GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE
                                   AND MUSEUM
                              Mumford, New York 14511

                                        (585) 538-6822

        http://www.gcv.org/attractions/heirloomGardens.shtml

 

This the largest and most comprehensive living history museum in New York State, with the 3rd largest collection of historic buildings and paraphernalia in America.

Chartered by the New York State Education Department as an educational  institution, it was dedicated to the preservation of historic building architecture and style; and life in the 19th Century in New York State.

Genesee Village recreates what pioneer living was like at that time.

This museum is located on 700 acres of land, with 68 historic structures and farms, and 12 heirloom gardens; with authentic 19th Century environment. The gardens and orchards and vineyards were planted, cared for; and harvested  the way it was done..

There are thirteen heirloom gardens with historic plants "grown from seed bred back to original types". The historic gardens with farm landscape and domestic animal enclosures also consist of an English cottage style garden, Shaker formal garden, Victorian formal garden, fruit orchards, and vineyards.

Historians there also aim to recreate and preserve social customs and traditions, and social values true to period, so that we can see the evolution of our lifestyles.

Costumed interpreters throughout demonstrate historic activities of daily living of cooking, dyeing, crafts and other daily chores.

The vegetables grown there are prepared for meals in the historic kitchens that visitors can enjoy.

When the museum is open, there are school tours and activities for young people who come to learn about their past.

Of interest to baseball enthusiasts, the Silver Base Ball Park is the first and finest 19th Century replica ball park in America where a "real" game is played with vintage rules replete with old slangs.

This is the place to experience an authentic 1800s base ball game. Players dress in period costumes; and rules and etiquette are strictly adhered to. Hawkers ply vintage snacks; and young boys man the scoreboard. Unaccompanied ladies are asked to sit in a special section to avoid scandals and gossips.

This is a fun place to visit and learn.