Historical Architecture

Historical Architecture

In Geneva, historic architecture is not just a "thing of the past."

The City of Geneva has two significant historic districts. The first, the South Main Street-Pulteney Park Historic District, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The second, the Genesee Park Historic District, was designated as a local historic district in 1992.

The South Main Street-Pulteney Park Historic District runs along South Main Street from Seneca Street south to Conover Street. The district includes 140 structures as well as Pulteney Park and the original quadrangle of the Hobart College campus. The majority of these structures were built between 1825 and 1850. The north end of this district contains Pulteney Park and was the City's commercial district until the 1850's. Since that time, the district has evolved into a residential area with a wide variety of architectural styles.

The Genesee Park Historic District is located entirely within the downtown area and is centered on Genesee Park. The park, formerly known as Franklin Park, was conveyed to the City in the 1850's. There are approximately 16 parcels within the district, and the buildings exemplify architectural styles of the early and late 19th century.

Outside of these two historic districts Hobart & William Smith Colleges Campus are 28 properties listed on either the National Register of Historic Places or the City of Geneva Historic Register. These properties include the Smith Opera House, Smith Observatory, U.S. Post Office, Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, and Geneva and Trinity Halls (on the Hobart & William Smith campus), among others.

Hobart & William Smith Colleges Campus

The Geneva Historical Society actively promotes understanding of the City's heritage.

Since 1883, the Geneva Historical Society has worked extensively to save the architectural heritage of Geneva. It administers a revolving loan fund to Home of the Geneva Historical Society aid in the restoration and preservation of architecturally significant buildings in and around the City.

The Society has a strong policy of community service, for which it received an award from the New York State Council for the Arts. It also maintains an archive library and takes genealogical requests from residents wishing to trace their ancestors.

The Society's museum, located in the Prouty-Chew House on South Main Street, receives thousands of visitors annually. The museum, funded in part by the New York State Council for the Arts, works in close cooperation with area school teachers and administrators to provide expanded curricular services.

Historical Architecture

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