SINCLAIRVILLE – The Valley Historical Society, located at the corner of Main and Lester streets in the village, was established in 1977 by the late John and Ruth Smith, and Rev. John Rough to preserve the history of the Cassadaga Valley area. One year later, the museum building was purchased and has undergone a multitude of improvements. The museum is open for tours at no cost on Sundays from the beginning of May until the end of September. The annual all day history fair in Sinclairville is held on the second Saturday of September. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from April through December at 7 p.m. with a program or guest speaker, and refreshments.

The annual Christmas dinner was held at the South Stockton Wayside Chapel Fellowship hall, and during the meeting, officers for 2019 were elected. Elected were Larry Barmore as the president, with Betty Jean Ridout as the vice president, Bonnie Larkin as the secretary, and John Sipos as the treasurer. Susan W. Sipos creates a program of events using her computer skills. The trustees are Evelyn Thorndike, June Woollett, Linda Parmenter, Charles Sylvester, and Kevin Lesch. Alternate trustees are Tyler Worden and Victor Richardson. Sylvester is currently arranging for speakers for 2019. Mrs. Larkin and Diane Shaw are the museum curators.

The historical society is on a winter break in the event of inclement weather conditions, and will hold its first meeting in 2019 on Tuesday, April 2. This will be the annual maple sugar party in the South Stockton Wayside Chapel, beginning at 7 p.m. Dues will be collected at that time.

For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O.Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782. New members are always welcome.