This August, the Geneva Historical Society will hold the fourth biennial Farm Heritage Day at the Johnston House. This event gives visitors, particularly families, the chance to sample 19th-century farm life through games, period crafts and farming activities, presentations, and exhibits. The activities will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Programming at Farm Heritage Day will reflect life and work on the Johnston family’s farm in the 1800s. Hands-on activities will help visitors connect to the past—learning about the region’s history while having fun. Planned activities include: operating an antique cornsheller, fanning wheat with an antique wheat fanner, and testing milking skills on a simulated milk cow. Throughout the day there will be activity stations or presentations on 19th-century music and housework. There will be crafts and 19th-century games for kids to try out and the opportunity to meet a variety of farm animals. Representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension will share information about modern farming and food production, while the Ward W. O'Hara Museum will have information about their agricultural museum and programs. The Johnston House and the Weaver Drain Tile Museum will be open to visitors throughout the day. Farm Heritage Day will take place out of doors, rain or shine, on the grounds of the Johnston House.