Centennial Expo at GCV&M July 25 & 26
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Celebrating Innovation from 1776 to 1876:
America’s First 100 Years
Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
An expo for the ages! Explore what was brand new, cutting edge, and mind-blowing in America’s first hundred years, who came and went through the Genesee Valley, the shift from craft to commerce, and innovation’s impact on everyday life.
250 Years of Community & Innovation
From magic lantern shows and a tent of wonders to talks exploring the impact of industry in the 19th Century, learn about America’s first 100 years! Program include:
- Meet with Jeff and Debbie Blood, family members of Harry Houdini as they share stories and artifacts honoring the 100th anniversary of his death this year.
- Talks by historian Perry Ground (Onondaga, Turtle Clan): “Haudenosaunee Women: From SkyWoman to Suffrage” and “250 Years of Haudenosaunee History
- Historian Glenn McClure dives into the story of the 1st chapter of the Red Cross established by Clara Barton in 1881 in Dansville, NY
Historic Village Highlights
Take a walk through our Historic Village, visit with costumed interpreters, join a Toward Freedom & Fairness tour, visit the farm, and so much more. Spread over five garden-filled acres, learn about each unique building and the lives of Western New Yorkers in the 19th Century.
Special Centennial Celebration programming includes:
- Visit our heritage Leicester longwool sheep and hear from Kate Pelkey of Otter Lake Farm & Fiber to learn about her new innovation with taking fiber and making fertilizer you can use on your plants
- Join the Port-A-Globe Puppet Theatre for a traditional English Punch and Judy puppet show
- Learn about Aaron Montgomery Ward and the first mail order catalogues
- Explore 100 years of fashion from the beginning of the Revolution to the end of the Civil War
- Learn about 19th century inventions and their inventions
- Watch and assist as Centennial Posters are printed in the Print Shop
- Stop by the Telegraph office to tap out your own message
- Play historic games at Thomson Tavern
- Step right up and see the greatest show in the Genesee Valley as we take you inside the tent of wonders
- Watch our cooks bake their way through the centuries as they take inspiration from historic centennial cookbooks
- Take a peek inside our ice house and learn about the first refrigerated train cars
Plus! Take a spin with the Flint Hill Dance Troupe on Village Square and catch a Vintage Base Ball game Sunday at Silver Ball Park!
Genesee Country Nature Center
The Genesee Country Nature Center is a fantastic place to explore the flora and fauna of the Genesee Valley Region. Take a hike on a nature trail (ranging from .5 – 1.3 miles), learn from a resident naturalist, meet animals up close and personal, and so much more.
John L. Wehle Gallery
Home to an extensive collection of 19th-century clothing and sporting and wildlife art, the John L. Wehle Gallery includes three rotating exhibits and serveral smaller displays. Exhibits include:
- An Extraordinary Attraction: 50 Years of History, Art, and Nature [NEW in 2026)
- Color Me Calico: A Taste for Prints and Parties
- Perceived Realities: Wildlife, Land, & Myth
Food & Beverage
Stop into these locations for a bite to eat or something to drink!
- Depot Restaurant
- Open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (grill closes at 3)
- Grab a wrap or burger and a drink.
- Freight House Pub
- Open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Grab a small bite and a craft beer or cider.
- D.B. Munger Confectionery
- Open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Located on the Square in the Historic Village
- Stop in for Village-made cookies, candy, hand pies, and more!
- Pavilion Garden Restaurant
- Located in the Historic Village
- Ice cream, hearty sandwiches and more!
Shopping at the Flint Hill Store
Be sure to stop in the Flint Hill Store, where you’ll find a variety of our Village-made goods, fudge, GCV&M merch, and more.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.