How did 19th-century couples express their love over distance?
If the eyes are the window to the soul, then the pen is the window to the heart.
Embark on an enchanting guided, interactive tour where you’ll encounter three couples, each intimately tied to 19th-century Genesee Country through their heartfelt love letters and private correspondence. Delve into the fascinating social conventions of courtship and engagement of the era, and unravel the question: Did lovers – young and old – truly abide by the rigid norms dictated by Victorian society? Join us in this captivating exploration of love and it’s timeless complexities!
Limited number of tickets for Saturday, July 12 will be available for purchase at the door only.
Tour Includes
- Altay Store
- Seminary
- Jones Farm
- Hyde House
- Hamilton House
- Post Office
Meet Andrew Campion and Caroline Van Dusen, an engaged couple writing letters to each other during Andrew’s volunteer service in the Civil War; Rose Cleveland and Evangeline Whipple, two wealthy women whose romance is often experienced across distance, and John Rowley and Augusta Ferris, a courting couple separated by school and work, whose letters follow them through courting until their marriage.
Stay a while!
When you join us for After-Hours, plan ahead to stay a while and enjoy a snack or drink in the Freight House Pub!
- Hand Pies
- Pretzels with mustard sauce
- Packaged Snacks
- Beer, wine, cider, bottled water and Pepsi products
Please note: the cost of food and beverage is not included in the cost of these tickets.
Guided Historic Village After-Hours Tours
Forbidden Fruits After-Hours Tours will launch from the Freight House every 15 minutes from 5:45 to 6:45 on Friday, and 5:30 – 6:30 on Saturday.
The Museum will close to the public between 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. so that we can reset for the evening; doors will open for After-Hours Tours at 5 p.m.
You will not be allowed into the Historic Village until/unless you are on your guided tour.
Please note food & beverages are not included in the cost of this ticket and require additional purchase. Food and beverage will also not be allowed on the tour.
Ticket Information
Interested in becoming a Museum Member to enjoy this discounted admission? Click here to learn more!
FAQs
Check-in will begin at 5 p.m.; please do not arrive before then. You will not be granted access to explore the Historic Village or Nature Center if or until you are on the guided tour.
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Check-in will be through the Admissions tunnel at the front of the Museum.
You will be checked in by name for this event. However, we recommend either printing out OR taking a screenshot of your ticket(s) or invoice as backup.
The tour is about 1 – 1 1/2 hours.
This is a walking tour. You will be going through the Historic Village, up/down stairs, and in/out of Historic buildings. Transportation is not available for this event.
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
Please dress accordingly for the predicted weather conditions.
We recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes – there is a lot to see and do, and surfaces in the Historic Village (brick paths, cobblestone, grass), can be uneven.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
The Freight House Pub will be open from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. for beverages and light fare.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.
