The historic Johnston House closes for the 2018 season on October 28, 2018. Built by John and Margaret Johnston in the 1820s, the Johnston House originally sat on an important farm where John Johnston became a well-known advocate of improved farming techniques. Johnston was the first American farmer to use soil drainage tiles to increase productivity on his farm, which was considered by some in the 19th century to be “the most important agricultural spot in America.”
Visitors are invited to explore the house on the self-guided tour, where they will learn about what it meant to live and work on a farm in the 1800s. The house features several period rooms, as well as exhibits on Technology and Innovation, Immigration, and Agriculture—themes which are connected to the Johnston family’s experience in the region. Incorporating interactive elements, books, artifacts and reproduction items, the displays also connect the story of the family to contemporary issues and concerns.
Visitors to the Johnston House can also see the Mike Weaver Drain Tile Museum on site, which displays an extensive collection of agricultural drain tile and associated farm equipment.
The Johnston House is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m., through October 28. Admission is a suggested donation of $2 per person.
The Johnston House is located at 3523 East Lake Road at Route 96A, near Geneva, New York. The house is administered by the Geneva Historical Society, located at 543 South Main Street, Geneva. For more information about the Johnston House, visit www.genevahistoricalsociety.com. or call 315-789-5151, or 315-789-3848 between May 1 and October 31.
