Cobblestone Museum to showcase artisan trades during open house on Oct. 17

File photos by Tom Rivers: George Borrelli, a blacksmith, shapes steal during a blacksmith demonstration on Sept. 6, 2025 at the Cobblestone Museum as part of the annual open house when all 10 buildings were open with docents and artisans. Matt Holland also demonstrated the art of blacksmithing. There were about 200 at the Cobblestone Museum campus for the event.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will open its campus to the public for free tours on Oct. 17

Although admission is free, donations are always appreciated. Wristbands will be provided so guests may roam the campus freely and enter locations of their choice.

This is an opportunity for everyone to visit the Cobblestone Museum’s 10 buildings from, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and view a variety of artisans at work, according to Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Society and Museum.

Docents and visiting artisans – some dressed in period clothing – will be inside the historic buildings to share history and provide demonstrations. To date, artisans who have confirmed their attendance will demonstrate crafts, blacksmithing, butter making, chair caning, lacemaking, printing at the Gordon Press and saddle making. A program with the day’s schedule will be available for visitors to note when and where demonstrations will take place.

Durinf last year’s open house David Damico of LeRoy, left, led demonstrations inside the print shop, which was built in 1875. It used to be in Medina, but was moved to the museum grounds on Route 98 in Gaines in the late 1977. The shop at the Cobblestone Museum has two printing presses from the late 1800s, and several cases of type.

Representatives of the Sons and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War will be present in uniforms and 1800s attire to display some related items and recruiting literature.

Museum exhibits include former director C.W. “Bill” Lattin’s outstanding and still growing collection of Victorian Mourning Art and Sundries, inside the George W. Zeis Upper Gallery, located at the brick house. Rogers Groups art sculptures, plus 1800s-era paintings and antique coverlets created by local artists and weavers will be exhibited at the Visitors Center. Paintings by local artist Tom Zangerle, including some available for purchase, will also be on display there.

Kids can take a selfie at the Cobble the Mouse Selfie Station, or play some old-fashioned games at the schoolhouse.

Provided photos: Harold Clark of Rochester works at chair caning at a previous Cobblestone open house.

Shoppers can browse merchandise for sale at the Gift Shop, Used Book Sale or jampacked Christmas-themed Holiday Gift Shop. Low incentive pricing at the Used Books Building and Holiday Shoppe keep inventory moving, Bonafini said. Community donations of brand new or gently used Christmas items for the Holiday Shoppe are gladly accepted year-round.

Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a food tent will serve Italian sausage hoagie plates for $10 pre-sale or $12 the day of the event. Plates include peppers and onions, assorted condiments, pickle spears and potato chips. Brownies will be sold separately.

For more information or to order pre-sale meal tickets, visit the Museum’s website at Cobblestonemuseum.org or call (585) 589-9013.

Members of the Genesee Country Lace Guild work on their projects at the Cobblestone Museum. They will return for this year’s open house on Oct. 17.