From 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission, in conjunction with the Landmark Society of Genesee County and The New York Landmarks Conservancy, will host free guided walking tours of some of Batavia's historic architecture.
May is National Preservation Month. The guided tour will bring guests to various locations that will highlight the historic significance of the “hidden gems” as well as explain the history behind some buildings that are now “lost treasures.”
The sites include GO ART!, the Masonic Temple, City Church, the Cary Mansion location, the First Presbyterian Church, the First Baptist Church, a couple of houses on East Main Street, St. James Episcopal Church, the Richmond Mansion location, the Richmond Memorial Library, and the Ross Street Historic District.
The First Presbyterian Church, locally designated as historic, and St. James church, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their participation in the event is part of The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Second Annual Sacred Sites Open House weekend.
The Cary Mansion location will be receiving an historic marker through the help and research of City Historian Larry Barnes, made possible by a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse.
Guests will also get to enjoy refreshments as well as a special organ performance by Charles Bradley. However, you MUST reserve your space for the FREE guided tour. Call Marcia Gann at 343-8218 to reserve your space.
To close off the event, The Landmark Society of Genesee County will host its 39th Annual Preservation Awards & Dinner that evening at 6 p.m. at St. James. The dinner will honor property owners for the thoughtful care and/or restoration work they have done.
The cost is $15/person. Anyone interested in attending the dinner must call Lucine Kauffman at 757-2455 or Laurie Oltramari at 343-1457 by Saturday, May 12th.
