Holland Purchase Historic Society

The Holland Purchase Historical Society was founded in 1894 by Mary Richmond and other community members. Its primary purpose was to raise funds to purchase and to restore the Holland Land Office building, as its condition had deteriorated significantly and was facing the prospect of demolition. The Holland Land Office was built in 1815 to be the business office for the sale of the Western New York lands by the Holland Land Company. The building was purchased in 1894 by the Society, dedicated as a museum on October 13, 1894, and operated as such until 1941, when it shut down due to financial constraints. This is when the Holland Land Office was gifted by the Society to the Batavia Board of Education. The Board of Education accepted the building and it was thereafter leased to the Genesee Chapter of the American Red Cross during World War II.

In 1948, the Building was gifted by the Batavia Board of Education to the County of Genesee and in 1950 the Holland Land Office Museum was reopened and operated as a joint venture by the County and the Holland Purchase Historical Society. That partnership exists to the present date, with the County owning and maintaining the structure, and the Society owning and maintaining the collection. From 1950 to 1991 the Holland Land Office Museum was completely funded by Genesee County, including hiring and paying employees and managing the operations. In 1991, the operation of the museum was passed to the Holland Purchase Society, and all staff became employees of the Society in 1999.

In 1961, the Holland Land Office became a Registered National Historic Landmark for its role in developing Western New York, and for “possessing exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States.” The two entities also collaborated on the purchase of additional real estate to the east and west of the building. The west wing was added in 1970. In 1977, the east wing was built to house the County Department of History, which was located there until 1998.

Today, the Holland Purchase Historical Society, a 501 (c) (3) organization, owns and maintains a significant collection of artifacts that are centuries old, commemorating the history and importance from all areas of Genesee County. The collection includes: prehistoric bones, Native American items, locally connected military equipment, textiles, household goods and industrial objects. The Society’s collection is on display in the Holland Land Office Museum, which has periodic exhibit changes to highlight its vast collection.

Mission Statement:

The Holland Purchase Historical Society was established in 1894 to preserve the past and pioneer the future of the living history of Genesee County.

Vision Statement:

The Holland Land Office Museum will be the center of learning, creativity, and collaboration, to inspire and educate present and future generations.

Value Statements:

Community: We commit to serving the community by providing knowledge in the exchange of ideas.

Credibility: We commit to understanding the past and upholding the highest standards of conduct.

Education: We commit to increasing the knowledge, awareness and understanding of Genesee County's history and cultural heritage by educating the present to pass on to the future.

Stewardship: We commit to the long-term preservation, conservation, interpretation and accessibility of our history.