The William Pryor Letchworth Museum in Castile, NY is a testament to the preservation efforts of William Pryor Letchworth, who dedicated himself to protecting the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Portage Falls area. With a deep interest in the first people to live in Western New York, Letchworth built a collection of native artifacts and established the Mary Jemison Memorial area, which includes the Caneadea Council House and the Nancy Jemison Cabin. The museum, originally housed in the Council House, was later moved to the fireproof Genesee Valley Museum in 1898, and eventually became part of the Glen Iris Estate, which was gifted to New York State in 1907.
In recognition of Letchworth's contributions, plans were made for a new library building near the Glen Iris, which would house his personal library and mementos. Completed in 1913, the library was constructed using hollow tile and stone from the Portage gorge. This project, however, led to the demolition of the Genesee Valley Museum and the relocation of artifacts to the library building, causing mixed emotions among visitors who cherished the former beauty of the Council Grounds. Despite the changes, the William Pryor Letchworth Museum stands as a lasting tribute to Letchworth's dedication to preserving the history and natural wonders of the Genesee Valley and its vicinity.
Generated from the website