A Home Rooted in Penn Yan’s Story
Long before it became a museum filled with memories, the Oliver House was a family home—built in 1852 by Dr. Andrew F. Oliver for his son William. The Oliver family, respected physicians and community leaders, left a lasting imprint on Penn Yan during a time when Main Street was lit by lamplight and neighbors knew each other by name.
The house itself, an elegant Italianate brick residence, stands as one of the village’s architectural gems. Inside, its period-furnished rooms, original artifacts, portraits, and heirlooms tell the story of a family—and a town—growing through the mid-19th century.
Today, lovingly preserved by the Yates County History Center, the Oliver House remains a beacon of local heritage. Every room reveals a chapter of life in early Penn Yan: the doctor’s tools, the family’s parlor, the dining room set for guests, the quiet echoes of generations who once called this place home.
It is a house that has witnessed more than 170 Christmas seasons.
And every December, it opens its doors so we can step inside that history and feel its warmth for ourselves.
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🎄 Christmas at the Oliver House: A StarShine Tradition Lives On
Step inside the magic of the season at one of Penn Yan’s most cherished historic treasures.
Enjoy the annual Open House during StarShine, Saturday, December 6, from 3:00–6:00 p.m., and experience the Oliver House Museum the way it was meant to be experienced—glowing with holiday spirit and filled with neighbors, families, and friends.
As you wander through this beautifully preserved 1852 home, you’ll be greeted with refreshments, festive music, and rooms dressed in their holiday best. Every garland, candle, and thoughtfully decorated corner brings the past to life, making it easy to imagine Christmases long ago when the Oliver family themselves filled these halls with warmth.
For the little ones, the beloved toy tree returns—a heartwarming StarShine tradition where children are invited to choose a toy to take home.
Adults can enjoy a bit of extra cheer as well, with a 50/50 raffle and a holiday sale in the museum gift shop, perfect for finding unique, local, and historically inspired gifts.
Best of all?
Admission is free—just bring your holiday spirit and a love for the stories that shaped this community.
So stroll along Main Street, sip cocoa and make your way to 200 Main Street and step into the heart of Penn Yan’s history.
We’ll see you there—where the past glows just a little brighter at Christmastime.
🌿 A Closing Note from Keuka Roots
At Christmastime, places like the Oliver House remind us why honoring the past matters. These walls have heard generations of laughter, celebration, and holiday tradition. They hold the stories that shaped our community long before we ever walked these streets.
As we gather for StarShine and step into this historic home, we’re not just celebrating a season—we’re honoring the roots of our past, the people who built this village, and the legacy they left for us to cherish.
May we carry those stories forward, with gratitude and pride, as we continue to write the next chapter of Penn Yan’s history together.
Stay Rooted. Stay Keuka.
Embrace the past and welcome today.
— Keuka Roots
