WESTFIELD - Home to Chautauqua County's Historical Society, the McClurg Museum is a restored 1820s mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The three-floor, 14- to 16-room mansion was built in 1818 by James McClurg of Pittsburgh. He wanted an elegant home for his family, so he built the mansion instead of living in a log home as many did at the time.
The last of McClurg's descendants then left the home to the village.
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The McClurg Museum, located at Moore Park in Westfield, is home to the Chautauqua County Historical Society. Visitors can visit the museum’s art, antiques, dolls and exhibits including one detailing Chautauqua County’s connection to President Abraham Lincoln.
Submitted photo
Visitors can visit the museum's art, antiques, dolls and exhibits including one detailing Chautauqua County's connection to President Abraham Lincoln.
According to the society's website, people can discover roles the county's residents played during Lincoln's presidency in its Civil War gallery. It features Civil War diaries, letters, uniforms, discharge papers and more. Lincoln visited the Westfield train station in 1861, and his funeral train again stopped there.
The museum is home to the Chautauqua County Historical Society. The Chautauqua County Historical Society was formed in 1883 and is one of the oldest historical societies in Western New York. It is the oldest in the county. The society's members seek to foster interest and knowledge of county history.
Fact Box
What: Rock For Hondurans, to benefit children of Honduras
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday
Where: Hotel Lenhart, 20 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point
Cost: free
A fundraiser for families and children in Honduras. Participants will rock in chairs on the porch of the hotel throughout the day. Those wishing to register can do so on the day of the event. Entertainment by Randy Graham, the Harmony Express Barbershop Singers and more. For more information, call 386-4329 or 386-6043.
* 9.0 miles from downtown Jamestown.
What: Great Rhythm Revival Festival
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Blue Heron Festival grounds, 2361 Wait Corners Road, Sherman
Cost: varies based upon registration package
Jim Donovan returns to Sherman for second annual festival. Participants will learn how to use drums, rhythm and dance to relieve stress, stimulate creativity and enrich their lives. For more info, visit www.greatrhythmrevival.com or call 761-7190.
* 18.9 miles from downtown Jamestown.
What: Bluegrass Jam
When: 7 to 10 p.m., Thursday
Where: Herman Kent Post 777, 26 Jackson Ave., Celoron
Cost: free
* 2.7 miles from downtown Jamestown.
They also hold quarterly programs including exhibits, receptions, events and speakers. Upcoming events include a historian workshop Sept. 24 at Chautauqua Institution and a 2 p.m. Oct. 16 Sharon Sweeting speech at the Cherry Creek Inn for $12.50. Reservations are due by Oct. 12.
John Paul Wolfe is a member who helps at the museum.
He is a volunteer curator, who said about 2,200 visitors come to the museum annually: a number he said is four times what it once was. He attributes that to historical society outreach and publicity efforts, along with hosting events and letting others know about the museum and historical society work.
''It's important to preserve our county history so people understand where they came from and where they are going and sacrifices people made,'' he said. Wolfe said the museum hosts thousands of documents and diaries.
''You name it, we've got it,'' he said.
Wolfe said his grandfather donated items to the museum, adding such collections drew his interest.
''I always loved history,'' Wolfe said. He said he is one of 12 volunteers that give tours to museum guests, who include tourists.
The museum, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, is at Moore Park at the junction of New York Route 394 and U.S. Route 20. There is a $5 admission charge.
More information is available by calling 326-2977 or visiting www.mcclurgmuseum.org.