Somers Historical Society
Somers Historical Society, founded in 1956, is a volunteer, 501 (c) (3) corporation which holds an Absolute Charter from the New York State Education Department. (Contrary to popular opinion, it is not a department of the Town of Somers.) It’s’ missions are to educate and advocate for local historical resources, encourage historical research and act as stewards for its’ world class collection of early 19th century traveling menagerie and local history, as well as to collections belonging to the Town of Somers.
The Society presents exhibits in the lobby of The Elephant Hotel, as well as in four galleries on the third floor, develops and presents free historically-based educational programs. It also offers interpretive programs and provides access for historic properties owned by the Town…the Wright Reis Homestead and the National Register Sites of Mt. Zion Church, Tomahawk Chapel and the Elephant Hotel, the latter a National Historic Landmark.
The Landmarks Committee of Somers Historical Society serves in an advisory capacity to the Town of Somers Planning and Architectural Review Boards on development issues within the Somers Business Historic Preservation District. Likewise, with a seat on the Town’s Historic Properties Board, the Society provides input on the care and maintenance of the Town’s Historic properties.
