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UNLOCK HISTORY!

Wayne County History Museum is housed in the former Wayne County Jail and sheriff's residence, just a few blocks from downtown Lyons and the Erie Canal (Lock E27).
 
The museum has three floors of local history displays, a two-story carriage house, and thematic exhibits. Visitors can also ​meet the former Sheriff and step inside the old jail cells.
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Main  Exhibit 2026
Bloodlines that Built America
Painting by Ira Randall of Naples, NY (1903 - 1986)

Explore the cultural landscape of Wayne Co. 250 years ago. Especially the Indigenous Haudenosaunee, European, and early African residents and settlers.

​Museum Open 

April 11 to December 5

Tuesdays thru Saturdays
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.​

Open by Appointment Only
Jan 1 to April 11, 2026

 

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Doing Research? Need our help?
We have an extensive collection of objects, books, diaries and photos from around the county. 
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The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief makes it's return voyage to Buffalo in June 2026. The Seneca Chief will stop in Lyons on June 18 and June 19. There are many opportunities to engage in conversation with Buffalo Maritime Center and the boat building phenomena. 

Private Educational Group Tours available. Please contact Buffalo Maritime Center Educational Staff directly. 

 

We are honored to host the following events with the help of the Delavan Foundation and the Town of Lyons, Lyons Main St. Program, Lyons Heritage and Lyons Canal Greeters. 

Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief: Eastern White Pine Dedication
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief: Eastern White Pine Dedication
Thu, Jun 18
Erie Canalway Trailhead
An Eastern White Pine tree was gifted to each of 28 ports from Buffalo to Lyons in 2025 during the commemorative 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. Lyons community will dedicate this tree upon the arrival of the "Seneca Chief" on their Back to Buffalo Tour.
Community Conversations: A Corridor of Connection
Community Conversations: A Corridor of Connection
Thu, Jun 18
Elks Lodge #869 Lyons
In 1825, the Erie Canal became a superhighway of information, cultural exchange, and human connection. Today, it remains a vital waterway connecting people and places along the corridor history and the future.
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Juneteenth Celebration with the Erie Canal Boat "Seneca Chief"
Juneteenth Celebration with the Erie Canal Boat "Seneca Chief"
Fri, Jun 19
Lyons Dock Access
Celebrate JUNETEENTH with Erie Canal Activities! Scroll down and see more!

THANK YOU
to our Community Sponsors

These Community Sponsors help bring you local history.

With their monetary and product donations, we are are able to update displays, provide programming and continue collecting, researching and preserving Wayne County history.

 

Won't you join us too?

Become a Community Sponsor today. 

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY E-NEWS
 

The County Bulletin

We will send you an email once a month with upcoming events,
historic stories, and news from the Wayne County Historical Society.


Thank you for your continued interest and support!

Thanks for subscribing!

Want to help us preserve & share our history?

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Opportunities abound to be part of something bigger, that will leave a legacy.
VOLUNTEERS

Seeking persons and families who are willing to commit a few hours toward our mission.

Please fill out the volunteer contact form.​

INTERNSHIPS

College and high school students are invited

to contact us to fulfill required hours of internship toward any major or civic participation.

© 2026 Wayne County Historical Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Museum is chartered by the NYS Dept. of Education.

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