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The Busti Historical Society was founded in 1972 as a result of the community's enthusiasm for the mill restoration project. The local Shamrocks 4-H club had decided to undertake the project of resorting the town's grist mill for historical and educational purposes, and residents of the town supported them. Interest in local history on the part of the volunteers and some others in the community was growing and expanding beyond the limits of the mill project.

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An historical society became a concept of obvious appeal. This was a bold concept at the time because then only two historical societies (not counting one or two school sponsored Yorkers Clubs) existed in the county: the venerable and county wide Chautauqua County Historical Society (1883) and the Fenton Historical Society (1963) in the city of Jamestown which had a population nearly five times that of Busti. Busti obviously served as an example and success story for the many small town historical societies that have since formed locally.

We maintain and operate the 1839 Busti Grist Mill, the miller’s house, the Busti Museum, and the demonstration building. We also present the Busti Apple Harvest Festival, the favorite historical craft fair of southwestern New York, every September on the last Sunday of the month.

We are chartered by the New York State Department of Education. We collect and conserve artifacts and records of the Town of Busti, and promote the appreciation and continued knowledge of the pioneer and 19th century crafts and survival skills of the area.

SHARE YOUR STORY OF BUSTI! Visit the historical contributions page for information about donating items, photos, or stories.

If you would like to become a member of the Busti Historical Society, download and complete the membership form and mail it to:

The Busti Historical Society
3443 Lawson Road
Jamestown, NY 14701