Body Shop

Here at the Gallery’s temporary home, mannequin making (and packing, packing, packing) is the order of the day. Why? We need to display our outstanding Greene textile collection on mannequins that are archival safe to preserve the clothing and that are customized to the clothing for a better fit. One size does not fit all. Fashion was as fickle then as it is now.

Consequently, the fashionable profile for both men and women changed as people strove to achieve the latest look. And the mannequins that are commercially available, even the archival ones, do not take changing profiles into account.

Project conservator, Rich Christian had been sculpting late 18th and early 19th century body forms that volunteers then cast, using buckram. After being fitted with an armature and covered with unbleached, unsized stockinette, these customized mannequins will give visitors a more accurate view of how the clothing actually looked while providing an archival support. Here Gallery staff member Darlene Braun and volunteer Elizabeth Tice pose with some of the casts.

We’re Coming Home!!

The collections of the John L. Wehle Gallery—and its staff—are finally headed back to GCV&M to our newly renovated gallery after being quartered in a warehouse in a secure undisclosed location for the last year. RIT intern Anton Siekmann lends a helping hand as we pack. Watch this spot for weekly updates on what’s happening with the art and costume collection as we get ready to unveil our stunning "new" gallery this summer.

Learning about Broom-Making

Today, we hosted a training session for some of our talented village interpreters on broom-making. Broom-making by hand is quickly becoming a dying art as the availability of cheap, mass-produced, machine-made brooms increases.

In the 19th century, the Shakers were adept at making brooms and sold them to “The World’s People” the same as they did seeds, bonnets, and herbs. Usually “brothers”, or Shaker men, were the broom makers in the community. It was thought a job especially suited to older gentlemen no longer able to go out in the fields.

After today’s training session, the new broom makers will be able to produce whisk brooms, flat and round brooms, cake testers, cobweb brooms, and pot scrubbers both for the Flint Hill Store as well as for use in the Village homes and businesses. Those new brooms will go great with the dustpans from our Tinsmiths!

Did you know there is a special Family Pack for Owl Moon this year?

There is!

An Owl Moon Family Pack admits 2 adults and accompanying youth.

Purchase a Family Pack for just $40 (or $32 for members) by calling 585-294-8218.

Looking Forward to 2012

This year in the Historic Village we look forward to….



….chocolate demonstrations where we can learn how this tasty treat was enjoyed in the nineteenth century….

 …. new clothing around the village as our seamstresses have been hard at work….

… the opportunity to take tea….

… watching Buck and Dan grow as they learn to work together as a great oxen team....

… learning about natural, homegrown dyes for fabrics…

Looking Forward to 2012

We hope your 2012 has started off well. Ours certainly has as we plan an exciting 2012 season for you.

This year we invite you to come out to the Genesee Country Village & Museum for an excellent assortment of special events including favorites as well several new events:

• This February, get up-close with owls and take an evening hike during Owl Moon on the 3rd and 4th.
• Learn about the maple sugaring process at The Maple Sugar Festival on March 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th. Be sure to make reservations for your pancake breakfast, a favorite seasonal treat.
• Join us for our 14th Annual Antique Show & Sale on April 21st. Get a sneak peak during the Friday night Preview Party)
• Opening weekend is Mother’s Day weekend when we will look at 19th Century Fashions on Saturday and give tribute to Mothers on Sunday.
• New in May is our NY Military Through the Ages Day on the 19th.
• Learn about the often forgotton War at the 200th Anniversary: War of 1812 & Jane Austen Weekend.
• Celebrate Independence Day with us on July 4th.
• The Civil War Re-enactment commemorates the second year of the War’s Sesquicentennial.
• Enjoy a Concert on the Meadow: BeatleMagic! on July 28th.
• Bring to life childhood stories with Laura Ingalls Wilder Days on August 11th and 12th.
• Immerse yourself in the sounds of the Old-Time Fiddlers’ Fair on August 18th and 19th.
• As the leaves change, celebrate the season at The Fall Festival featuring the Agricultural Fair on October 6th and 7th.
• On weekends throughout October, explore our New Corn Maze!
• Also in October, enjoy our popular Spirits of the Past Theatrical Tours and Trick-or-Treating in the Village.
• New to Preparing for the Holidays on November 24th is a New Breakfast with St. Nicholas as well as the favorite Crafts at Christmas.
• Don’t forget to schedule your Yuletide Tour and Buffet early this year. These popular festive tours run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting November 30th through December 16th. 

Pottery photos