Chautauqua County's Poor Farm

Chautauqua County’s poor farm was opened in 1832 as an improved solution for providing support for those in need. Anyone who could not provide care or support for themselves or their families was sent to the poor farm, operated by the County and located in Dewittville.

The facility, which grew to over 430 acres, was a productive farm that relied on the indigent “inmates” to raise livestock, grow crops, and make their own food and clothing. After 1852, Chautauqua County’s poor farm was impacted by the large number of emigrants arriving on the New York and Erie Railroad.

Michelle Henry, Research Historian for NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, researched the poor farm records when she served as Records Manager for Chautauqua County. She is a NYS Registered Historian who holds an M.A. in Anthropology and a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies.

The program, hosted by the Chautauqua Town Historical Society, is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend!