Chautauqua County Historical Society

06/19/2026

New Book Arrival!
We've received a new book at the McClurg Museum, focusing on Gettysburg Union hero Alonzo Cushing and written by Jessica Loring. A limited number of copies are available at the museum with a minimum $35 donation. We will also soon deliver 30 copies to local libraries! A special thank you to the author for providing us copies of the book and also to CCHS trustee and past president Cristie Herbst for helping to make the publication of this book possible.

Several other books are also available at the museum entrance. Plus, we now have CCHS decals for just $5 donation. Stick it on your car and show your support for CCHS and the McClurg!

06/11/2026

As of noon today, we've raised $1,355 from 15 different donors as part of . We would like to get as close to our goal of $10,000 as possible, so that we can move forward with our McClurg Museum renovation project later this year. So please consider giving if you haven't already done so!
https://www.givebigchq.org/organizations/chautauqua-county-historical-society

Today is ! Don't forget to make a donation in support of CCHS - no amount is too great or too small!
To donate, simply visit www.givebigchq.org/organizations/chautauqua-county-historical-society. Thank you!!

06/11/2026

Today is ! Don't forget to make a donation in support of CCHS - no amount is too great or too small!
To donate, simply visit www.givebigchq.org/organizations/chautauqua-county-historical-society. Thank you!!

06/09/2026

A historic train will be passing through Chautauqua County today. If you can't make it to Ripley to see Big Boy No. 4014 up close, Chautauqua County Government is providing a live stream on its youtube channel.

Watch as Union Pacific's legendary Big Boy No. 4014, the world's la...

06/05/2026

📣Reminder! 📣
Give Big CHQ / 2026 Annual Gala Fundraiser at the Historic McClurg Museum

We'd like to remind you about two upcoming opportunities to support the Chautauqua County Historical Society and help us continue our mission of preserving and presenting our local history.

GIVE BIG CHQ IS JUNE 11
First, on Thursday, June 11, CCHS will once again participate in the annual fundraising effort, a 24-hour, online event that connects individuals with the causes they care about in the community. This event is an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the important work of CCHS by helping to raise funding for our mission. On June 11, supporters are urged to go to the CCHS Landing Page (www.givebigchq.org/organizations/chautauqua-county-historical-society) and make a one-time donation. We could be eligible for additional funding for any donation you make, so no amount is too great or too small.
Please consider marking your calendar for this important day of giving. We will also send out a reminder on both June 10 and June 11 so you don't forget!

2026 GALA IS JUNE 13
Second, on Saturday, June 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., we will hold our 2026 Annual Gala Fundraiser at the Historic McClurg Museum. Tickets to the event are $50 and are available to purchase at the McClurg Museum or from any CCHS Trustee. While advance ticket purchases are encouraged, walk-up purchases will also be allowed. All guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments on the grounds of Moore Park, along with access to museum galleries. Proceeds support efforts by the CCHS to collect and preserve local history and provide educational resources.
More details about the Gala can be found on our website.

PHASE II RENOVATION UPDATE
While both fundraisers help us meet our annual operating budget, they are especially important this year as we work to secure funding for the first state of our Phase II Renovation Project at the McClurg, which will begin in December. To date, we have secured $35,500 toward this effort, which is 53% of our goal of $67,320. For the above-mentioned Give Big CHQ event, we have set aside a $250 Donor Level that will specifically go toward this project and encourage those who are able to consider making a donation on that day. However, any donation is welcome for the project, and checks of any amount can be sent to Chautauqua County Historical Society, P.O. Box 7, Westfield, NY 14787 with "Phase II Project" in written in the memo.

Thank you to our members and the Chautauqua County community for your continued support of the Chautauqua County Historical Society. It is truly appreciated by us all!!!

06/03/2026

05/25/2026

📣 GALA FUNDRAISER IS JUNE 13 📣
Our 2026 Annual Gala Fundraiser at the Historic McClurg Museum is less than three weeks away! Tickets can be purchased at the McClurg Museum or from any CCHS Trustee! Please consider attending to enjoy great company and delicious food for a worthy cause!

05/07/2026

Folks in Fredonia also have the opportunity to learn about the family who built and lived in the McClurg Manson (know the McClurg Museum - home of CCHS) with a lecture by Michelle Henry! The program starts at 7 p.m. at the The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center.

TONIGHT - Thursday, May 7 at 7PM - THE McCLURG FAMILY & ITS IMPACT ON WESTFIELD - The design of the Village of Westfield today can be credited to James McClurg, a pioneer settler who situated his homestead in what would become the center of the village. McClurg is responsible for relocating the settlement to the east side of Chautauqua Creek and building up the business district by erecting a block of storefronts and a luxury hotel. He donated the village “commons,” adjoining parcels for two churches, and invested in early mills. But little is known about McClurg or his family, even though his descendants were involved in real estate, railroads, and silver mines across the Midwest, and are credited with establishing a national park!

Research by Michelle Henry has uncovered the McClurg family’s involvement in national movements and multi-million dollar corporations, all while maintaining relatively reclusive lives in Westfield. Henry will give this fascinating talk, followed by a Q&A.

Part of Here & There – Chautauqua County History, Travelers, & Memories. Admission is FREE, although donations are gratefully accepted.