Seneca Falls Historical Society awarded Business of the Month

The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce has recognized the Seneca Falls Historical Society as the February 2015 Business of the Month. In bestowing the honor to the Historical Society, the Chamber noted the organization’s longevity and the role it has played in preserving the area’s rich history.Formed in 1896, the Historical Society was originally located on the corner of Fall Street and Ovid Street in downtown Seneca Falls. As its collection of artifacts grew, the historical society was forced to relocate in 1961 (with the help of several local volunteers) to its present location on Cayuga Street – in what was the original home of Edward Mynderse.The Historical Society has a staff of two full time employees – Fran Barbieri, Executive Director and Kathy Jans-Duffy, Collections Manager. Along with a dedicated group of volunteers, their mission is to preserve and protect the history of Seneca Falls, while providing an excellent customer service experience to visitors. The organization takes pride in being a trusted resource for historical questions, as well as a permanent home to several historical treasures such as a British “red coat” from the Napoleonic War and hundreds of vintage photographs from the community.The Seneca Falls Historical Society also plays an important role in teaching history to the area’s youth – as it partners with local school districts on a variety of educational programs and seminars throughout the school year. Its renowned “Taking Tea” program has inspired thousands of students and earned the organization special accolades from state and local leaders. The staff is heavily involved within the community – volunteering for such community organizations as the St. Anthony’s festival, Rotary International, the Kiwanis Club, the National Women’s Hall of Fame and local churches.Among the events planned for 2015, the historical society will be celebrating the 200th birthday anniversary of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the 100th anniversary of the Barge Canal. To learn more about the Seneca Falls Historical Society, please visit www.sfhistoricalsociety.org or call (315) 568-8265. The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday and offers tours from 9 am to 3 pm.The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month Program is sponsored by the Hampton Inn-Seneca Falls. Recipients are chosen on a monthly basis by the Chamber’s membership community to recognize organizational excellence and/or significant accomplishments in their field. For more information about the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce or to inquire about membership in one of the region’s leading professional organizations, please call (315) 568-2906 or visit senecachamber.org.