Exhibits at the Holland Land Office Museum

   

  Heavenly Traditions and Holy Matrimony May – December 2024

Witness the evolution and transformation of wedding and their traditions. With over 140 years of wedding artifacts, you learn the weddings we know today are not that old.

                                               

“Don Carmichael: Inked in History,” August – March 2025

 “Don Carmichael: Inked in History” features over 50 pieces of artwork from Don Carmichael in various mediums from throughout his life. The works come from the museum’s collections alongside others loaned from Carmichael’s friends and family. You will see the iconic pen-and-ink drawings of historic Bataiva and places around Genesee County along with many other pieces no one has ever seen. 

 

“William Morgan: The Man That Shook The Freemasons” 

Come learn about the infamous William Morgan and the legend that has been created surrounding his disappearance in 1826.

“Batavia Society of Artists: Artist Highlight”

Every two months, come view pieces by a different member of the Batavia Society of Artists! This month’s artist highlight is Laura Schlatter! 

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.

 

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