About Us
Formal Organization of the DAHS
The DAHS was formally organization May 18, 1961. The Constitution was accepted. Officers were elected as follows: Mrs. Vincent Owen, President; Robert Beecher, Vise-President; Miss Jean Bradley, Recording Secretary; Dr. Robert Hamsher, Corresponding Secretary; and Mrs. Walter Sorg, Treasurer. The six directors: C. Wilson Ullyette and Mrs. Bruce Hartman (three-year term); Mrs. Floyd Gary and Mrs. George Bliven (two years); and Wilfred Rauber and Charles McEvoy (one year).
Charter
The Dansville Area Historical Society was granted a Provisional Charter on January 24, 1963 by the New York State Education Department. After additional submissions, reviews and a manditory visit, the DAHS was granted an Absolute Charter on April 25, 1969.
Dansville through the years
- Early 1790s
Originally part of the Seneca Indian Nation Territory, the valley was first settled in the early 1790’s. Dansville’s waterways dictated the first industries.
- 1840s
The Dansville branch of the Genesee Valley Canal was completed, causing the population to double.
- 1854
A large section of Main Street was damaged by fire.
- 1870s to 1880s
The first railroad, the first water system, the first school and the first library.
- 1881
Clara Barton established the first chapter of the American Red Cross.
- 1919
Lynne Pickard selected a 50-acre parcel of land on Maple Street and developed what would eventually become the Dansville Municipal Airport.
- 1920s to 1930s
The Dansville Star Theater opened as a silent movie house and a live-vaudevillian theater, Dansville General Hospital opened, Foster Wheeler Corporation was created, and Thomas P. Reilly invented Ra-Pid-Gro plant food.
- World War II
Activity increased airport usage and prompted equipment upgrades of the facility.
- 1950s
The Dansville School District centralized and added facilities.
- May 18, 1961
The Dansville Area Historical Society was formally organized and its Constitution accepted.
- Jan 24, 1963
The Society was granted a Provisional Charter by the New York State Education Department.
- Apr 25, 1969
The Society was granted an Absolute Charter.
- Late 1960s to 1970s
The first annual Dogwood Festival and Oktoberfest.
- Early 1980s
The Thomas P. Reilly Memorial Medical Arts Building began services and the ‘old’ hospital was converted into a senior living complex.
- 2000
The Department of Transportation completed a Main Street Renovation Project, assisting business district enhancement initiatives.
- 2012
The Society was awarded a “Get Ready” grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to develop a strategic or long range plan.
Planning for the future
In 2012 The Dansville Area Historical Society was awarded a “Get Ready” grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to develop a strategic or long range plan. This part of the grant entails reading background material and thoughtfully doing a self assessment. Then attending a half-day “brainstorming” session with a Museumwise consultant who will help us identify our mission and vision and focus on perhaps some broad aspects of our future strategic planning venture. We have scheduled a meeting on Aug. 11, 2012 consisting of DAHS board members as well as local officials and business owners.
Going forward, we anticipate receiving another grant which will allow us to hire a planning consultant. Members of the committee who wish to continue should expect background reading and a few more meetings.
Board of Directors 2023
Officers
- Jim Helfrich, President / House & Grounds · (585) 733-5035
- David Gilbert, Vice President / Researcher · (585) 335-2568
- Nancy Helfrich, Newsletter Editor / Treasurer / Collections · (585) 335-5743
- Corky Chapman, Collections / Programs · (585) 335-2606
- Jasmine Willis · (716) 239-1703
- Marleen Mark · (585) 738-6070
- Scott Kenney, House & Grounds · (585) 734-1734