The Historic Forsyth-Warren Tavern

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The Forsyth-Warren Farm

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Experience Forsyth's Tavern every First Friday of 2025
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Next Date:
June 6th 
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Learn the timeless art of broom making in this beginner friendly class. Guided by an expert instructor, you will craft a charming and functional stitched whisk broom - a small hand broom that is perfect for everyday use. This class covers the basics of broom construction in the Appalachian style. 
Use the GET TICKETS link below to reserve your spot. ​
Get Tickets
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​Today, death is something often hidden from sight. From the preparation of the corpse, through the rituals of viewing, are shrouded in secrecy. What is the myth of "The Good Death" and why did it disappear? Learn about the mythology of the Victorian Death, practices, legends, clothing, jewelry, social mores, and understand why we follow some traditions still to this day. Also, how an obscure New York State cottage became the inspiration for a new religion that literally swept the world. 
Use the GET TICKETS link below to reserve your spot. ​
Get Tickets
Click to see more events happening this year
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PLAN YOUR VISIT


link to local attractions page

Plan Your Visit

Explore the oldest standing farm and tavern in Western New York. View our Cambria and Niagara County tourism page. 
link to education page

Education

The Museum is developing exciting, hands-on opportunities for students that will bring the 19th century frontier to life!
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Collections

Explore the 19th century treasures of the Museum's collections. View the collection online. 
What is a Tavern?
History of the Forsyth-Warren Farm

Meet our History

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CREDIT: "TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES;" AMC
The Widow Forsyth   Mary Rose Ganson-Forsyth-Warren
Polly Rose was only seven when her mother died. She was raised in her father's tavern, in the farthest reaches of frontier America. She married a young runaway and together they made their own journey into the wild west. She was widowed at thirty. When the British invaded, Polly sent her two boys east with a mob of fleeing pioneers and she stayed at her tavern with her two daughters. When a young sergeant commandeered her tavern in the name of the nation, he fell so in love with our Polly that he rode back to her after the war and stayed with her until the end of her days. She brought thirteen children into this world and managed a frontier tavern settlement of over five hundred acres. 
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CREDIT: "TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES;" AMC
John Forsyth 
John's family fled America during the Revolutionary War. They were captured and held prisoner by an indigenous tribe before reaching and settling atop the mighty Niagara Falls. John's brothers worked the family's tavern; but John and his brother William got into the dangerous business of boarder smuggling. John got caught smuggling a runaway slave and found himself chained instead. John escaped a prison in Canada and fled into the American wilderness. There, he fell for the lovely Polly. When opportunity came knocking, John took his family into the wild frontier to settle their own community. At thirty-one, a tragic farm accident took his life and left his wife the title of The Lovely Widow Forsyth.  
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CREDIT: "TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES;" AMC
Sgt. Ezra Warren
Ezra was born into one of the Nation's oldest families and lived well in Vermont until the war. When his cavalry arrived in Forsyth's Corners, Ezra turned the small settlement into a frontier fort. Ezra returned home with his company to Vermont only to immediately turn around and ride back to the Widow Forsyth. After the war, Ezra built the first schoolhouse and grocery store. Forsyth's Corners changed to Warren's Corners. Then in 1822 he was accused of murder and in 1824 he stopped selling alcohol, founded and built a church on the Forsyth property and became a layman minister. Ezra died a revered member of his community, remembered fondly for his generosity and humble spirit. 
Link to Self-Guided Audio Tour page
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Parking & Directions

Parking

The main entrance to the Forsyth - Warren Tavern is located off of Rt. 104 , just west of Rt. 93.
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On-site vehicle parking is available for FREE. There is a parking lot located to the west of the large red barns; make a right after entering the museum property. 

