Genesee country village and museum will strengthen interpretation related to the history of enslavement in 19TH century new york state

This $396,763 Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Museums for America program will support the Genesee Country Museum in strengthening the interpretation and educational programming related to the history of enslavement in 19th century New York State. The two-year project, beginning in September 2024, will focus on enhancing the interpretive content and visitor experiences at four historic buildings on the museum's campus: the Nathaniel Rochester House, Land Office, Livingston-Backus House, and Quaker Meeting House. The museum will collaborate with interpretive and educational consultants to create new content, training for staff, and evaluation plans. They will also work with local community partners and subject matter experts to develop in-person interpretation, exhibits, audio tours, and school programs that comprehensively integrate this important historical narrative into the museum's offerings for its approximately 80,000 annual visitors.

The project will focus on the educational interpretation of four historic buildings on site: the nathaniel rochester house, land office, livingston-backus house, and quaker meeting house. Staff will work with interpretive and educational consultants to create content and evaluation plans as well as to train staff on content delivery. Staff will also work with local community partners as well as both local and national subject experts to create and review in-person interpretation, exhibit, audio tour, and school program content.