Gates Historical Society

Holly Days
2023-12-03 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Franklin Hinchey House, 634 Hinchey Rd, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
See the beautiful trees and decorations throughout the Hinchey House and enjoy a mini tour. Also enjoy the festive decorations outside. Light refreshments will be served. Cost is $8 for member and $10 for non-members. Children 16 and under free with adult.

Holly Days
2023-12-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Franklin Hinchey House, 634 Hinchey Rd, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
See the beautiful trees and decorations throughout the Hinchey House and enjoy a mini tour. Also enjoy the festive decorations outside. Light refreshments will be served. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members and Children 16 and under free with adult.

Program-"How (and What) Forged Our Major Roads"
2023-11-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Chris Carosa, Publisher, Author will join us. His presentation entitled “How (and What) Forged Our Major Roads” tells us where our roads came from, how they got there and why did they get there.

Book Sale & Signing
2023-11-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY, United States
John Boundy and John Robortella, two writers who grew up in Gates and who served on the Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service and the Gates-Chili Fire Department, will return home to join the Gates Historical Society for a pre-holiday book sale on Saturday, November 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Road.
U.S. Air Force veteran John Boundy, a 1976 graduate of Gates Chili High School, who is both a past Gates-Chili volunteer firefighter, and medic and dispatcher at Gates Ambulance, is the author of Justice is Coming, a murder-mystery novel inspired by actual events with references to Rochester and Gates. It is the story of a small-town lawyer who squares off in and out of the courtroom with a doctor whose deceptions include private islands, luxury yachts, personal jets and a wealth which knows no boundaries.
Several local history books by John Robortella, the past editor of the Gates-Chili News, will be available at the sale including the most recent Steps West: The Field Notes of Col. Hugh Maxwell which documents why the 1788 main survey line of western New York State veered to the west and created land ownership issues for those buying property in western New York and the Finger Lakes region for more than a century.
Among a number of other titles, the Gates Historical Society will feature Hinchey: A Pioneer Family’s Legacy in the Town of Gates which was released in September 2023 and is the first full-length work on the Hinchey family.
Now living in Texas, John Boundy graduated from U. T. Southwestern Medical Center and worked as a physician’s assistant prior to attending law school. He is now an assistant district attorney in Angleton, a city and the county seat of Brazoria County on the Texas Gulf Coast. When not writing, Boundy designs jewelry as a wire-wrapping artist. This will be his first visit back to Gates in several decades.
John Robortella, a 1969 graduate of Gates Chili High School, is the author and co-author of a number of Gates history books including Coldwater: An Eclectic History of the Hamlet (with Donald G. Ioannone). A former newspaper reporter and editor, he retired after a 32-year career at the University of Rochester and wrote the “Past Tense” Finger Lakes history feature which was published in both Canandaigua Magazine and Rochester Magazine. He is now working with the Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums on a 25th anniversary retrospective of the pipes and drums band.
The Gates Historical Society has a long list of books relating to the history of Gates which will be featured at the sale, such as The Biography of Rattlesnake Pete, Gates Revisited: Timeless Images from Family Albums, Frogleg George: The Legend No One Really Knew, and the Society’s first book Gates, a pictorial history of the town.

Revolutionary War in NY Program
2023-10-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Gary Newman, Reenactor. His presentation will include the causes and background of the American Revolutionary War in NY State and the treaty ending the war.

Underground Railroad Program
2023-09-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Jerry Bennett, Underground Railroad Enthusiast will join us. His presentation will include following a slaver’s ship from England to W. Africa to the Americas and discuss what happened in the South. You will meet many heroes on the Underground Railroad’s routes to freedom.

Book Release and Signing
2023-09-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Franklin Hinchey House, 634 Hinchey Rd, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Join us at the Hinchey Homestead on Sunday September 17th. You can purchase your copy of “Hinchey A Pioneer Family’s Legacy in the Town of Gates” and have it signed by author, John Robortella. We will also have interactive displays/demonstrations on the lawn.

Annual Yard Sale
2023-08-26 08:00 - 16:00, 2023-08-25 08:00 - 16:00 | 1340 Spencerport Rd, 1340 Spencerport Rd, Rochester, NY, 14606, United States

NY Museum of Transportation Program
2023-08-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
JimDierks from the New York Museum of Transportation will join us. His presentation, “The Inerurban Era” will be a slide talk and cover our area transportation history and provide information about the museum.

