Town of Lima, NY
Lima Historical Society
Lima Historical Society
Bruce Mayer
The Lima Historical Society, formally organized in 1973, is made up of a diverse group of individuals of various ages, backgrounds, and interests. The common denominator is the desire to preserve and pass on the memory of Lima's history, and to help protect the small-town historic character of the town.
The society operates the Tennie Burton Museum located at 1850 Rochester Street in Lima where a large collection of records, photos, books, and objects relating to the town's history are stored and cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers. Hours are limited, so please refer to our website regarding regular summer hours, permanent and rotating exhibits, and special arrangements for research in our historic family, organization and building files, as well as reservations for group tours throughout the year. Link to Tennie Burton Museum.
General meetings are held four times a year, featuring speakers on various topics relating to local history. The public is welcome to attend and admission is free. Special events for members are held periodically, such as progressive dinners, country dances, hands-on craft workshops, children's fun and field days, ice cream socials, children's summer day camps, and old-fashioned holiday parties at the museum. The Society also sponsors community betterment projects such as the restoration of several of the town's historic cemeteries, and the commissioning of architectural renderings of Lima's historic downtown building facades. Our most popular and profitable fundraising event is our renowned Historic Lima House Tour which draws crowds from far and wide and always includes an elegant tea for attendees.
Become a Member
We enthusiastically welcome new members. During our 2012 membership drive, we are offering a free book on the history of Lima, and a Walking Tour of Lima brochure to all new members. Varying types of memberships are available starting as low as at $10. Link to Membership.
In addition to regular lectures and historical presentations, annual membership includes invitations and reduced ticket prices for special LHS social events, craft workshops, and children's programs, regular copies of our newsletter The Yellow Wasp, and the fun of getting to know and working together with an interesting group of your Lima neighbors. Best of all, you will know that you are making a small contribution to the history and spirit of the community that we all share.