County Historian

Welcome! 

Find online resources, request research assistance, and explore Livingston County history.

Collecting Oral HistoriesFaded red photo of children with text about preserving memories overlaid and tips on oral histories

Oral histories preserve the voices of today for future generations. Consider adding your family's voices to the historical record this holiday season!

The Livingston County Historian’s Office welcomes audio recordings about life in Livingston County for historical documentation and research purposes.

All information collected, including written responses, recordings, digital and/or original photographs, and other ephemera, will be archived at the Livingston County Historian’s Office in Mt. Morris. Read more here and view a list of sample questions.

Oral History Submission Form

  7. List the main voices in the recording.

  12. Alternative Submission Method
    Link to Smash

    Large files can also be sent via WeTransfer.com

  14. If you have trouble submitting your files, please contact the county historian and staff will be happy to assist. Thank you!

    15. Leave This Blank:

Collecting Craig Colony Stories

Did you work at Craig Colony and want to preserve your experiences?

The Livingston County Historian’s Office is facilitating a project to collect informatiImage of Craig Colony building with text that reads Did you work at Craig Colony?on about Craig Colony, and those who worked there, for historical documentation and research purposes. The materials collected will help ensure that the experiences and perspectives of Craig staff members will be preserved and a more comprehensive view of the institution is captured.

View and download a questionnaire outline here. You may write out responses or contact the County Historian's Office to set up a time to tell your stories in person or over the phone. Thank you for helping preserve history!

COVID-19 Documentation Project

The County Historian’s Office wants to hear about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted you, no matter what your experiences or viewpoints are. Are you tired of COVID-19 and feel your life has returned to normal? Is the pandemic continuing to affect your day-to-day? Input from all ages is valued.

All information gathered will become part of the County Historian’s permanent archival collection and made accessible to researchers. Stories and images may also be used for future exhibits.

Submit your experiences and/or images directly here.

What's New?

New Information on Poorhouse Cemeteries

October 2023

The Livingston County Historian’sNew flush disk marker at New Poorhouse Cemetery Office recently facilitated a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey at both Livingston County Poorhouse cemeteries in Geneseo. The survey revealed new data about the sites, including locating 75 unmarked graves.

Read more and view maps by clicking here.

Hidden Histories: The Tavern on the Canal

March 2023

New Photo Gallery Launched

October 2022

TColor image of Lima baseball team from early 1900she Livingston County Historian's Office is pleased to present an improved photograph gallery to showcase just a few of the thousands of photographs held in the archives.

Check it out and let us know what else you would like to see! View the photo albums here.

Madeline Friedler Appointed Deputy County Historian

August 2022Image with text welcoming newest employee, Madeline Friedler, as deputy historian Opens in new window

Brand-new Look for Historian's Record Index

June 2022

Now you can filter records, search keywords, and find more information than ever before!

new site header

Get started and send us any feedback!

New county historian appointed

May 2022

On May 27,Portraits of Amie Alden and Holly Watson Opens in new window Amie Alden retired after over 25 years of public service. Deputy Historian Holly Watson was named to the position by the board of supervisors. Click here to read more.

Livingston County Heritage Tours: STQRY

April 2022
STQRY logo

Utilize everyday technology to access these virtual tours onsite or from afar! Each trail makes stops at important locations and landmarks around the county. Start exploring stories for yourself through Livingston County Heritage Tours!

Tips:

  • Click on the map icon (map icon from STQRY) on the top right for a map of each tour
  • View the master maps from the bottom bar for all stops in the county

Book Available:

Portraits of women bordering Women's Biographical Review book cover Opens in new window

The Women's Biographical Review is the County Historian's newest foundational reference book, published as part of Livingston County's bicentennial year. It features 200 women associated with Livingston County from the 18th-21st centuries.

Order your copy through the County Historian's Office!

Also available at Sundance Books in Geneseo and on Amazon.com.

Once you've read it, please write a review on Google Books or Goodreads. Thank you!

Photographs from the Archives

Livingston Landmarks