Christmas in Moravia, Saturday, Dec. 1


The History House will be open from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 1, 2012 as part of the annual Christmas in Moravia festival.  Featured will be our President Millard Fillmore exhibit along with our new Mecca of Spiritualism exhibit. The Lock 52 Brass Ensemble will perform. If you don't want to walk or drive, you can catch a ride on one of the wagons* that will be circling town throughout the day.  For more about all that is happening in Moravia on Dec 1, please visit the Christmas in Moravia webpage.


* Did you know that Wait for the Wagon was the official song for President Millard Fillmore's 1856 campaign?

Joint COLHS-Powers Library Program, Thursday, November 15; John Lamphere will Speak


The Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society in partnership with the Powers Library Association will host John Lamphere, who will discuss the tragic life of Robert Buffam. Buffam served in the Civil War and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroic acts. Mr. Lamphere will explain how this one-time war hero was tracked to an unmarked grave in Auburn, and the events that led to this ignoble treatment.


The program will be held at the Parish Hall, St. Mattew's Episcopal Church, 14 Church Street, Moravia starting at 7:00 pm. A COLHS membership meeting will immediately follow. Free and open to the public.

Remembering Patrick Conway


Do you enjoy history? Do you enjoy music?

If you do, the Millard Fillmore Elementary School auditorium is where you are going to want to be on Thursday evening. Held in conjunction with the Moravia Band Booster Club the Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society is proud to present a special program featuring Mark Fonder.

Fonder, Professor and Chair of the School of Music Education at Ithaca College, will speak about his recently published book “Patrick Conway and his Famous Band.”

Guests will learn how Conway, a native of Homer, became one of the leading stars of the professional band era; as famous in his day as such giants as John Phillip Sousa, Giuseppe Creatore and Patrick Gilmore. His work often brought him to Moravia to perform in local venues such as the Moravia Opera House, The Shirley House in Kelloggsville, Smiths Hall in Moravia and the Globe Hotel in Niles.

Moravia native, Fleming W. Ackerman, better known as Colonel Speck, accompanied Conway as a Drum Major in many of the Conway Bands marching engagements.

In addition Fonder will share with guests the evolution of the instrumentation of the American wind band, how band musicians learned their craft and made a living, as well as the impact that bands had on the social fabric of the American culture.

The program will feature vintage recordings of Conway’s music.

At the conclusion of this free event guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments and a meet and greet with the author.


What: Author, Mark Fonder speaks about his book “Patrick Conway and his Famous Band
When: October 25, 2012 @ 7:00pm
Where: Millard Fillmore Elementary School Auditorium
24 South Main Street, Moravia, NY 13118
Admission: Free and open to the public
View Moravia Central School in a larger map

Pioneer Day, Sat. Aug 18

Watch cool stuff being made right in front of your eyes.  "History" doesn't have to be boring.  Live Alpacas will appear in the front yard - watch Alpaca fiber be turned in to yarn.  Chicken BBQ and homemade pies will be on sale from 11:00am until gone. Much more.

Museum Week Activities at COLHS, July 14-21, 2012

COLHS will once again participate in Cayuga County's annual "Museum Week" with extended hours and special events. This year COLHS will feature Moravia's role in the "History of Spiritualism".

Saturday, July 14: Open House and Research Day, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monday, July 16: Open House, 9:00 am - Noon
Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20: 'Readings' by Dr. Joyce H. Smith-Moore, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Saturday, July 21: Open House

It is because Moravia's history includes Mary Todd Lincoln's visit here in 1873 … and the town becoming internationally known as “The Mecca of Spiritualism” … that COLHS President, Dr. Joyce H. Smith-Moore will channel fifteen (15) minute 'readings' for a $25.00 donation to the local historical society.

Anyone interested in having a 'reading' can either stop in during the Monday-Friday afternoon hours or call in advance to schedule an appointment at 496-1411 … providing their first names only!

Summer Hours

Summer Hours at the History House are in effect through August 25, 2012.  The History House is open every Monday from 9:00 AM to Noon (EDT) for research and every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for tours. Special Research Days are also scheduled for the following Saturdays, also from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM: June 9, July 14 and September 8.

Annual Banquet

COLHS will kick off the 2012 season with its annual meeting and banquet on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at the Summerhill Town Hall, State Rt 90, Locke, NY. Meet and greet starts at 6:00 PM; Dinner starts at 6:30 PM. Program to include COLHS Annual Meeting and Election of Officers and a presentation about the life of Thomas Mott Osborne by David Connelly. Family Style Dinner by 10-10 BBQ will include Chicken, Pulled Pork and Ziti and assorted side dishes; Cost: $16, payable at the door. Reservations are required no later than Friday, May 18. If you would like to attend, please send us a message through the contact form.