Exhibits at the Holland Land Office Museum

New Mini-Exhibit (April-September 2024)

    “St. Joseph’s Drum Corps: 53 Years Later!”

Come by the Holland Land Office Museum and check out our new mini-exhibit, “St. Joseph’s Drum Core: 53 Years Later!” From April to the end of September, view photographs, uniforms, and other artifacts relating to the nationally ranked local drum corps from the twentieth century!

Beginning in 1931 under the direction of Rev. T. Bernard Kelly, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Batavia, the St Joseph’s Drum Corps was created and went on to be nationally ranked. Winning 8 New York State American Legion titles and other national titles! The drum crops were active until 1971! However, they have a reunion corps called the “Mighty St. Joe’s” in LeRoy! The exhibit includes uniforms, photographs, instruments and much more of members of alumni of the Drum Corps.

The mini-exhibit is available during regular museum hours, Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm with regular admission. Come and check it out on your next visit to the Holland Land Office Museum.

 

                 

 

New Exhibit Coming Soon!
Heavenly Traditions and Holy Matrimony (May 16th-December 31st, 2024)

 

Black History Month Exhibit- Artwork of Anthony Terrell

Anthony (Tony) Terrell, is a Batavian who now resides in New York City, and is the only Black artist (Tony is a painter and sculptor) within the Holland Land Office Museum Fine Art Collection! Tony has been a long time supported of the museum but also a close friend to the staff!

Holland Land Office Museum Artifact Video Series: Anthony Terrell Artwork (youtube.com)

Women’s History Month: Painted Ladies- Women Painters of the 20th Century

Genesee County has a rich history of women painters, particularly in the 20th century. In honor of Women’s History Month, the museum highlights its collections of paintings by women artists of Genesee County. The exhibit featurs works by artists such as Nina Mason Booth, Rose Pontillo DiCarlo, Mary Tyler, Virginia Carr Mumford, and Margaret Mary Gurlik McAndrew.


  

HLOM Exhibit Showcase (youtube.com)

Permanent Exhibits

Joseph Ellicott and Robert Morris

Learn more about the Surveyor and Resident Agent of the Holland Land Company Joseph Ellicott. Joseph and his family played a pivotal role in the development of Genesee County and Western New York. We even have him to thank for the founding of Batavia. Ellicott is often called the “Father of WNY”. Robert Morris was the man who owned WNY and sold to the Holland Land Company in 1797. Morris was the richest man in the United States at the time and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Land Office Room

Travel back in time in one of the original offices to learn more about the Holland Land Office and its importance to the development of WNY. Follow the lives of some of the important agents and surveyors, and what was the function of the land office. Also, learn more of the Native American side to the story, particularly the Seneca and their dealings with the land company from the Treaty of Big Tree of 1797 and onward. The lives of many prominent chiefs and leaders are depicted including Red Jacket and Mary Jemison.

 

East Wing

Take a trip down memory lane and see what old Batavia was like. Learn about agriculture through farming equipment from the large manufacturers that called Batavia home. Stop by the old post office and imagine what it might have been like sending letters back then. See the glorious remnants of the Richmond Mansion and even cozy up by its marble fireplace  If you enjoy music, you will love the Genesee Symphony Orchestra’s display on the history of their organization. Learn about one of the great politicians of our area, Barber Conable. You can even enjoy our art gallery wall, with rotating works by local artists.

                 

Military history of Genesee County

 

Learn about Genesee County’s impact in each war, from the Revolutionary War until the Vietnam War. The lives of Ely Parker, Ralph Chandler, Charles Rand, and Emory Upton, who were all residents of Genesee County are on display and detail their impact on the military. On display are items that these men may have owned or used throughout the war, including Emory Upton’s West Point uniform and trunk, and Charles Rand’s Medal of Honor.  Explore Batavia’s more gruesome history by learning about the County Gibbet and its victims, along with artifacts from the investigation of the Linden Murders.