Enjoy a historic 50th season with GCV&M!
2026 marks 50 years since Genesee Country Village & Museum opened its doors as a seasonal operation with a mere 35 buildings in the Historic Village. Now with 68 buildings, a Gallery, a Nature Center, and year-round programming, we have much to celebrate as we move through 2026. The year will be full of recognition of those who built the Museum, exciting new events celebrating both our 50th and the 250th of the United States, ways to share your memories of the past 50 years, and, of course, cake and fun!
More details about all the exhibits, programs, and events will be coming soon, and thank you for helping GCV&M reach this remarkable milestone.
There’s never been a better time to become part of our online community. Follow along on social under the hashtag #gcvmuseum and sign up for our newsletters so you don’t miss a thing. Better yet, become a Member to get access to it all.
Commemorative Events
Friends, neighbors, and guests from around the world are invited to celebrate with us during a year-long schedule of events, including workshops, talks, member events, and other programming.
Save the dates and stay tuned for more details and tickets!
Friday, May 1 – Antique Show Preview Party and 50th Anniversary Exhibit Opening
Enjoy an exclusive first look at the Antique Show and the new exhibit in the Wehle Gallery: An Extraordinary Attraction: 50 Years of History, Art, and Nature that highlights the people and collections that have made GCV&M the amazing place that it is.
Friday, May 22 – GCV&M’s Official 50th Anniversary
GCV&M opened to the public in 1976 and we’ll celebrate 50 years later with $5 admission, extended hours, special tours, and of course, cake!
Wednesday, June 17 – Antiques Roadshow
The hit PBS show is coming to the Museum to film episodes for their 31st season.
Saturday, July 4 – Independence Day
Enjoy a full day of patriotic fun and immersive experiences.
Saturday, July 11 – Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Concert
Join the RPO for a summer evening performance on the Great Meadow featuring a variety of pieces recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States. This concert is sponsored by Tom and Nan Hildebrandt.
Saturday, July 25 – Centennial Expo
Commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States and learn how America celebrated its first 100 years.
Saturday, September 19 – The Whirl Fundraiser
Spend a special evening with friends celebrating the Museum’s 50 years of preserving the history, art, and nature of our region. Pick your dinner location in the Historic Village soon!
Share Your Memories
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year, we want to collect and honor the memories of all who have enjoyed the Museum throughout the decades. We invite you to share a memory of your experience at GCV&M – whether that be a video, picture, voice memo, written quote, or all of the above!
Select stories will be shared on the museum’s social media, website, and marketing materials. Only first names and city/town (if provided) will be published.
Have something you would like to donate? Please fill out the Donate Object form to help us determine whether your object is the right fit for our collection.
Stories From the Archives
To mark this 50th anniversary, Museum staff combed our rich collections and archives to identify rarely seen objects, documents, and media that provide a glimpse into the breadth and depth of our history.
Anniversary Exhibition
The John L. Wehle Gallery will feature an all-new exhibit showcasing our past, present, and future. An Extraordinary Attraction: 50 years of History, Art, and Nature debuts May 2 and continues through 2027.
Across a mix of stories, media, artifacts, photos, and more, you will learn about the buildings, trades, people, and stories of Genesee Country Village & Museum. From the founding vision of John L. Wehle to the current preservation and stewardship efforts, you will walk away from the exhibit with an appreciation for how GCV&M got to where it is today and how you can help it continue into the next 50 years.
Merchandise
Stay tuned for more 50th Anniversary merchandise, including some throwbacks to our original logo! All items will be available in the Flint Hill Store for purchase.
Limited Edition Mugs
For Media Inquiries
Aimee J. Lewis PR, Marketing & Communications, LLC
aimee.lewis@gmail.com
Make a gift
Join us as we meet this major milestone and help us shape what the next 50 years can be!