​Overflow parking is also available in the South field just past the carriage shed and chicken coop. 
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Group​ Tours & Field Trips

Group Tours

Step back in time and explore our immersive historical environments with your group! Family, friends and cooworkers are welcome and experiences can be tailored to fit your interests. 
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Field Trips

Interested in sharing our Living History Museum and Farm with your students? We are currently working on programing to suit current needs and would love to tailor and experience for you. 
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Shopping

SHOP

From souvenirs and books to furnishing for your home, shop at our resident Jay Bird Antiques located inside the Henry Warren barn. 
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Local Attractions

Learn more about local wineries, distilleries, farms and other attractions around the museum.
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Experiences

Our staff and volunteers are currently fighting to keep this farm alive. We hope to bring you some fun and unique experiences next year so stay tuned for updates and be sure to add your email to our newsletter recipients list to stay up to date on everything happening at the farm! 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Because our Museum and Farm are rural and early 19th century environments, some historic spaces have limited accessibility. This is due to unpaved paths, narrow doorways, and thresholds that are historically correct. Although often not accessible, reasonable accommodations will be made and we hope to continue making our spaces as accessible as possible in our future renovations. Call ahead to make arrangements at 716-433-3247 or email us at [email protected].
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not allowed at the Museum and farm out of consideration of our heritage animals who call the museum home. Service Animals are allowed.
Are there modern restrooms?
We love all things historic - but we do offer a modern restroom inside of the historic Forsyth - Warren Tavern. 
Can I take photographs?
Of Course! Photos are welcome all over our campus. All Professional photographers and those wishing to conduct photo shoots are asked to review our photography policy by clicking this link: Photography Policy
Can I use a credit card?
Yes. Credit cards can be used at the Forsyth - Warren Tavern as well as at Jay Bird Antiques. 
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Local Maps & Guides

CLICK HERE
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Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Because our Museum and Farm are rural and early 19th century environments, some historic spaces have limited accessibility. This is due to unpaved paths, narrow doorways, and thresholds that are historically correct. Although often not accessible, reasonable accommodations will be made and we hope to continue making our spaces as accessible as possible in our future renovations. Call ahead to make arrangements at 716-433-3247.
Service Animals
While pets are not allowed on museum grounds out of respect to our resident animals, service animals are permitted for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
Firearms Policy
No guns, knives, or weapons are allowed on premises.
Universal Design
Our team is trained in Universal Design and understands that each guest experiences, processes, and accesses stories in their own way. We are happy to follow your lead when it comes to making your visit to the museum a positive and memorable experience. Just let us know how we can help!
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Host an Event

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Private Events

Our Tavern and Farm has been an important meeting place in the Niagara Frontier for more than 200 years! Your event here adds another exciting page in our history. 
LEARN MORE
link to Save The Forsyth Tavern page
Click here to learn more
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ABOUT US

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VISIT

  • Hours & Admission
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HISTORY & RESEARCH

  • History of the Tavern
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  • War of 1812
  • Frontier Tavern Project

EDUCATION

  • School Programs
  • Digital Learning
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

VENUE RENTAL

SUPPORT

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DONATE NOW

CONTACT US

Forsyth - Warren Tavern
​5182 Ridge Road
​Lockport, NY 14094

​Email: [email protected]
​Phone: 716.433.3247

Annual Appeal

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • About the Museum
    • Contact Us
    • Staff
  • Visit
    • Calendar of Events
    • Tickets
    • Seed Share
    • Shop
    • Forsyth-Warren Farm
    • Local Attractions
  • History & Research
    • Frontier Tavern Project
    • Cambrian History
    • Letters to Ezra
    • Ezra Warren Bills
    • Church Letters
    • Henry Warren Ledger
    • Research Library >
      • John Forsyth
      • Polly
      • Ezra Warren
  • Education
    • Traveling Museum
    • Self Guided Tour
    • Audio Tour
    • Fieldtrips
    • Book Club
  • Experiences
    • Dinners
    • Historic Trades and Skills
    • Tavern Talks
    • Overnight Experiences
    • Murder Mystery
  • Support
    • Project Site Plan
    • Annual Appeal
    • Capital Campaign
    • School Program Fund
    • Planned Giving
    • volunteer
  • Virtual Tour