Williamsville Historical Society and Museum

Second Annual Preservation Day! Please join fellow history and preservation enthusiasts at this free, family event! Learn about history and landmark preservation work. Explore the many historic exhibits-Crafts, food, fun for the entire family!

The Meeting House-5658 Main St. Williamsville, NY. Another historic landmark in the Village of Williamsville, built in 1871 by The Disciples of Christ Church. The local congregation disbanded in 1976 and the building was offered to the Village for one dollar. Research and restoration ultimately brought this valuable asset and landmark to the village community. The Meeting House has been used for church services, funerals, weddings, concerts and also serves as a home to the Historical Society and Museum.

Photos- Village of Williamsville.

‘Tis the season!🎄 Throughout our history, Main Street in Williamsville has been one of many favorite spots to enjoy seasonal sights and sounds. When shopping, dining, or strolling to see the winter beauty of the falls, you may visit many historic buildings such as the Williamsville Water Mill. Originally known as "Williams Mills”, named after Jonas Williams who built the mill in 1811, the village was named for the mills which remain a symbol of history and civic pride. To preserve this historic structure, the mill complex was designated as a historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just as in the days of Jonas Williams, the mill remains an integral part of a busy commercial and community center. This beautiful photo taken by Wildlifeguy Photography captures this perfectly!

Photo taken by Wildlifeguy Photography.

Today, together with the Village of Williamsville Historic Preservation Commission, we held an educational
family friendly event at the Williamsville Library, where we learned about architecture! 🏘. After watching a video and reading a story, kids took to becoming architects and designed some houses of their own. The “grown ups”....well....they also had an opportunity to research their home styles and test their knowledge in a matching game. 😁👍 STEM fun day! If you think you would be interested in attending something like this in the future, let us know by posting below. 👋

Happy Halloween! TREAT yourself to this National Geographic clip to learn the story behind this night! 😁🎃

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R-VRAemIvbI

Halloween History | National Geographic Halloween isn't just costumes and candy; it's a cultural holiday rich in tradition. ➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe ...

When visiting businesses such as the Creekview Restaurant, or Ed Young's Hardware on Main Street in the Village of Williamsville, you may see this sign in the parking lot. This spot was the location of the first house built in Amherst! Known as the Evans House, the home was built by John Thompson and used as the local headquarters of the Holland Land Company, an inn, residence, and military headquarters during the War of 1812. The Evans family, relatives of Joseph Ellicott owned the home until 1925. The house stood on the premises until 1955. Despite the efforts of local preservationists to save the historic home, it was eventually demolished. Evans Street is named after these early settlers.

The name "Ellicott"? In comments below, list or post pictures of things or places in our region with the name - Ellicott. How many can you name?

Why so many?

If you own a house and have ever actually read the abstract of title for your property, you will see the name, Holland Land Company, on the first page. If you read the legal description, you will also see a reference to the Holland Land Company survey. Joseph Ellicott worked for the Holland Land Company as a land agent, attorney and surveyor responsible for the survey of this land. The parcel would include Buffalo and Western New York.

Benjamin Ellicott (Joseph’s brother) also worked for the Holland Land Company, under his brother for a time. In 1798 or 1799, Benjamin Ellicott and John Thompson traveled along the trail from the east (see my earlier post on that trail) and stopped at the waterfall of a creek which would later be named Ellicott Creek. Because the men believed this power source had great potential, they purchased 300 acres of land and water rights for $600.00 on the condition that a home would be built on the property. This would be the first recorded land transaction in Amherst. The first home in Erie County would be built on this land.

These men would go on to play an important role in the development of the region. Joseph Ellicott became a well known politician, worked with many to plan the city, Erie Canal and is considered by many as the founder of Buffalo and Batavia. Benjamin Ellicott worked to straighten and improve the trail from the east, eventually becoming Buffalo Road and Main Street. He eventually was elected to Congress. Upon his death he was buried in the cemetery in Williamsville.

When you visit the falls at Glen Park, remember, this was the site (and sight) that impressed these men such that they began settlement! 😮

Photo courtesy of Village of Williamsville

What’s in a name? Many street names reflect a historical figure or event. This beautiful heritage garden is located at another historic intersection-Main Street and Garrison Road.

During the War of 1812, Garrison was the location of log barracks housing General Alexander Smyth’s army. Smyth had retired his troops to this location after an attempted invasion in Canada. The barracks were later used as hospitals, with a cemetery location along the creek.

Thank you to the village volunteers who create this beautiful spot so we may remember these soldiers and their story. 😊

Photo taken by Garden Walk Williamsville. Beautiful.

Stuck at a traffic light? Ponder the history.

When we travel through intersections such as the one at Main Street and Cayuga Road in Williamsville, we are often at the crossroads of two historic trails! Even back in the day, Main Street was a well traveled route known as as the Great Iroquois Trail. Cayuga Road was also a key trail leading to the south and known as "Through the Oak Opening". As people traveled these trails, they rested and took residence in these localities. From crossroads, we have communities.

Think about the busy spots in your neighborhood. Might there be a story? :)

Our motto- "Where the past is present" is so true in our area! The attached article features things to see and do in Williamsville. Some of the featured spots in this piece are actually historic landmarks. Can you guess the number?

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/western-ny/2017/03/a_day_in_williamsville_photo_essay_of_people_places_in_upstate_ny_village.html

A day in Williamsville: Photo essay of people, places in Upstate NY village Photographer Matthew Digati visits Erie County in Western New York.

Did you know that Williamsville was originally known as the hamlet of Willams Mills? Yes, the power generated by Ellicott Creek resulted in mills emerging and development along its banks. Waterways have played a major role in the history of our region. Learn more about the importance of our waterways by visiting the Smithsonian Exhibit currently on display at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village!

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village Living history museum based in 19th century Western New York with 10 historic structures on our 35-acre campus.

Welcome to the Williamsville Historical Society page! “Where the Past is Present!”

History is a “story”. This page will share tidbits and chapters from the story of the Village of Williamsville, Town of Amherst, our region and more. We hope you will follow us and share our posts as well! 😊