In 2020, New York State formally recognized the merger of the South Bristol and Bristol historical societies, to form the Bristol Hills Historical Society. We are supported by our members, the towns of South Bristol and Bristol, and by events that serve multiple purposes: telling the stories of our towns’ rich history, bringing the community together, and raising money to sustain the organization and its historic buildings.

Our Mission

The mission of the Historical Society is to promote an interest in and appreciation of the rich history of the Bristol Hills area of the Finger Lakes region and Western New York. We cooperate with educational institutions, state and local agencies, other museums and community institutions, and county and town historians to offer programs of educational and historic significance. We also gather for social and fundraising events with neighbors at our historic Grange Hall in South Bristol and at other locations in the Bristol Hills. We encourage research of local history by accepting donations of appropriate artifacts, genealogical records, and ephemera, and by allowing appropriate access to the public.

What Our Donors Receive

Providing annual support for the Bristol Hills Historical Society includes admission to our educational programs, subscription to an email newsletter, and access to our collection of artifacts and records. We are run entirely by volunteer efforts. Financial support goes toward expanding our historical collections and preserving our precious, historic buildings. We are a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer.

How we do our work