Historic Huron, NY

09/02/2026

Open this Saturday - from 1 to 4 pm.
Hope to you will come for a visit.

We are getting ready for the final Old Wolcott bicentennial celebration with a Community Heritage Jubilee that YOU are encouraged to take part in. Come visit the HHC this Saturday to learn more about what you can do to help make this grande finale event one to be remembered for another 200 years!!!

See you Saturday!!!

08/29/2026

In the event this post is needed here in Huron, NY in Wayne County - with a nearby town named Ontario, and with one of Wayne County's parent counties, which bordered Lake Ontario, named after Lake Ontario . . . well . . . just to be sure . . . the historical background or etymology of Lake Ontario is clear - Historic Huron is sharing this informative post from A Canadian Outlook. Enjoy your day!

The argument over Lake Ontario’s name gets especially interesting once you realize the word “Ontario” was around centuries before either modern Canada or the United States existed.

Canadian government sources trace the name to an Indigenous Iroquoian linguistic origin, although the precise translation varies between references from “sparkling water” to “vast body of water.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney pointed to the Wendat form “Ontari’io” today and said the name is more than 400 years old.

The name was already being recorded in the 1600s, long before the international border through the lake was established and long before Ontario became a province in 1867.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order today directing U.S. federal agencies to replace “Lake Ontario” with “Lake America” in American federal geographic records within 30 days.

That order governs U.S. federal naming practice and does not require Canada to adopt the new name.

Canada’s official geographical names database continues to list the shared body of water as Lake Ontario and Lac Ontario.

So beneath today’s political theatre is a much older story about Indigenous language, European mapmaking and a name that survived empires, borders and Confederation.



(Source: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Heritage, Geographical Names Board of Canada, The White House, Reuters)

08/27/2026

Adventures in Sodus!!!

When one gets involved in some element of history - it usually has a branching out effect. Local gravestone preservationist - Gone Graving's Parker Maybe - on a quest to discover his own family heritage - has discovered so much more!!! Kudos to Parker and his family for their curiosity and love of history and journeying in to new worlds of local history, bring all of us closer to touching and understanding the past. Thank you, Parker!!

08/25/2026

Keeping those who came before us, their events and community offerings in our memories, Ruth Moore Chatfield and her husband Jim were historian icons of Northeastern Wayne County. Take time today to think back on someone who inspired you through local history, as Ruth did for many historians and historical society members in Wolcott, Red Creek, Butler, Huron, and Rose.

The Town of Huron, NY owes appreciation to Ruth and Jim for advising Historian Fox on James Madison Cosad's Freethought Conference and his role as an abolitionist so Fox could pursue the Pomeroy Historic marker on Lummisville Road just east of Dutch Street. Ruth was a descendant of Cosad's so she dedicated some of her research time to learning more about Cosad. Ruth also kept a significant notebook on Huron History that is now housed in the Huron History Center - filled with articles, pictures, and research materials. A goldmine of local history and great stories for retelling. Thank you to both Ruth and Jim Chatfield.
Thanks to Wolcott Historical Society for posting this gentle reminder of those special people who do so much to preserve our stories and history!!

The recent passing of Ruth Moore Chatfield kindled among numerous of us with the Wolcott Historical Society memories of the friendship and projects associated with her over the years. She, along with her late husband, Jim, was on hand to address and complete an array of historical projects, all to the lasting benefit of the society and the Carriage House Museum.

Ruth retained a fascination with local and area history, and showed it by assembling through the years binders containing histories of Wolcott Village and Town, and other Wayne County venues. W.H.S. now has this collection in the society’s library.

She and Jim gave of their time as society docents on frequent occasions. They partook in fundraising efforts if asked, usually with outcomes enhancing the society’s financial status.

Both signed on as early members of the Butler Historical Preservation Society, proceeding to get it set up to operate smoothly in time. They always retained their BHPS membership.

So, all in all, Ruth’s long life was lived with enthusiasm, goodwill, and surely well lived. For all of this, many are thankful and she will be deeply missed.

08/22/2026

Celebrating 200 years of Butler History today! This and other programs at Butler Historical Preservation Society - Museum:
Highway Department History - 1 pm
Antoinette Brown Blackwell and the Disciples Church - 1:30 pm
Hibbard Basket Works - 2 pm
Apple Farming in Butler - 2:30 pm
Butler Center Store - 3 pm
Basket making demonstration - 1-3 pm

This morning in South Butler - Neighborhood Walk - 10 to 11:15 am
Butler Center Church Graveyard Walk - 11:30 am to Noon
Quilt Show 10 am to 3 pm
Chicken BBQ - Noon 'till gone. (salt potatoes, treat, and water - $12)
Take outs - 1/2 chicken only - $8
Sounds like a tasty day in Butler!

Museum is located at 4518 Butler Center Road, Butler
The South Butler History Walk begins at the S. Butler Methodist Church on Route 89

By now, you can guess how many days til Butler Bicentennial Day! One of our BHPS trustees will be speaking about the history of the store in Butler Center. Can you guess who that is? Hint: She was also the Post Mistress at the S. Butler Post Office...

08/21/2026

You have seen her out in the lake and wondered "What is this vessel up to?" Now is you chance to go onboard and learn about NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson's activities on Lake Ontario this summer.

The public is invited to tour the NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The vessel will be docked at the Port of Oswego West Pier, located at 1 W 1st Street, Oswego, NY. Parking is available at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum. Visitors can tour the ship to learn about the hydrographic survey mission of the NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson in Lake Ontario, engage with representatives from Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, and tour the H. Lee White Maritime Museum.

08/20/2026

Short clip with an interview with George McGraw on the background leading to the Civil War monument that is being dedicated Saturday in Lyons Central Park.

For informations on the event - visit
Museum of Wayne County History
https://www.waynehistory.org/civil-war

08/18/2026

See YOU at Butler this Saturday!!! In celebration of 200 Years!!!

08/15/2026

Fifty-seven years ago - today 🎶
Did you know this site is on the National Register of Historic Places?
Were you there on August 15-17, 1969?
Share your memories in the comments. ☮️
Read more: https://bit.ly/4wXrmdr