In August of 1862, over 1000 men from Wayne and Cayuga Counties answered Lincoln's second call to arms in an effort to save the Union. These men, young and old, were among 10's of thousands to volunteer for battle. Local men, some mere boys of less than 18, marched off to war. Many did not return. The conflict was later dubbed the costliest and deadliest war ever fought on American soil, with some 620,000 of 2.4 million soldiers killed and even more injured. Today, historical societies are...

Lyons, NY – August 27, 2024 – In 2017, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New York State, the Wayne County Historical Society produced A Tea Out of Time.  The play, originally written by the late and former Director Larry Ann Evans and Museum Manager Linda Stevenson, was first performed in the Carriage Barn at the Museum of Wayne County History to rave reviews from attendees. The plot included 16 ladies from Wayne County’s past – one from each town (with one extra...

August 21 & 24, 2024 - Lyons, NY - This hands-on immersion into the Continental Army was great fun and solid learning for students and adults on two beautiful days in August.  We hosted three 2-hour sessions for the community to experience a day in the life of a soldier from the Revolutionary War. From getting a 3-corner hat at the initial muster to eating hard tack and “firing” muskets, these “soldiers” got to learn through action. Chris Blomgren of Historic Pursuits was our host and...