Programs & Events
Whether you’re interested in a history-related program, a social gathering, or a special event, CCHS sponsors activities throughout the year. Join us!
Historical Happenings Calendar
View events and programs sponsored by CCHS and other county historical organizations. Click on 'agenda' in the upper right corner of the calendar grid to access a text listing of events.
March 5, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
Chautauqua County Celebrates America’s 250th
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Chautauqua County Historian Norman Carlson will offer a presentation on the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence, and some of the connections Chautauqua County has to this historic event and the individuals tied to it.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
April 2, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
The History of the Grange
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Town of Harmony Historian Pamela Brown will present on The Grange, the oldest U.S. national agricultural organization, created to support farmers through community, education, and advocacy. The Grange movement originated in Chautauqua County!
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
April 18, 2026 :
CCHS Annual Meeting & Program:
Early History of Barcelona Harbor
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. (CCHS annual meeting begins); 10:45 presentation on Early History of Barcelona Harbor.
About: The annual meeting gives CCHS members an opportunity to learn more about some of the organization’s highlights over the past year. In addition, the event features a program by Michelle Henry, Research Historian for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, who will present Barcelona Harbor 1800-1860: Its Significance in the Development of Chautauqua County.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Lakeshore Assembly of God Church, 252 E. Main St, Westfield
May 7, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
Vincent Powers: Westfield Native &
Kentucky Derby Champion
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Randy Anderson will offer details on the life and legacy of Vincent Powers, a Westfield, NY native, jockey, and trainer who won the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious event in horse racing.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
June 4, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
Geological History of Western New York
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Explore the events and activities that have taken place over the millennia to literally shape the topographical and geological features of Chautauqua County and Western New York with Dr. Thomas Hegna, State University of New York at Fredonia professor.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
July 18 & 19, 2026:
Chautauqua County Historical Society
89th Annual Antique Show
Date: Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday); 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
About: This year’s show will feature antique furniture, glassware, silver, jewelry, and more. An estimated 20 different dealers will be in attendance.
Admission: $10 for both days for individuals, or $15 for couples (admission covers both days)
Location: Chautauqua Suites & Expo Center - 215 W. Lake Rd., Mayville, NY
- More Info -
Past Events
Just Desserts Event Features Food & Music
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 2-4 p.m.
About: CCHS’s annual holiday open house features an array of sweet treats and a performance by the McClurg Street String Band, comprised of Westfield Academy & Central School students under the direction of Kent Knappenberger.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: McClurg Museum, 20 E. Main St., Westfield
Westfield Cemetery Tour September 20 & 21
Dates:
Friday, September 20, 2024 | carriage tour times: 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m. (limited seating); walking tour times: 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | carriage tour times: 5, 6, 7 & 8 p.m. (limited seating); walking tour times: 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
About: During the Westfield Cemetery Tour Through History, local actors bring Westfield residents "back to life." Horse-drawn carriage and walking tours are available. Refreshments are provided, and a portable restroom is available on site.
Tickets: $20 per person for carriage tour; $15 per adult and $5 per child (ages 3-17( for walking tour. Tickets are available at https://givebutter.com/Westfield2024 or by contacting Patterson Library at 716.326.2154 during open hours.
Please note: Tickets may be transferred, but will not be refunded due to weather or illness. Tickets may sell out quickly, but if any spots remain, payment in cash or check will be accepted on site.
Location: Westfield Cemetery, 91 Academy St., Westfield
Sponsored by: Patterson Library, Lake Shore Center for the Arts, Chautauqua County Historical Society, and Westfield Cemetery Association.
Elial T. Foote Award Program August 15
Dates: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 7 p.m.
About: John Everett Jones will receive the Elial T. Foote Local History Award for his achievements in local history research and publications.
Free and open to the public.
Location: The Lawson Center, 73 Lakeside Dr., Bemus Point
Information: Contact CCHS at 716.326.2977 or info@cchsmcclurg.org.
