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County Historian
Welcome!
Find online resources, request research assistance, and explore Livingston County history.
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 information 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. Thank you for helping preserve history!
NEW: Hidden Histories: The Tavern on the Canal
Discover hidden histories throughout our neighborhoods! In this episode, find out how a local restaurant got its start when a major canal came through the hamlet of Piffard in the town of York.
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:
COVID-19 Documentation Project Survey
Book Available:
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!
What's New?
New Photo Gallery Launched
October 2022
The 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.
Brand-new Look for Historian's Record Index
June 2022
Now you can filter records, search keywords, and find more information than ever before!
Get started and send us any feedback!
New county historian appointed
May 2022
On May 27, 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
Utilize everyday technology to access these virtual tours onsite or from afar! Each trail makes stops at important locations and landmarks around the county. Charge your phone and start exploring Livingston County's history for yourself through Livingston County Heritage Tours!
Tips:
- Click on the map icon (
) on the top right for a map of each tour
- View the master maps from the bottom bar for all stops in the county
Poorhouse Cemeteries
June 2021
Just released: over 320 names of those known to be buried in the Old and New County Poorhouse Cemeteries.
Women’s History Trail
March 2020
Explore some of the contributions women have made to Livingston County with this new STQRY tour, and check back for periodic additions
Photographs from the Archives
Highlights from the County Bicentennial Year, 2021
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December: Time Capsule
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October: Saints and Sinners Cemetery Trail on OnCell
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September 2-25: An Art and History Affair at GVCA
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September: Murray Hill historical marker dedication
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August: Classic Car Cruise and Show
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February: Bicentennial Anniversary
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March: Video on Gail McGuire, Rallyist
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January, April, October: New OnCell Heritage Trails
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April: Courthouse Historical Marker Dedication
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May - November: Cheers to 200 Years! Craft Beverage Trail
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June: Launch of Bicentennial Geotrail
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June: Poorhouse cemetery and historical marker dedication
Contact Us
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Holly Watson, County Historian
Madeline Friedler, Deputy Historian
Livingston County Historian's Office
5 Murray Hill Drive
Mt. Morris, N.Y. 14510 (Open Map)
Phone: 585-243-7955
Phone: 585-335-1730Hours
Monday - Friday, 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
* Research Center open by appointment only *
Closed on legal holidaysHow are we doing? Fill out a Feedback Survey
Doing Research?
We are excited to help!
- Search our Records Index for a name.
- Send us your specific questions or call us!
- Plan a visit to our research center for one-on-one assistance.
- Browse other digital resources and repositories to track down information.
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Have an item to donate?
We may be interested! Donations are assessed on historical significance, research value, and condition. Please contact us with any questions.
Accepted materials may include:
- Letters, diaries, ledgers, scrapbooks, and papers generated by individuals, businesses, institutions, and organizations in Livingston County;
- Photographs, postcards, and maps;
- Digital and electronic records;
- Other ephemera that directly relates to Livingston County.
Materials not accepted may include:
- Artifacts, including textiles, housewares, furniture, agricultural implements and tools;
- Excessively damaged, moldy and/or dirty items;
- Items that have a loose connection to Livingston County but do not have inherent research value (ex. books used in a local school, etc.)
We urge donors to keep collections together to preserve vital contextual information. Before you send items to different repositories, give us a call.
For more details, view the Collection Development and Management Policy and Donation Form.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to preserve historical information!