By Darlene Brace
Where History Meets Craftmanship.
The 89th Annual Chautauqua County Historical Society Antique Show will take place on July 18&19, from 10am-4pm on Saturday, and from 10am-3pm on Sunday. This event will be held at the spacious Chautauqua Suites Hotel and Expo Center, located at 215 West Lake Road in Mayville. This antique show features a variety of antique dealers from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, showcasing some amazing and unique antique collections that will captivate all those interested in antiques.
The first Chautauqua County Antique Show took place in Westfield in 1938, organized by Doc and Edis Shelkey, who were well-known antique dealers in the area. The show was a big hit, prompting them to continue hosting it annually. Over the years, the event was taken over by the Chautauqua County Historical Society (CCHS), which has been organizing it for several decades. In 2024, the show was relocated to the Chautauqua Suites in Mayville and is called the Chautauqua County Historical Society Antique Show.
This year’s show will have over twenty antique dealers that will be set up in curated booths and tables within the spacious indoor setting offered at Chautauqua Suites. Items for sale may include antique furniture, dining sets, glassware, silver, vintage clothing, art, books, jewelry, vintage toys, and other rare collectibles. As you walk through the aisles of amazing antiques, it may feel like you are walking through a time capsule.
The 2026 participating dealers that are expected to attend will include: 1880 Antiques, Rex Andrews, Ron Colantonio, Dan and Lynda Dickson, Euclid Gold and Silver, Humphrey House Antiques, Michael Johnson, Jan Langol, Bonnie Marzolf, Jerry McLaughlin, M’Lady’s Closet, Muleskinner’s Antiques, Al Nelson. Poole Objects & Design. R&S Antiques. Ralph Ridolfino, Recollections, Sandra Rutan, Lois Scherman, Strobel’s Antiques, Tim Sweet, and Whimsey Antiques.
To enter this amazing and unique antique show, it is $10 per person or $15 for two people, and there is parking in the hotel parking lot. If you want more information about the antique show, you can call
716-326-2977 or visit cchsmcclurg.org.
The goal of this event is to raise funds for the CCHS, which is based in the McClurg Museum, and to support upcoming renovations at the museum. Located at 20 East Main Street in Westfield, McClurg Museum was founded in 1883. Its mission is to promote interest in and knowledge of the history of Chautauqua County. The CCHS is one of the oldest historical societies in Western New York, and it has been housed in the McClurg Museum since 1951.
The McClurg Museum features various displays across their three floors, showcasing artifacts from Chautauqua County, particularly from pioneer days, the Civil War era, and the Victorian era. In addition to its exhibits, the CCHS provides a research library and hosts lectures, receptions, and other community events.
Jason Sample, who is the CCHS’s president and chair of this year’s show stated, “The antique show has become an annual event that both residents and visitors look forward to each summer. With more than twenty dealers and thousands of high-quality items available for sale, there’s sure to be something for everyone and any budget. We encourage as many attendees as possible to come to the show and not only support our dealers, but also our organization and the renovation effort at the McClurg Museum.”
The Chautauqua County Historical Society Antique Show has become a time-honored event that locals and visitors look forward to each year. There will be a wide variety of antique collections available, and you never know what treasure you may find. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about the stories behind the items of yesteryear, there’s something here for everyone. Bring your friends and family with you as you step into a world where history meets craftsmanship. You don’t want to miss out on the chance to find that perfect piece to add to your collection or simply enjoy the beauty of its history.