The Forsyth-Warren Farm
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Our annual Beltane Festival is a celebration of our agricultural heritage. Forsyth's is one of, if not the, oldest sheep farm in Western New York and each year during the Beltane Festival we shear our flock of sheep and begin the arduous process of refining their wool. The public is invited to join us for these demonstrations beginning Saturday morning. The historic Tavern will also be open throughout the day serving up food, drink, and some of our landmark's incredible history.
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Saturday May 10th
The Historic Forsyth Tavern will be open from 9am to 5pm for food, drink and exploration of our site's rich history.
Happening in the barns complex: sheep shearing and wool processing demonstrations and a visit from Wild Critters of Niagara County Inc.
Located across the campus will also be area small business vendors and pop-ups.
Happening in the barns complex: sheep shearing and wool processing demonstrations and a visit from Wild Critters of Niagara County Inc.
Located across the campus will also be area small business vendors and pop-ups.
Sunday May 11th (Mother's Day)
Join us at Forsyth's for Tea at the Tavern.
Choose from either an 11am or 2pm seating.
Choose from either an 11am or 2pm seating.
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
Plan Your VisitExplore the oldest standing farm and tavern in Western New York. View our Cambria and Niagara County tourism page.
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Education |
CollectionsExplore the 19th century treasures of the Museum's collections. View the collection online.
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What is a Tavern?
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History of the Forsyth-Warren Farm
Meet our History
CREDIT: "TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES;" AMC
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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. |
CREDIT: "TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES;" AMC
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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. |
CREDIT: "TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES;" AMC
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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. |
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Parking & Directions
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ParkingThe main entrance to the Forsyth - Warren Tavern is located off of Rt. 104 , just west of Rt. 93. 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 ToursStep 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 TripsInterested 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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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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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!
