May is a pretty neat month. After a cold, gray winter, we’re finally getting some warm temperatures, sunshine and flowers. But May is particularly special for the folks at the Webster Museum, who are commemorating National Preservation Month, a time to swap out old exhibits for new, and to offer some special programs.
National Preservation Month is a time when the museum focuses on Webster’s visible history, as seen in historic buildings and illuminated through oral histories. Here’s what’s in store in the next few weeks:
History and a Cup series
The History and a Cup programs focus on oral history; long-time Webster residents tell their stories in a comfortable, give-and-take atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sandwich and enjoy some soft drinks and cookies as they sit back and listen to the stories.
Three programs have been scheduled this month, each one on a Wednesday, from noon to 1 p.m. There’s no charge for these events and registration is not needed.
- Wednesday May 7: Jon Anderson and Bill Ruoff: Jon and Bill have lived in the Village of Webster for mofre than 50 years. Both have been Village trustees, and Bill was a Village mayor.
- Wednesday May 14: John Gonzalez: John Gonzalez is married to Shari, daughter of Bruce and Mary Hegedorn, and has been actively involved in the Hegedorn family businesses for many years. John will share his experiences and what it was like working with Bruce Hegedorn and Bill Gray.
- Wednesday May 21: Surprise guest! Stay tuned here and stay in touch with the Webster Museum website for more details.
Learn about cobblestone buildings
Ever wonder about those beautiful cobblestone homes and businesses that dot our town? Cobblestones are a unique and interesting building material. You can learn more about these beautiful structures when the Webster Museum welcomes Walworth Town Historian Gene Bavis on Sunday May 18 to talk about these remarkable structures, which are scattered throughout many towns and villages in Webster New York.
The talk begins at 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum. No registration is necessary and free refreshments will be provided.
Historic property plaque presentation
At the Webster Town Board meeting on Thursday, May 15, the museum will be presenting a historic property plaque to the former Village train station.
National Preservation Month is a time when the museum celebrates those who have preserved historic houses, barns, outbuildings, bridges, statues and cemeteries. The museum has presented more than 80 plaques to the Webster properties that answer the question, “would the original owners recognize the property?” The plaque is a thank you from the Town of Webster and the Webster Museum for maintaining the integrity of the property. (There’s a map of these properties at Webstermuseum.org and paper maps available at the museum. The Historic Properties Committee of the museum is working on updating the map.)
The old train depot is now located on May St. and is a child care facility called Expressive Beginnings. The presentation will take place at the Webster Town Board meeting on Thursday May 15 at 7 p.m.
Finally, while you’re out and about, stop by the museum to see their new exhibit highlighting many of Webster’s historic plaque properties with photos and descriptions. And if you’re at the Webster Public Library, check out the exhibit there featuring a model of a cobblestone house with other information on cobblestone construction.
The Webster Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. They’re located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.
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(posted 5/4/2025)
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