County Historian

Welcome! 

Find online resources, request research assistance, and explore Livingston County history.

NEW: Hidden Histories: The Tavern on the Canal

Discover hidden histories throughout our neighborhoods! In this episode, find out how a local restaurant got its start when a major canal came through the hamlet of Piffard in the town of York. 


Collecting Craig Colony Stories

Did you work at Craig Colony and want to preserve your experiences?

The Livingston County Historian’s Office is facilitating a project to collect information about Craig Colony, and those who worked there, for historical documentation and research purposes. The materials collected will help ensure that the experiences and perspectives of Craig staff members will be preserved and a more comprehensive view of the institution is captured.

View and download a questionnaire outline here. You may write out responses or contact the County Historian's Office to set up a time to tell your stories in person. Thank you for helping preserve history!

COVID-19 Documentation Project

The County Historian’s Office wants to hear about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted you, no matter what your experiences or viewpoints are. Are you tired of COVID-19 and feel your life has returned to normal? Is the pandemic continuing to affect your day-to-day? Input from all ages is valued.

All information gathered will become part of the County Historian’s permanent archival collection and made accessible to researchers. Stories and images may also be used for future exhibits.

Submit your experiences and/or images directly here:

COVID-19 Documentation Project Survey

  5. Your Privacy*

    Can we include your name and town in possible future exhibits or other projects?

  11. Please submit any photos that document this place and time in history. Ex. storefronts, street scenes, signs, family and neighborhood activities (indoors and out), and the workplace.

  12. Voice recordings of your story and videos documenting this event are also welcomed.

  18. Need to send more files?

    Please feel free to email us additional photos or documents at historian@co.livingston.ny.us

  20. Thank you!

    Your submission helps us document the local impact of the pandemic on our communities.

    21. Leave This Blank:

Book Available:

Portraits of women bordering Women's Biographical Review book cover Opens in new window

The Women's Biographical Review is the County Historian's newest foundational reference book, published as part of Livingston County's bicentennial year. It features 200 women associated with Livingston County from the 18th-21st centuries.

Order your copy through the County Historian's Office!

Also available at Sundance Books in Geneseo and on Amazon.com.

Once you've read it, please write a review on Google Books or Goodreads. Thank you!

What's New?

New Photo Gallery Launched

October 2022

TColor image of Lima baseball team from early 1900she Livingston County Historian's Office is pleased to present an improved photograph gallery to showcase just a few of the thousands of photographs held in the archives.

Check it out and let us know what else you would like to see! View the photo albums here.

Madeline Friedler Appointed Deputy County Historian

August 2022Image with text welcoming newest employee, Madeline Friedler, as deputy historian Opens in new window

Brand-new Look for Historian's Record Index

June 2022

Now you can filter records, search keywords, and find more information than ever before!

new site header

Get started and send us any feedback!

New county historian appointed

May 2022

On May 27, Amie Alden retired after over 25 years of public service. Deputy Historian Holly Watson was named to the position by the board of supervisors. Click here to read more.Portraits of Amie Alden and Holly Watson Opens in new window

Livingston County Heritage Tours: STQRY

April 2022
STQRY logo

Utilize everyday technology to access these virtual tours onsite or from afar! Each trail makes stops at important locations and landmarks around the county. Charge your phone and start exploring Livingston County's history for yourself through Livingston County Heritage Tours!

Tips:

  • Click on the map icon (map icon from STQRY) on the top right for a map of each tour
  • View the master maps from the bottom bar for all stops in the county

Poorhouse Cemeteries

June 2021

Grave number 14 in County Poorhouse CemeteryJust released: over 320 names of those known to be buried in the Old and New County Poorhouse Cemeteries.


Women’s History TrailWomens History Trail image

March 2020

Explore some of the contributions women have made to Livingston County with this new STQRY tour, and check back for periodic additions

Photographs from the Archives

Livingston Landmarks

Highlights from the County Bicentennial Year, 2021

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