End of the Season!

Sad to say it, the end of our regular season is already upon us. Today and tomorrow are the last two full days of regular admission. Not to worry though, it is only the kick-off of our special themed programs like the Spirits of the Past Tours, Trick-or-Treating, Yuletide Tours, and Preparing for the Holidays events. You can find more information about those programs here.

Today, visitors can taste Quince Jam at the Livingston-Backus house. Jam was often being put up for winter use out of the fall bounty. 

Observe the last cheese of the season being made at the Jones Farm. In about 3 months it will be ready to enjoy by a warm January fireside as the snowflakes fall! 

The Word of the Day is palaver. To palaver is to talk profusely. 

We villagers have been having a Word of the Day contest where entrants must write a story in 300 words or less that utilizes as many of the past Words of the Day as they can. Points are awarded for correct use of the words as well as humorous content. Stay tuned for the winner's story!

Spirits Of The Past Tour: A Spooky Evening of 19th Century Superstition and Local Lore

Looking for a new twist on the same old Halloween tour?

On Oct. 15-16, Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30, We'll be will host an all-new Spirits of the Past Tour.

Unlike typical seasonal tours, this one has an historic component and uses the19th-century historic village as its canvas, to explore local legends and 19th-century superstitions. It is a truly unique experience.

Picture the scene. It’s dark, long past sunset. There’s something disquieting in the air. The old buildings, even the trees, their dry leaves rustling, seem to be whispering dark, sinister secrets. Stories of unnatural happenings, even a scalping, abound. The poor woman who would give anything, ANYTHING, to get her wish. And here, body parts. Could that be murder?

Our region is awash in tales of wandering spirits, murder and the unexplained. Can these tales be true? Or are they just legends?

Guides, whose garments are reminiscent of the fearsome Dementors, will lead guests through the darker recesses of the village to discover these seldom-told tales. From cellars to cupolas, no quarter that offers a forbidding venue for these true tales and folklore is ignored. Some of the buildings themselves have a dark history, and eerie happenings still occur there, if you listen to those who frequent the buildings.

Tours depart every 10 minutes each night between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Cost is $12/$10 members. Reservations are required. Call (585) 538-6822.

The program is not recommended for children under 12 because of the adult themes involved. With the uneven walk areas and sometimes steep stairways, walking shoes are a must!

Tickets are available at the museum’s gift shop, by phone: 585-538-6822. Reservations are required.