A dynamic program in discovery and interacting with Fayette local history presented by the Town of Fayette Historical Society. Participants will explore the world of central Seneca County through the experience of the Reverend Diedrich Willers (1798-1883) and the tumultuous events of 1837-1838 that led to a legal showdown at the County Courthouse in Ovid. Through the examination of primary source documents, historic site tours and background research we will seek to understand the life and times of Rev Diedrich Willers in Seneca County in the late1830s.

The program is free and geared towards teens but open to all.

First event is Tuesday evening, October 8 from 630 to 8 with a visit to the 200-year-old Stone Church at 4345 Route 414 in the Hamlet of Fayette. This is the site where Rev Diedrich Willers served as pastor for over 60 years (1821-1882) and the original Sunday service was held that led to the community uproar and accusations against Rev Willers in 1837. We will discuss the early German immigrant settlement of Fayette and why this was so unique, the building of the church, its architecture and look at primary source documents related to Rev Willers and his fascinating life.