Who We Are

The Town of Newfane Historical Society, Inc. was established to educate the public on the history of Newfane and Olcott in Niagara County, and its place in the history of New York and the United States. It's an all volunteer organization formed in 1975, and is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational society. We maintain two historical locations: The Van Horn Mansion and Country Village, along with an extensive collection of archives and artifacts.

Our Mission

The society's mission, drawn from its certificate of incorporation, is as follows. The Town of Newfane Historical Society exists to:

• Collect, preserve, and maintain artifacts, relics, books, papers, and other articles touching the past history of the Town of Newfane, and the customs and modes of the inhabitants thereof;
• To exhibit such historical data to the public;
• To designate places of historic interest in the Town of Newfane with appropriate markers or monuments;
• To acquire historical sites in the Town of Newfane for the purpose of preservation and maintenance of such sites; and
• To perpetuate the memory of those inhabitants of the Town of Newfane who, by their labor and heroism, have made substantial contributions to the history of the Town of Newfane.

Structure and Funding

The Newfane Historical Society depends on gifts, fundraising and volunteers to serve the communities of Newfane and Olcott. Donations support the society’s educational programs, special projects, and general operations. The Society also publishes a quarterly membership newsletter, "Apple Blossom Times", which receives its main funding through membership dues.