About Us

The Big Springs Museum’s collection is comprised of objects that reflect the history of the Caledonia-Mumford community located in the Genesee River Valley, southwest of Rochester, New York. The collection includes a strong emphasis on the area’s rural, agriculture character and the lives of Caledonia-Mumford residents. Objects in the collection include those that represent the history of Caledonia’s Seth Green Fish Hatchery, (the oldest in the northern hemisphere), military artifacts and memorabilia, items pertaining to public education and local spiritual life, toys, paintings and folk art, local African-American history, Native American artifacts, natural history collections, and an extensive costume and textile collection. The collection also includes photographs and archives, including some genealogical materials, and rare paper broadsides. The building itself is a 10,000 sq. ft. addition to the original Caledonia School. The women’s, men’s, and children’s costumes and quilts represent a sub-collection spanning two centuries. Most objects became part of the collection by gift and local connection.