are $75 per person. There is a choice of three entrée options including: stuffed chicken with beef, crab stuffed fish, or pasta primavera. Please make your choice when you purchase your ticket. Your ticket includes your meal and dessert. A cash bar will be available.
You can get your tickets at the following link: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Tickets

HLOM Java with Joe E.: Tyler Angora, "Brides of the 19th Century"
2024-03-28 09:00 - 10:30
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe E. morning coffee series on Thursday, March 28th at 9 am. Our Curator, Tyler Angora will be sharing the history of bridal fashion throughout the eras of the 19th century. The presentation will also feature examples from the museum collection. Admission is free with pastries and coffee. Reservations are required, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
We want to thank Pub Coffee Hub for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2024.

HLOM Trivia Night @ the Museum: The Manhattan Project
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, April 11th at 7 pm. In honor of the birthday of J. Robert Oppenheimer our topic will be the Manhattan Project. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

HLOM Guest Speaker Series: Karen Lankeshofer, "Elsa Von Blumen"
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:00
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series. On Thursday, April 18th at 7 pm we welcome Karen Lankeshofer, as she presents on Elsa Von Blumen. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
“Elsa von Blumen was a premier female athlete before it was even thought possible that women could be professional athletes! Growing up in Oswego, NY and Rochester, NY she first became a professional “race walker” in 1879 and was soon enticed to try high-wheel bicycle riding by bicycle manufacturer Albert Pope. She was a prominent figure on the bicycle-racing scene in the 1880s and competed throughout the Eastern United States ( including in Batavia) but is all but forgotten today.”
Karen Lankeshofer is a long-time Henrietta, NY resident who has also lived and taught in Germany and Russia. She is an avid bike rider and advocates for safe cycling infrastructure. She enjoys studying history, especially if it pertains to Upstate New York. She discovered Elsa Von Blumen several years ago and has her researching her intensively.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”
