UNLOCK HISTORY!
Wayne County History Museum is housed in the former Wayne County Jail and sheriff's residence, just a few blocks from downtown Lyons and the Erie Canal (Lock 57).
The museum offers three floors of local history displays, a two-story carriage house, and thematic exhibitions. Visitors can also meet the former Sheriff and step inside the old jail cells.
Honoring “True Valor”
Civil War monument dedication Aug 22
LYONS CENTRAL PARK MONUMENT
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, Wayne County Historical Society is also paying homage to the Civil War, which was pivotal to our region. The monument “True Valor” will be installed this summer in Central Park of Lyons, in honor of the thousands of boys and men from Wayne County who fought in the Civil War between 1861 and 1865.
Three Union soldiers of the 111th NY Volunteer Regiment will be depicted life-size in bronze, mounted on a rose granite pedestal in the center of a 40-foot circular concrete patio. The monument scene depicts an infantryman protecting a color bearer as he retrieves the flag from a fallen soldier.
A dedication ceremony is planned for Saturday, Aug. 22, with a variety of activities planned at Central Park. Living history demonstrations and re-enactors plus live music of the era and a full dedication ceremony at 1pm.
The famed sculptor creating “True Valor” is Gary Casteel, who has created dozens of bronze sculptures, including several installed at Gettysburg National Military Park.
Funding for “True Valor” and related events is made possible through a donation to the Wayne County Historical Society by the
Isaac Mullie Family Foundation.
America 250
Exploring the Bloodlines that Built America
Painting by Ira Randall of Naples, NY (1903 - 1986)
MUSEUM FEATURED EXHIBIT
This year, residents and visitors will be invited to explore our national identity throughout Ye Hills of Wayne with programs that both contemplate and celebrate the land and families that created Wayne County today.
The Museum of Wayne County History will explore this time period in our NEW exhibit that identifies the European and Native American beneficial connections and unfortunate dissentions.
Although Wayne County was not a formal county of the colony of New York in 1776, there were the people of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy that hunted here and made this land their home, as well as military scouts and traders who had been traveling through the region for more than 100 years.
COUNTYWIDE PROGRAMS
Learn and explore even more with our many town & village historians and historical societies. Events and programs are free to the public.
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Brewing Conflicts: Lively history-based discussions in local "coffeehouses".
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Driving History Tours: Self-guided tours through Wayne County’s historic countryside to explore the people and places that shaped the region.
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Speaking Engagements: Presentations featuring nationally recognized historian and author, historian and Town of Ontario native, Jack Kelly.
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Educational Outreach: Public access and awareness promoted via schools, libraries, media, and online.
The “America 250” programs are made possible through support from the New York State Department of Education, presented in partnership with Wayne County historians, historical societies, and community organizations and venues.
Doing Research? Need our help?
CLICK HERE to fill out our Research Form.
THANK YOU
to our Community Sponsors
Want to help us preserve & share our history?
Opportunities abound to be part of something bigger, that will leave a legacy.
VOLUNTEERS
Seeking persons and families who are willing to commit a few hours toward our mission.
Please fill out the volunteer contact form.
INTERNSHIPS
College and high school students are invited
to contact us to fulfill required hours of internship toward any major or civic participation.