Waterways, railways and highways have defined our historical evolution since the early 1800′s. The engineering feat of the grand Erie Canal, the heyday of the New York Central Railroad and Iroquois Indian trails turned to turnpike, are all brought to life with a museum tour, a quiet walk through a historic memorial cemetery, or a stop at our many antique shops.

Sandstone and cobblestones have defined our architecture as demonstrated in our historic villages and trails. The communities continue to embrace their heritage with organizations celebrating sandstone, cobblestone and the artistic component of these natural resources.

Click on the following map markers to:

• Locate historical attractions and cultural centers such as museums, libraries and National Registry of Historic Places
• Read interesting facts about Orleans County and our legends
• See how our waterways formed our villages and influenced our architecture.

Public Libraries

• Official Orleans County Tourism Visitors Centers
• All offer free Wi-Fi service
• E/V Charging Station at Hoag Library in Albion

Community Free Library
585-638-6987 • www.holleylibrary.org
86 Public Square, Holley

Hoag Library
585-589-4246 • www. hoaglibrary.org
134 South Main Street, Albion

Lee-Whedon Memorial Library
585-798-3430 • https://leewhedon.org
620 West Ave., Medina

Yates Community Library
585-765-9041 • www. yateslibrary.org
15 N. Main Street, Lyndonville

Museums

Clarendon Historical Society Museum & Farwell’s Settlement
585-638-6371×104
16426 Fourth Section Rd., Clarendon
Two buildings with artifacts of local interest: a barn featuring agricultural items and an historic one-room schoolhouse with a wide variety of items on display. By appointment.

Cobblestone Museum
14389 Ridge Road, Albion (Childs)
cobblestonemuseum.org • 585-589-9013
The only museum dedicated to cobblestone masonry in the world, The Cobblestone Museum showcases a unique and beautiful construction method using glacial and water-washed stones. This National Historic Landmark offers guided tours of seven 19th century buildings housing artifacts from the Victorian Era (1837-1901) including the oldest cobblestone church in North America and the cobblestone parsonage once owned by Horace Greeley.

Daughters of the American, Revolution, Orleans Chapter
249 North Main Street, Albion
Find us on Facebook
This pre-Civil War/Greek Revival residence was converted to a DAR Chapter house with a local history museum and library containing historical documents and articles depicting early Orleans County life. Named to the National Registry of Historic Places. Tours by appointment.

Holley Depot Museum, Murray-Holley Historical Society
585-638-8188
Geddes St Ext, Holley, (Holley Fountain Sq.)
This 1907 New York Central Depot exhibits local artifacts of the Erie Canal and railway eras, and houses interpretive center for genealogical research.

Medina Historical Society
406 West Ave, Medina
historicmedina.org • 585-798-3006
Organized in 1971, the Medina Historical Society maintains annals and relics of Western New York, especially the Village of Medina and the Townships of Shelby and Ridgeway, educating the people in the history of their community.

Medina Railroad Museum
530 West Ave, Medina
medinarailroadmuseum.org • 585-798-6106
Located in a 300’ long freight house built in 1905, exhibiting railroad and fire fighting history. Includes the largest HO scale model railroad layout in the eastern US. Enjoy a leisurely 34 mi. round trip, 2 hr. ride through the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor aboard comfortable vintage 1947 Budd passenger coaches between Medina & Lockport. Museum TU-SU 11-5. Call for excursion train schedule, May-Dec.

Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame
Medina City Hall, Main St, Medina
www.sandstonesociety.org
Since 2013, the Medina Sandstone Society has selected outstanding examples of Medina Sandstone representing churches, homes, public buildings and other architectural significant structures. The Hall of Fame is on display at Medina’s Visitor Center, City Hall and is open by appointment and during special events.

Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum
14357 Ontario St., Kent
oakorchardlighthouse.com • 585-752-0647
In December 1916, the original Oak Orchard Lighthouse was swept away in a storm. In 2010, a grassroots effort enabled construction of a square pyramidal replica of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse in Point Breeze on the east side of the Oak Orchard River, housing local maritime historical artifacts and a gift shop.
Summer 2020 Hours: Fri: 6-8 PM; Sat & Sun: Noon to 3 PM or by appointment

Orleans County Business or Attraction Owners: Submit your listing.