In our Valley area, archeologists who have worked here believe Indian occupation dates back 10,000 years, with many different cultures. Indian artifacts from our area are in museums located in Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Jamestown and Harvard University.

During the period 1809-10, white settlers came to the area, over the hill, down Chautauqua Lake from Lake Erie and up the Alleghany tributaries. Wherever there was water power, saw mills were constructed, followed by other pioneer industries. In 1845 the Museum in Sinclairville was built as a store for Mr. Mitchell. It was also used as a post office, Catholic Church, the library and lodge rooms.

Exhibits in the Museum reflect early settler life and industries, featuring butter, cheese and maple syrup making. Quilts and clothing, a spinning wheel, swift, loom, farm machinery and tools are on display.

Mr. Mitchell’s cider business (later known as Colburn’s Cider) is reflected in the big wheel and cider barrels.

The Museum also houses many records from area churches, schools, stores and farms.

One of the projects of The Valley Historical Society has been to erect historical markers in the area.

The Valley Historical Society, which has the same boundaries as the Cassadaga Valley School District, is supported by the towns of Charlotte, Gerry, Stockton, the villages of Sinclairville and Cassadaga. The historical society was chartered in 1984 by the New York State Board of Regents.

Meetings are 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, and are often held in the Museum in Sinclairville. The Museum is open from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays from May through September, and other times by appointment.

New members and visitors are always welcome!

Valley Historical Society Calendar of Events for the remainder of 2018

Memorial Day Parades

Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m. in Gerry

Monday, May 28 at 9 a.m. in Sinclairville and 11 a.m. in Cassadaga

Tuesday, June 5, 7 p.m.: At the Museum. Program: Devon Taylor, Town of Chautauqua Historian. Refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, July 3, 7 p.m.: At the Museum. Patriotic Moment; “Happy Birthday America” by John Sipos. Refreshments by John and Susan Sipos

July 16 to 22: Chautauqua County Fair Display in Floral Hall. Set up prior to July 16 and take down on Monday, July 23.

Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m.: Sinclairville Village Ball Park. Annual Family Picnic – bring a dish of food to pass, table service and beverage. Program: “Treasure Trove.”

Friday, Aug. 3, 6 p.m. -set up for Annual Quilt Show.

Saturday, Aug. 4 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 5 (1 to 4 p.m.):

Quilt Show at the Museum – No charge for admission.

Coordinators: Betty Jean Ridout, Lois Anderson and Mary Shearman

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.: At the Museum. Program: Finalize plans for the History Fair. Refreshments: Apple Pie and Cheese by Larry and Carol Barmore

Saturday, Sept. 8, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Twentieth Annual History Fair

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.: At the Sinclairville Library. Program: Gretchen Palmieri, “History of the Town of Ellery, Ellery Cow, and the Lown Family.” Refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m.: At the Cassadaga American Legion #1280. Program: Pomfret Historian Todd Langworthy. Nomination of officers for 2019. Refreshments will be served by Diane Shaw and Lois Anderson.

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m.: At the South Stockton Wayside Chapel. Annual Christmas Gathering and Potluck Dinner. Bring a dish of food to pass and personal table service.

Program: Summarize Research Projects and Election of Officers for 2019.

Visit the annual quilt show on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.

No Admission Charge. Coordinators: Betty Jean Ridout, Lois Anderson and Mary Shearman.

Take Part in the 20th Annual History Fair: museum tours, grand parade, contests, farmers’ market, craft show, car show, pie contest, chain saw contest, food stands, dinners, dance, fireworks.

Saturday, Sept. 8, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.