Founded in 1875, the society opens the doors on East Avenue in Arkport
From the CVHS,
2025 is an exciting year for the Canisteo Valley Historical Society! First, it is their Sesquicentennial Year! In 1875, the Articles of Association were filed in the Office of the Secretary of NY State. The Articles had been signed in Hornell by seven gentlemen from Hornell and Arkport which established the Canisteo Valley Historical Society. The group has had its inactive times, but has recently been active in the area for about 50 years.
The second reason 2025 is a big year for the group is that for the first time the society has purchased its own home serving as a museum and meeting place! The house is undergoing renovations, but is still open for visitors to view three+ rooms of exhibits. As a celebration of its 150th birthday, a stainless steel time capsule filled with highlights of its history, a copy of the handwritten document establishing the Canisteo Valley Historical Society, and the Articles of Association was prepared. There were representative items from the last 50 years of the Society packed into the capsule, which was buried in the front yard. Birthday cake was served as part of the celebration.
The celebration took place during the successful Steuben County History Week Museum Trail, held on October 11 – 12. The Society’s new home, “The McCarthy House”, on East Avenue in Arkport, was one of 20 stops on the weekend tour. The name was fittingly adopted by former community minded residents Legrand “Mac,” and Cecile McCarthy who lived in the house for over 50 years! Almost 60 visitors toured the House, and 11 volunteer helpers assisted.
The theme of the Trail was to recognize education in the history of our communities, especially the many old schoolhouses. There were photo exhibits of the schoolhouses which eventually comprised the centralized district, plus information about what the schoolhouses, the teacher’s school day, and student’s school day were like.
The Arkport Public Library collaborated during the weekend by holding a two hour schoolhouse experience at the library. A few of the activities for participating children were writing on a chalkboard and penmanship practice with quill pen and India ink. Several recess games were played, as well.
For more information about CVHS or to schedule an appointment to visit, see their website at Canisteovalleyhistoricalsociety.com or email them at Canisteovalleyhistoricalsoc@gmail.com.