History of The Gates Fire Department Program
2023-07-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Jim Werth, Town of Gates Fire Commissioner will be with us. His presentation will cover the history of the Gates Fire Department from its founding in 1927 through today.

Hinchey History Day
2023-06-25 16:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Hinchey House, 634 Hinchey Rd, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Hinchey History Book Final Low Resolution

Keystone Club Parade Banner
Join us for a fun evening full of family entertainment. Author John Robortella will be signing copies of his long-awaited book, ‘Hinchey, A Pioneer Family’s Legacy in the Town of Gates’ which will be available for purchase for the first time at this event. The Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums will be performing in celebration of their 25th Anniversary and the Gates Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series will kick off with the John Paulsen Trio. There will be food available to purchase and other community groups will be on hand for you to learn about. The Gates Historical Society is hosting the event along with the Town of Gates Historian and The Gates Parks and Recreation Department. We look forward to seeing you there.

Annual Membership Meeting
2023-06-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Members, Please join us for our annual membership meeting and celebration. Meet our new Officers and Board Members. Hear our achievements for the next year. Enjoy a special cake, refreshments, punch and water. A raffle basket will be available for your consideration.

May Program
2023-05-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Gary Larder, Chairman of the Rochester Red Wings Baseball Team will share about the history of baseball in American and Rochester.

April Program
2023-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Ethan Fogg, collector. Talks about his collection of antique keys, locks and hardware.

March Program
2023-03-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Author Rick Iekel will share the 100-year history of the Rochester airport.

GHS May Program
2022-05-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
The Gates Historical Society’s May program will be held on Monday, May 16 at 7:00 pm at the Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Rd. Don Dwyer, a musician, singer and songwriter, will tell us the meaning behind songs from the Civil War, as well as their impact in society at that time. He will also perform some of the songs. This program is free and the facility is handicapped accessible. Masks are optional.

GHS April Program with Monroe County Parks Department
2022-04-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
The Gates Historical Society’s April program will be held on Monday, April 18 at 7:00 pm. It will be held at the Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Rd. Douglas French, Deputy Director of the Monroe County Parks Department will give a presentation on the history of the Monroe County Parks and future events.
This program is free and handicapped accessible. Masks are optional.

GHS March Program: Carol Crossed
2022-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
The Gates Historical Society’s March program will be held on March 21, at 7:00 pm in the Gates Town Hall Annex. Carol Crossed, Author of “Vintage Tweets Suffrage Era Postcards” and founder of the Harriet Tubman Museum in NJ, among other accomplishments, will be the speaker. She has compiled a massive collection of postcards from the suffrage movement into a new coffee-table style art book which she will have for sale at the meeting. The cost is $75.00. A sample will be available to view.
This program is free and the facilities are handicapped accessible. Masks are recommended.

History of the Gates Police Department
2021-11-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
The Gates Historical Society’s November 15th program will be the history of the Gates Police Department presented by Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode. Come hear about the Gates Police Department and the history of policing in the Town of Gates! You won’t be disappointed. The meeting will be in the Gates Town Hall Annex at 7:00 pm.
Admission is free. Masks and social distancing are encouraged.

Fall Cleanup 2021
2021-11-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Franklin Hinchey House, 634 Hinchey Rd, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Join us for a fun and festive time at our Annual Fall Cleanup on November 13 beginning at 10am.
Come join the GHS preparing the Hinchey House for the fall and winter seasons. We will be picking up branches, putting perennials to bed and raking leaves to haul to the road. This would be a great opportunity for youth organizations so feel free to share with friends and family.
All ages are welcome! Children under 14 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older. Bring your own rakes, and also tarps and leaf blowers if you have them. The house will be open for restroom use only.
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Rain date: November 20.

Please RSVP to: Christine Maurice (GHS Volunteer Coordinator) at cmaurice001@gmail.com.
We can’t wait to see you there!

The Italians of Greater Rochester NY: Contributions to the Community and the Nation (ZOOM)
2021-11-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Online Event
Retired RIT Professor Ed Maruggi will host a Zoom presentation based on his book, “The Italians of Greater Rochester NY: Contributions to the Community and the Nation.” Following his presentation, several Gates Italian-American panelists will comment on their experiences including Gates Town Supervisor, Cosmo Giunta, and Enzo Scollo of the Italian Consulate in Rochester. The general public will be invited to ask questions by Zoom.
After registering:

You will immediately receive an email (from alerts@mail.libcal.com) confirming your registration. If you do not receive this, please check your Junk or Spam folder.
On Wednesday, November 3 (the day before the event) you will be emailed the Zoom link.
If you have any questions, please email mike.boedicker@libraryweb.org or call 585-429-8219.

