About the Perinton Historical Society

The Society is a non-profit volunteer organization that operates the Fairport Museum at 18 Perrin Street in the Village of Fairport and maintains its collections. The Society began as a research organization founded by ten individuals on November 1, 1935 at the home of Mrs. Clarence Moore at 23 Pleasant Street. 

This was a follow up meeting to an October 25 gathering at Mrs. Gardner Bown's house at 127 South Main Street when the forming of a club for the recording and preservation of Perinton history was first suggested. The Society was incorporated in 1937.  

Visit the History of the Society for more information.

Now over 80 years of documents and images have been collected. Some items from our collections are found nowhere else.

Governing Body and Operation

The By-Laws of the Perinton Historical Society call for a Board of Trustees to govern the operation and to have an annual meeting of members each year. The board generally meets 8 to 10 times a year on the third Tuesday of the month. These meetings are open to any member of the Society. 

The annual meeting and picnic for members is held in May. Elections are held for board positions, and socializing is enjoyed. The Society meetings are open to all members. For dates and times please see the Events Calendar. Information on the Board and past meeting minutes are available to download from the Governing Body page. 

Finance Committee
This committee is composed of: the Treasurer, a Society member representing the museum operations, and chaired by a designated at-large trustee.

Property Committee
The Property Committee is the planning body for the long-term internal and external needs of the museum and the property.

Brand Identity & Website
In June of 2009 a new website was launched with a new logo inspired by the Museum Mural by Carl Peters. The goal of the site is to inform and educate the community about local history, and make it easy to access Society and Fairport Historical Museum information.

Our Mission, Vision & Goals

Mission: The mission of the Society is to promote interest in preserving and sharing local history.

Vision: The vision is to be the leading, widely recognized community resource for promoting and instilling a sense of local history among Perinton residents.

Goals:

  • Operate the Museum in the Village of Fairport according to American Museum Association’s standards, approved by the NYS Education Department’s Chartering Division.
  • Strive to optimize the environmental conditions to preserve and display our artifacts.
  • Further enhance our collections by focusing primarily on acquiring objects, and artifacts related to the history of Perinton.
  • Increase visitors to the Museum by proactively generating interest in the collections and resources available for research on farming, genealogy, canal development, structures, and industry.
  • Develop plans to increase member participation and volunteerism to bring new ideas and leadership to the Society.
  • Develop programs at the museum that will encourage a broad audience to visit and learn about local history. 
  • Continue to enhance interest in architectural history and the preservation of the local structures

With the Help of Volunteers

grantsvisitv1phs2011web200To fulfill our educational objectives we sponsor lectures featuring stimulating local and regional speakers. Our Museum Director/Curator along with our Town Historian host a 4th grade program.

The Society organizes historic house tours, a picnic in the spring, and publishes the Historigram, a newsletter that contains articles about local history, events and special exhibits. 

Education Programs
The educational arm of the Society currently consists of four key programs; Fairport school fourth graders, scout programs, local history presentations, and historic tours.

Historic Tours
The Society organizes an annual house tour and has developed several walking and bike tours.

We sponsor lectures featuring stimulating local and regional speakers. Shown here is Steve Trimm who provided members with an historic interpretation of Ulysses S. Grant in 2011.

Preservation Projects
Bill Matthews interest in old buildings and his association with the Matthews Building Movers made the preservation and relocation of an outhouse, trolley stop and switch station possible.

Structure Committee
The mission of the committee is to serve as a resource to help identify significant local historic structures; to promote public awareness and education about local historic structures; and to provide assistance to citizens, government, and other groups seeking information about local historical structures.

Support the Society with Your Membership

Help us achieve our goals and preserve history today for tomorrow. Join now and support the Society with your time and talents. Membership information.

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Support the Society
with Your Membership

Help us achieve our goals and preserve history today for tomorrow. Join now and support the Society with your time and talents. Membership information.

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Donations Help
Fund Our Programs

Consider donating to the Historical Society. Your donations allow us to operate the Fairport Museum, provide educational programs, historic tours and produce and mail the Historigram newsletter.

You can donate online or send a check made out to the Perinton Historical Society to 18 Perrin Street Fairport, NY 14450, or add your donation to your annual Society membership application.

Thank you for your continued support!

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phs.celebratevets11.11.12
In 2012, Vicki Profitt, Vice-President of the Society developed a series of children's programs. The Nov. program was "Celebrate Our Vets".

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