The five museums of Historic Palmyra were established during the transformative Urban Renewal era, which took place between 1964 and 1976. Our incorporation with the New York State Department of State began in 1967, and in 2005, we proudly received an absolute charter from the New York State Board of Regents. However, the spirit of Historic Palmyra dates back even further, as we have been dedicated to preserving the rich history of Palmyra, NY, since 1843.

The mission of Historic Palmyra is to preserve the history of Palmyra and its surrounding areas through the conservation of architecture, artifacts, and archives. We educate visitors through our five unique museums and their collections, welcoming thousands of guests each year. Our museums include the Palmyra Historical Museum, Erie Canal Depot, Print Shop Museum, Phelps General Store & Residence, and Alling Coverlet Museum.

Historic Palmyra is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational institution that teaches local, county, state, and national history through its five museums. The Palmyra Historical Museum features a comprehensive research facility covering a variety of subjects, including the Civil War, military history, the Erie Canal, photography, tools, toys and dolls, medical history, and various local religions. Our collection of artifacts and archives dates from 1781 to the present.

Visitors can explore significant topics such as Sir Winston Churchill, Increase Lapham, the Abolition Movement, and the history of the Erie Canal. Don’t miss our ghost hunts, which take place under the theme “Where History Lives and Sometimes Lingers.” We welcome groups and school visits.

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Meet our Board of Directors

  • Close-up image of a smiling woman with gray hair, wearing pink glasses and a burgundy jacket, indoors with blurred background.

    Tracy Murphy, Museum Director

  • A man and a woman smiling and posing together near a decorated Christmas tree, with framed artwork on a red wall behind them.

    Rob Henning, Board President

  • A woman with dark hair wearing a tiara and a black dress, smiling at the camera.

    Irene Unterborn, Vice President

  • A smiling woman with short brown hair, glasses, and earrings, outdoors during sunset.

    Kathyrn Woodlock, Treasurer

  • A smiling woman with earrings and a necklace, and a smiling man in a shirt and patterned tie, posing for a photo together at a decorated event.

    Jennifer Morrisey, Secretary

  • A man smiling and holding a brown paper bag with the logo 'HISTORIC PALM VERA' inside a bookstore or library with shelves filled with books and decorative items.

    Mike Dunn, Trustee

  • A middle-aged man with a beard and mustache wearing a navy cap and dark shirt outdoors near a river, with trees in the background.

    Frank Graham, Trustee

  • A man in military uniform taking a selfie with a woman who has glasses and grey hair. Both are smiling indoors near a window.

    Renee Herrmann, Trustee

  • A man and a woman smiling and posing together indoors.

    Andrew Lambrix, Trustee

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling, wearing a red and black patterned top, indoors with a decorative bee artwork and a wooden shelf in the background.

    Leslie Parmele, Trustee