Genesee Country Village and Museum

Hello sweet friends. Recently, Mr. Decor and I traveled to the Niagara Falls area to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. While there we drove about 50 minutes east of Buffalo to the town of Mumford. This is where the fabulous Genesee Country Village and Museum is located. The 600 acre museum is the largest living history museum in New York State.  

Genesee Country Village and Museum

There are sixty-eight buildings on the property. Interpreters dressed in historical fashion share educational knowledge about daily life and culture.

In addition, there are also various heirloom crops and animals located throughout the expansive acreage. This map shows the well planned layout of the property. 

 The museum was founded by John L. Wehle in 1966 after he noticed that 19th century architecture was fast disappearing from the landscape. He wanted to preserve such historic buildings for future generations. 

The museum complex houses over 15,000 artifacts. 

Detailed research can be seen at every level in this living history museum. A great example is paint colors. Many times visitors think of such historical eras in black and white but quite vibrant colors were used in both home decor and fashion. 

Upon entering the museum site and walking across the Great Meadow you encounter the village square. It features businesses and homes that date between the 1830s-1860s.

The boot and shoemakers shop was built in 1820. 

Each of the buildings and homes are set up to depict real working and/or living situations.

The Livingston-Backus House

The Livingston-Backus House was built in 1827 (later additions came in 1838). It features Greek Revival elements and detailing. The architectural features include a pedimented gable roof, Ionic columns, and classical block modillions (brackets) that support the cornice.

The house’s calling card reveals itself in the banister newel post. At the top there is a pomegranate to depict abundance, the center pineapple represents a warm welcome/hospitality, while acanthus leaves on the bottom indicate immortality.  

The home is beautifully furnished and includes vibrant wallpaper and carpeting.

The knowledgeable guide shared interesting details about the various families who had lived in the home. 

The home includes a true working kitchen. 

Little meat pies were on the menu and smelled SO GOOD!

At the back of the home were gorgeous gardens laid out in a classical style. The boxwood surrounds heirloom varieties of fruit trees, flowers and plants.

This is the MacKay House which was built in the Federal style in 1814.

The Humphrey House is one of the earliest homes. This timber framed home was built in 1797. It is a traditional New England Saltbox styled home.

The Jones Farm 

The Jones farm is a frame house that was built in the 1820s.The summer kitchen is to the left of the house. 

Such nice, bright working conditions!

A very well organized pantry. 

I loved the stenciled walls that feature prominently in the decoration of the home. 

The painted checkboard floor is so charming. 

We also visited the circa 1860 tinsmith shop. I wanted a lantern so bad that I could taste it! Alas I had no room in my luggage. 

The young interpreter in the circa 1805 Cooper shop was absolutely fabulous!

The quaint MacArthur House built in 1831.

The Gas Light District

Mr. Decor was eager to see the Hamilton House as it reminded him of the Addams Family home. I tried to point out the Italianate style features of the 1870 stunner to him but to no avail. (smile) 

There is also an ice house and a carriage house within this complex. 

Even the landscaping tells a story.

During this time period Victorian gardens became more ornamental and less about nourishment. The scientific study of Botany became a very fashionable pastime. 

Sidebar: for those who’d like to know more about Victorian Botany and it’s fashions you can read a prior post HERE.

I thought you’d appreciate an up close view of the exterior details of this magnificent home. 

The interiors are just as stunning!

Hello gorgeous!

Swoon alert: look at the linoleum floor in the pantry. 

I claimed this charming bedroom as my own. I can’t image how lovely it would be to sew while looking out onto the gorgeous gardens. 

But wait, look at this room! I just adore toys and miniatures. 

The Hyde House

The Hyde House was built in 1870 using the principles shared by Orson Squire Fowler. Fowler proposed that octagonal structures were more efficient as they offered more space in an enclosed area when compared to a square building. 

I kind of loved it. 

It was interesting to view the interior octagonal rooms. It offered a unique decorating perspective. 

Pioneer Settlement

With the name Laura Ingalls I think that I am legally required to visit all museum Pioneer Settlements. 

For a smile please head over to my Instagram to see these geese in action. 

The land office was built in 1835. The museum was running a children’s program on the day I visited and it was such fun to to hear the happy laughter of the students inside this building. 

The museum captured the pioneering spirit so beautifully.

Peacefully grazing were some lovely heirloom sheep. 

The Genesee Country Village and Museum is located at 1410 Flint Hill Rd, Mumford, NY 14511.

Please check the website for operating days and admission fees. The general opening hours are from 10 am to 4 pm. (You will need the entire day to see everything.)

Indeed there were a few things I had to sadly race by as I had started the day viewing the Susan Greene Costume Collection.

This was an absolutely precious gift arranged for me by my friend Anneliese. She works at the museum as a living historian and shares museum events and historical fashion on both her website and Instagram page. 

Photo of Anneliese taken by Paige Doerner.

Please come back tomorrow for a very special Fashion Friday where I share some of the wonders that I saw in the museum clothing archives. 

I’ll leave you with an image that Anneliese took of me losing my mind at everything glorious that I beheld. 

See you soon,

Laura