Fairport Historical Museum

About Us

Perinton Historical Society (PHS) was founded in 1935 by ten women who understood the importance of preserving the history of Fairport and Perinton. As the society grew, so did the archives and the need for space. In the 1960s, the PHS moved into a room at the Crosman Community Center on East Avenue in Fairport. Though the PHS quickly outgrew the space, it remained in that location for about 15 years.

18 Perrin Street was constructed in 1937 as the Fairport Public Library. The Works Progress Administration project employed many local workers, including architect Henry A. Martin and artist Carl W. Peters. Peters’ mural, entitled Fairport, graces the atrium of the the building. The Fairport Public Library moved across the street to its current location in 1978. One year later, the Federal-style brick building at 18 Perrin Street became the home of the Perinton Historical Society & Fairport Museum.

The Fairport Museum has an extensive resource library for visitors researching the history of their Fairport homes and families. Permanent exhibits feature businesses and inventors, agriculture, education, dairies, doctors and more. Other displays change on a regular basis. There is always something new to see at the Fairport Museum!

Perinton Historical Society, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, is overseen by a volunteer Board of Trustees and the Fairport Museum is staffed by volunteers. Funds for building upkeep, program honorariums and other expenses are derived from membership dues, donations, grants and gift shop sales. PHS hosts nine speakers a year and publishes a newsletter, The Historigram. Information about upcoming programs and events can be found on the PHS website, www.PerintonHistoricalSociety.org, on its Facebook page and Instagram account.