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.
September 3, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
The Story of Lucile M. Wright and Her Museum
Date: Thursday, September, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Dennis Webster, curator of the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum in Jamestown, will explore the unique contributions Lucile made to 20th century aviation in Western New York and the work being done by the museum that bears her name.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
September 25 & 26, 2026:
Westfield Cemetery Tour Through History
Date: September 25 & 26, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. (tentative)
About: Come join this annual tradition brought to you by the County Historical Society, Lake Shore Center for the Arts, Patterson Library, and the Westfield Cemetery Association. There will be both carriage and walking tours.
$20 per person for the carriage tours, and $15 per person (ages 13 and up) and $5 (ages 12 and under) for the walking tours. Each ticket includes a complimentary lantern and refreshment.
For ticket assistance, please call Patterson Library during open hours (716) 326-2154.
Location: Westfield Cemetery - 180 E Main St, Westfield
October 1, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
The History of Fredonia Academy
Date: October 1, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Presented by Max Walters of the Barker Museum in Fredonia. Marking the 200th anniversary of the institution's founding, the lecture will examine the history and impact of Fredonia Academy, which later evolved into the State University of New York at Fredonia.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
November 5, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
A Dentist's One Last Problem That Led to Our Grape Industry: A Partial History
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Steve Cockram, retired general manager of Growers Cooperative Grape Juice Co., will discuss the development of Chautauqua County's renowned Grape Belt and the region's long-standing role in grape cultivation and the production of juice and wine.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
December 3, 2026:
Fireside Lecture Series:
The History of the Chautauqua School of Nursing
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
About: Joel Potash, physician and professor emeritus at Upstate Medical University, will trace the history of the nursing school founded in Jamestown in 1900 and its contributions to healthcare education in the region.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Patterson Library - 40 S. Portage St., Westfield
December 6, 2026:
Just Desserts - McClurg Museum Open House
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
About: CCHS’s annual holiday open house features an array of sweet treats.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: McClurg Museum, 20 E. Main St., Westfield
Past Events
August 2, 2026:
Chautauqua County History Expo
America’s 250th Celebration
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
About: CCHS will join the Chautauqua County Historian’s Office and dozens of other historical organizations and agencies from across the County for the Second Annual Chautauqua County History Expo. The event will coincide with the nationwide America 250 celebration marking the Semiquincentennial of the founding of the United States.
- More Info -
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Location: Chautauqua Municipal Buildng, 2 Academy St., Mayville
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.
- More Info -
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
June 13, 2026:
Annual Gala Fundraiser at the McClurg Museum
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
About: The annual fundraising gala for the Chautauqua County Historical Society at the McClurg Museum in Moore Park, Westfield, NY.
Tickets to the event are $50 and are available to purchase at the McClurg Museum or from any CCHS Trustee. Proceeds support efforts by the CCHS to collect and preserve local history and provide educational resources.
- More Info -
Admission: $50 per Person
Location: McClurg Museum - Moore Park, Westfield
June 11, 2026:
Give Big CHQ - Fundraising Event
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
About: Give Big CHQ is a 24-hour online fundraising event that connects individuals with causes they care about in the community - including the Chautauqua County Historical Society.
Hosted by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, this event is an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the important work of CCHS, helping to raise dollars and awareness for our mission.
- More Info -
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
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
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
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
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
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.
