MARION HISTORIC ASSOCIATION and Museum
Who We Are
The Marion Historic Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to the preservation of history throughout our town. We support programs and projects that will benefit future generations.
Officers:
Jen Hunter, President
John Lonneville, Vice-President
Theresa Kuhn, Secretary
Nancy Spinning, Treasurer
Board of Directors:
Ron Lonneville
Karen Hayden
Mary Devlin
John Bovet
Mark Haskins
Town Historian: Caryn Devlin
Our Story
"History Lives Here!"
The Marion Historic Association began in April 1937 as an outgrowth of the Marion Study Club. Eleven people met at the school’s first-grade room on April 26, 1937.
Present at the meeting were:
Mr. And Mrs. R.S. Bush
R.S. Rogers
T.F. Young
May Sherman
Edith Van Ostrand
Dora Westfall
Kate Westfall
Nell Curtis
Mira Crane
Information is located in Scrapbook #7 Minutes of Historical Meetings 1937-1959.
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After some time, the Association was revived in 1973 in time for the Bicentennial Celebration of the United States.
Under the leadership of Carolyn Adriaansen, the committee put on an outstanding celebration in 1976.
In 1995, we received a provisional charter from NYS.
In 2018, the MHANY received non-profit status as a 501(c)3 organization.
Our Mission
The purpose of the Marion Historic Association is to promote the dissemination of the diverse cultural and historical heritage of the Town of Marion and its connection to the history of Wayne County, the State of New York, and the United States. We are committed to educating the community and future generations through the preservation and exhibition of local historical items, artifacts and records.
Marion Town Historian
Caryn Devlin
After 43 years of wonderful work by former historian Carolyn Adriaansen, I have been selected to continue her work as town historian.
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My husband Mark and I have lived in Marion since 1981. History is a love of mine, and I am looking forward to concentrating on the history of Marion and, to a certain extent, Wayne County and helping people understand how this community was built.
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As I go through the books of acquisitions over the last 43 (!) years, I have come across many wonderful items that the local community has entrusted to us. Hundreds of people have donated thousands of items. We have such a legacy that I am sure many people have no idea exists.
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As you may know, we have a permanent home for our collection now in the form of Jennie’s House at 3794 South Main St. The renovations are nearly complete, and we look forward to opening on a regular basis soon.
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This museum belongs to the community, and we hope when the work is done that many community groups, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, school groups, etc., will once again take advantage of learning more about local history.
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If you have items that you would like to donate to the museum, please contact me by phone at 315-926-5816 or email me at marion.ny.historian@gmail.com. You could also send regular mail to my attention at P.O. Box 330, Marion, NY 14505. I would love to hear your family stories and add them to the rich history of this region. If you have any questions, I would also do my best to help you. You can check out our Facebook page at “The Marion Historic Association and Museum" or our website at MHANY.org.
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In short, I look forward to getting to know you better and also helping you save the history of your families in this town for future generations.
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With best regards,
Caryn Devlin
Historian