About the Museum

The Esperance Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the Village of Esperance, New York.

In 1968, Mrs. Helen Rockwell Montanye retired from teaching, and as a result, the Village School announced it would be closing. The idea to convert the schoolhouse into a museum and establish a historical society was first suggested by Town Justice and Historian Archie C. Montanye. He approached the Village Mayor and Trustees with the proposal, and they agreed.

Today, the society's museum is located in the 1878 one-room schoolhouse on the Esperance Commons.

The Esperance Historical Society is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to preserving and promoting our area's rich history through our extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum also houses a carriage barn that displays antique farm equipment.

The society offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, walking tours, and an annual Christmas Celebration.