Open seasonally May to October with special events all year long
The largest living history museum in NYS!
We offer experiences for every member of your family to enjoy!
Historic Dining
Step back into the past and experience what it was like to dine in an authentic stagecoach inn that was once located in the heart of the Genesee Country, or enjoy a family-style dinner in a grand federal-style home located on the Village Square. Our historical menus change seasonally, and selections are all based on historical receipts (recipes) from the 1800s or earlier.
To reserve a Hosmer's Inn Tavern Dinner, a MacKay House Family Dinner, or Desserts & Diversions, call (585) 294-8218.
The Sylvester Hosmer Inn, built in 1818 on the Ontario and Genesee Turnpike, a few miles west of the Genesee River near Avon (but now located in the Museum’s Historic Village), is now serving traditional tavern dinners on select weekend evenings in the fall (September/October).
Meet engaging characters from the past, and enjoy a delicious four-course meal that includes dishes prepared using receipts (recipes) from early 19th-century cookbooks. Learn about 19th-century dining customs and share the latest news from the Genesee Country and beyond. You’ll also have a chance to explore the Inn upstairs and down. Between the final two courses of your meal, take in the sights and smells of the fall around the Historic Village as you enjoy a private lantern tour with one of our hostesses. You may find it hard to journey back to the 21st century! Each evening’s private dining experience can accommodate up to a maximum of 15 people. All dinners are $75/person ($70/member) and begin promptly at 6 p.m. Wine and beer are available at the time of registration for an additional cost.
Hosmer Inn Dinners are offered for select evenings in the fall only and sell out each year, so be sure to make your reservation early!
To reserve a Hosmer Inn Dinner, call (585) 294-8218.
Spend a cozy spring evening with good company enjoying a special three-course meal that includes dishes prepared using receipts (called recipes today) from early 19th-century cookbooks.
Learn about 19th-century dining customs and the MacKay family's experience settling in the Genesee Country in the early 1800s. Between the final two courses of your meal, enjoy a private lantern tour around the Historic Village with one of our hostesses - you may find it hard to journey back to the 21st century! Share this unique experience with friends, family, or co-workers.
Each evening's private dining experience can accommodate up to a maximum of 12 people. All dinners are $60/person ($55/member) and begin promptly at 6 p.m. Wine and beer are available at the time of registration for an additional cost.
This experience is only available for select evenings in spring (May/June), so please be sure to make your reservations early!
To reserve a MacKay House Family Dinner, call (585) 294-8218.
Join us in summer for Desserts & Diversions, a brand new dining experience in the Historic Village! Savor the flavors of the nineteenth century, the colors of the garden, and the peace of a village evening in the open air. You will enjoy a game of croquet and a chance to stroll through the Museum’s gardens in the cool of the evening. The delicious dessert course will be served in the Museum’s Pavilion Garden, with its lovely fountain and bright flowers. The menu features Shaker chocolate pound cake topped with cream and shavings of AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate®, fried fresh peaches, and other delights from the Whistle Stop Kitchen.
We hope you can join us for these celebrations of all things summertime and sweet! Desserts & Diversions will be offered at 7:00 on on select summer evenings. Ticket price per person is $25, or $22 for members. Space is limited for these exclusive evenings, so register today!
To reserve your place at Desserts & Diversions, call (585) 294-8218.
Hosmer's Inn Dinners will be Saturday evenings: September 19, September 26, and October 10.
Carrot Soup
Freshly-Baked Bread
Butter
Roast Turkey Succotash
Baked Tomatoes Pompkin Pudding
East India Pickles Irish Pickles Pickled Beets
Salmagundi with Hosmer House Dressing
Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Almonds Walnuts Raisins
Nougat of Quince
Chocolate Drink Coffee Tea
On Thursdays starting September 17, families can bring kids to GCV&M for the student and chaperone field trip price.
An exclusive happy hour peek at our Antique Show!
A beautiful autumn day filled with antique treasures!
A fall favorite in the tradition of country fairs of old featuring vendors, animals, and entertainment.
Due to popular demand, we've added a second class! Learn the age-old tradition of preserving produce without refrigeration or canning.
Learn to make springerles!
Kids are FREE on the last day of our regular season!
Tour the dark recesses of the Village and hear hair-raising tales of lore.
Join the Jones Farm cook to learn 19th-century cheese-making techniques.
Rightfully Hers: Building the Foundation for Freedom, Suffrage, & Equality Webinar
Games, treats, roasting marshmallows, and more!
Take part in cold season ready-making and seasonal crafts.
A heartwarming GCV&M tradition; tour Yuletides past through the candlelit Village and enjoy a holiday feast.
Wander through the decorated Village, meet St. Nicholas, and sample holiday treats.