Register for this program here.

Halloween Event
2021-10-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Memorial Park, 160 Spencerport Rd, Rochester, NY, 14606, United States
Join us for a Halloween Event at Memorial Park on Friday, October 22 from 5:30-7:30PM for Trick-or-Treating and other kid friendly activities! The Gates Recreation & Parks Department will be taking collections for Lollypop Farm at this event! Please consider bringing an item or two of the following to donate (canned cat or dog food, soft dog treats, cat or dog toys).
5:30 – 7:00pm:

Trick or Treating with Community Vendors in the main parking lot
Graveyard Games in the back parking lot
Pumpkin Rock Hunt along the walking trail

7:00pm:

Outdoor movie (Toy story of terror)

The Italians of Greater Rochester: Contributions to the Community and the Nation
2021-10-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Join us for The Italians of Greater Rochester: Contributions to the Community and the Nation, presented by author Edward Maruggi on Monday, October 18 at 7PM. He will explain how more than 4 million Italians came to America between 1880-1920 and how they began as workers on the railroad. Copies of one of his books will be available for purchase.
This program is free. The facility is handicapped accessible. Masks are strongly encouraged as well as social distancing.

Kodakids
2021-09-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Presented by Mary Jo Lanphear, Town of Brighton Historian, she will share the story behind the over 1300 children who spent 5 years with total strangers. Kodakids were children of Kodak employees from Harrow, England during World War II.
This facility is handicapped accessible. Masks required with tables all socially distanced.

August Event: History of Artillery
2021-08-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Join the Gates Historical Society and Jonathan Bernard (Civil War reenactor) on the history of artillery.

From its origins up to the American Civil War, beginning with the discovery of gun powder in 9th Century China.

As a reminder, our events are free and open to the community.

GHS Summer Yard Sale
2021-08-13 08:00 - 17:00 | 1340 Spencerport Rd, 1340 Spencerport Rd, Rochester, NY, 14606, United States
Help support the Gates Historical Society for our Summer Yard Sale! All donations except clothing are welcome. We kindly ask that donations be pre-priced if possible.

HOURS:
Friday 8/13 from 8 am to 5 pm
Saturday 8/14 from 8 am to 3 pm

LOCATION:
1340 Spencerport Road
Rochester, NY 14606QUESTIONS:
Please contact 585-464-9740 or email
gateshistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Hinchey House Summer Concert
2021-07-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Hinchey House, 634 Hinchey Rd, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
The community is invited to attend this free event at the Historic Hinchey House.
There will be live music by the Fiddlers of the Genesee
and an opportunity to learn about the history of this Gates landmark.
Please bring your own lawn chair.

History of Stained Glass
2021-07-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
Join the Gates Historical Society for “History of Stained Glass” featuring Valerie O’Hara, Director of Pike Stained Glass Studios. Valerie will be sharing the history of stained glass, including the112-year history of her studio. She will also demonstrate the process it takes to design, create, and repair stained glass windows.

As a reminder, our monthly events are free and open to the community. For the safety of the community, face masks and social distancing will be required.

Celebrate Independence Day with a tour of the Hinchey House!
2021-07-04 12:00 - 15:00 | Franklin Hinchey House, 634 Hinchey Rd, Rochester, NY, 14624, United States
The house will be open on July 4th from 12-3 and docents will be available to give tours. We are very excited to be open to the public for tours once again after a long year of being closed. We used the time we were closed to update the tour and to make some lovely changes inside the house. Come out and learn more about this beautiful Historic Site. We would love to be able to share it with you. The cost of tours is $5 for Gates Historical Society members and $8 for non-members. You can join at the door to receive the member rate. The gift shop at the house has books about Gates history, which are also available on our website at gateshistory.org, as well as some additional local history books. The house is open for tours and the gift shop is open every Wednesday from 10 am – 3pm and the first Sunday of every month from 12 – 3. We hope you will join us this Sunday for a tour of The Hinchey Homestead, Gates’ only site that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
