Visit GCV&M this spring to see heirloom gardens in bloom. Photo provided by GCVM
Genesee Country Village & Museum opens for the 2022 regular season on Saturday, May 7, welcoming guests from near and far to immerse themselves in the rich history and natural environment of NY State’s Genesee Valley region. As the largest living history museum in New York, GCV&M encompasses over 600 acres and includes 68 buildings in the Historic Village, a significant collection of wildlife art and 19th-century garments in the John L. Wehle Gallery, and over five miles of trails and habitats at the Genesee Country Nature Center.
Opening Day and Mother’s Day
Costumed interpreters bring the Historic Village to life, tending to farm animals, maintaining gardens, cooking over hearths in historic kitchens, and sharing their knowledge of 19th-century life with visitors. On opening day (Saturday, May 7) guests will find demonstrations of historic trades such as blacksmithing and coopering in the Village, heritage-breed farm animals grazing in the pioneer settlement, potters creating historically accurate one-of-a-kind pieces that can be purchased in the Flint Hill Store, the aroma of flowers and fruit trees blossoming in heirloom gardens and orchards, and more. The Genesee Country Nature Center trails will be teeming with life and offer visitors the chance to explore the flora and fauna of the region on self-guided hikes. Plus, in celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8, all mothers will receive free admission to GCV&M. The Museum will also hold a Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8, with chef-inspired fare, mimosas, and more. Tickets for opening day, Mother’s Day, and Mother’s Day Brunch are now available online at www.gcv.org – pre-purchase is recommended, as space is limited. Museum Members are guaranteed admission.
New for 2022: Duck, Duck, Shoot! The Story of American Waterbirds in the John L. Wehle Gallery
New to the John L. Wehle Gallery and opening Saturday, May 7, is Duck, Duck, Shoot! The Story of American Waterbirds. This new exhibition examines waterfowling in 19th-century America – from sustenance practices to over-hunting to the birth of environmental conservation efforts aimed at preserving waterfowl populations. Visitors will dive into the connections between sport hunting and 19th-century American identities while exploring works of oil, acrylic, and watercolor, colored lithographs, sculpture, historic garments, decoys, natural specimens, L.C. Smith shotguns, the artwork of famed Master L.C. Smith Engraver Albert E. Kraus, and more. This exhibition is made possible in part with support from Ducks Unlimited.
The exhibit “Consuming Desires: The Great American Wedding” is still on view in the John L. Wehle Gallery, and explores the evolution of marriage and weddings in 19th-century America. Admission to the John L. Wehle Gallery is included with general Museum admission, and visitors will find a series of curator-led talks and programs in the Gallery throughout the 2022 season.
Special Events Returning in 2022
GCV&M is rolling out a full season of special events, including some returning favorites, in 2022. Collectors of vintage wares can browse and purchase quality antiques from thirty dealers at the Antique Preview Party and Show (May 27 and 28). Craft beer lovers will rejoice at the return of History on Tap (June 3). The sounds of bagpipes will fill the air at the annual Celtic Faire (June 11 & 12). The Museum will bring to life celebrations of emancipation at Honoring Juneteenth (June 18). Families will gather to celebrate the nation’s birth at the Independence Day Celebration (July 4). Visitors can explore how the Civil War impacted life in Western NY during Civil War Living History Weekend (July 23 and 24), and more. Details for upcoming special events and tickets can be found at www.gcv.org/events.
Food, Drink, and Shopping at GCV&M
GCV&M is a destination for foodies and craft beer enthusiasts alike, with restaurant locations around the Museum grounds serving up chef-inspired fare. Two craft beers on tap at the Freight House Pub and Pavilion Garden Restaurant are brewed by Rohrbach Brewing Co. and reference historic recipes from the 19th Century. Visitors will find samples of historic “receipts” (called recipes, today), around the Historic Village, and can shop authentic baked goods in the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery both in-person and online at gcv.org/shop. Picnicking is also welcome at GCV&M. Visitors will find unique gifts, Museum apparel, treats, and village-made goods in the Flint Hill Store. Museum Members enjoy discounts in the Museum’s restaurants, gift shop, and more. Learn more about membership at https://www.gcv.org/give-join/join/.
Deals and Discounts
GCV&M offers a number of deals and discounts to visitors throughout the season. New in 2022, visitors who purchase their tickets online in advance will save on the cost of admission for regular daily visitation. Group rates are offered to parties of 12 or more when scheduled in advance. Wednesdays May through Labor Day are Senior Days, during which Museum visitors 62 years and older will get $10 admission. The Museum offers a $3 discount on general and special event admission rates for all military veterans and college students with a valid ID. GCV&M is also a Blue Star Museum, offering free daily admission (including special events) to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserves. Museum Members receive free daily admission during the regular season, as well as guaranteed access to special events, and more.
Planning a Visit
Genesee Country Village & Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. from May 7 through September 4, with reduced days of operation throughout September and October. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance and save – online tickets for daily admission are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors and students ages 13-18; $12 for youth ages 3-12; and free for Museum Members and children 2 and under. There will be an additional $1.50 charge for tickets purchased day-of and at the door. Special event pricing may vary, visit the Museum website www.gcv.org or email info@gcv.org for details.
