Welcome to the Valley Historical Society Museum

In 1976, a group of area citizens came together and decided that an organization needed to be formed to preserve the history of the Cassadaga Valley. In 1977 the Valley Historical Society was formed. Later they were able to purchase the building that is now the Museum to house a collection of memorabilia of local interest. This building was erected in 1845 as a store by Mr. Mitchell and is the oldest commercial brick building in Chautauqua County. This building has been used as a post office, Catholic Church, cider mill, and residence as well as a store over its 170 years of existence. Over the years, the Society has been able to raise money to be used to restore this historic building. Over the last 20 years the society has invested more than $40,000 in building restoration and repair.

In our Valley area, archaeologists who have worked here believe Indian occupation dates back 10,000 years, with many different cultures. Indian artifacts from our area are in museums located in Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Jamestown and Harvard University.

During the period 1809-10, white settlers came to the area, over the hill, down Chautauqua Lake from Lake Erie and up the Alleghany tributaries. Wherever there was water power, saw mills were constructed, followed by other pioneer industries.

Exhibits in the Museum reflect early settler life and industries, featuring butter, cheese and maple syrup making. Quilts and clothing, a spinning wheel, swift loom, farm machinery and tools are on display. Mr. Mitchell's cider business (later known as Colburn's Cider) is reflected in our big wheel and cider barrels.

The Museum also houses many records from area churches, schools, stores and farms.

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History Fair

This year marks the 18th annual History Fair, sponsored by the Society and village of Sinclairville. We do this so the history of the Cassadaga Valley will always be preserved and not forgotten.

Meetings

You do not have to be a member to attend. We meet at 7:00 pm the first Tuesday of each month April thru December. Each meeting features a speaker that educates us on some subject of local history.

Hours

We are open 2:00-5:00 pm on Sundays, May thru September. We will also open by appointment for groups wishing to tour the museum at other times. 

Address

Valley Historical Society
PO Box 1045
Sinclairville, NY 14782