A working 19th-century village
The third largest living history museum in the country!
Explore our Historic Village which includes 68 historical buildings moved from around the Genesee Valley and Greater Rochester area! Each presents a different story pertaining to life in the 19th-century. As you stroll the village, notice that you progress through three time periods… with lifestyles, technology, and architecture growing more changing as time moves forward.
Engage with our costumed historical educators who keep the hearth fires burning, the heirloom gardens flourishing, and the livestock tended. Watch live demonstrations in the tradeshops. Smell the aroma of fresh-baked hand pies and bread, step inside a historic tavern, feel the warmth of a hearth fire, and so much more. See, smell, touch, taste, and try as you make your way around our 19th-century village.
What is Interpretation?
Interpretation is “an educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information.” (Freeman Tilden, 1957)
In the Historic Village, costumed interpreters interact with visitors and perform daily tasks, crafts, and trades. Interpreters present in 3rd person, meaning they are modern-day people in historic dress. GCV&M’s interpreters are students and retired teachers, professional historians and hobbyists, and all deeply invested in sharing their love of the village and the 19th-century!
What will be Open?
On any given day in the Historic Village, between 10 and 25 buildings will be open and staffed with an historic interpreter. Open buildings are based on:
- Activities and historic attendance – more buildings are open weekends and on festival days, and fewer on weekdays.
- Popularity – for example, Hyde and Hamilton Houses and our historic kitchens are always open!
- Interpreter availability – we do our best to fill one-day vacancies and maintain enthusiastic, trained staff.
Several smaller buildings are unstaffed and open for viewing every day.
If a building is closed during your visit that you’re curious to see, just ask! It’s possible an interpreter or Interpretation Manager can show you into that space.
The Costume Shop
Dressing the Historic Village!
A critical piece of the Musem experience, the Costume Shop, located just off the Village Square at Genesee Country Village & Museum, is responsible for costuming our team of historical interpreters who bring our 19th-century village to life!
Our historic costumers create unique attire for interpreters referencing 19th century patterns, photos, illustrations, and descriptions. From undergarments like corsets to Victorian-era gowns, the Costume Shop produces a wide variety of pieces, both for regular daily happenings around the Village and exciting special events.
(The Costume Shop is not usually a building open to visitors.)