The Clarence Historical Museum

We are setting new displays and exhibits for 2025, we will be reopening in March.

Open: First Saturday of each month from 10am – 12pm
Open 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month from 1pm – 3pm
Closed Holidays
Tours by appointment

The Clarence Historical Museum is located on land that was part of the 144-acre purchase by Asa Ransom in 1803.
On this land, he had a sawmill and a gristmill, the first in Erie County.
They were both powered by the creek that bears his name, Ransom Creek.

In the 1840’s, an early pioneer settler named Abraham Shope purchased this property,
including the home across the street, the Asa Ransom Gristmill, and the surrounding farm property.
On it, he built a second grist mill; he also constructed the dam and pond to supply water for power.
In 1844, he donated this parcel of land to the congregation of the Church of Christ.
The congregation used local Onondaga Limestone from the ledge to construct the church, which was completed in 1849.
The structure was known as “The Meeting House on the West Hill.”
Here the congregation held meetings for the next 26 years, and the church continued to grow.

In the 1870’s, an Evangelist came to town and encouraged the people to build a larger building “down in the hollow.”
In 1875, the congregation sold the building to Dr. Jared Parker,
where it remained a private residence for the next fifty years.

The Buffalo Automobile Club bought the property in 1925 and placed it in service for the Club superintendent,
who used it as his residence. It was given the name Club Villa at that time.
A fire gutted the residence in 1956 caused by the workmen remodeling the kitchen for the Club.

During the 1970’s and 1980’s, it housed a series of restaurants including The Meeting House.
In 1989, the Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Foundation purchased the land and building to be
used as a historical museum, and in 1994, the Town of Clarence acquired it.
It is the home of the Historical Society of the Town of Clarence, Inc.

All buildings on the Museum Campus are owned by the Town of Clarence

Signage funded through Erie County Legislator Christopher Greene

*The Historical Society of Clarence has no relationship with the Town of Clarence Historic Preservation Commission.
If you have questions regarding planned alterations to your home or business, please contact the Town of Clarence Office of Planning
and Zoning at (716) 741-8933 or by emailing aschaefer@clarence.ny.us