The first Batavia land office, a log cabin, was replaced by a frame building in about 1809. That building was then replaced by a fireproof building, completed in 1815, that still stands today as the Holland Land Office Museum. In 1894 the Holland Purchase Historical Society was formed to restore the building and maintain it as a museum. Key Batavia businessmen, with the help of Batavia High School's class of 1894, raised the funds necessary to purchase the building. Each donor of $10.00 became a charter member of the Historical Society.
The museum was dedicated to the memory of Robert Morris on October 13, 1894. The event was attended by members of President Cleveland's Cabinet and descendants of Robert Morris. Since that time the Museum has undergone many changes.
The Daughters of the American Revolution staffed the building until World War II at which time it was leased to the Genesee Chapter of the American Red Cross. It was during this period that the cinder block addition was made to the back of the structure. In 1948 the Genesee County Board of Supervisors voted to assume ownership of the building, creating the foundation for the current relationship between the County and Historical Society.
The 1970's brought the construction of two wings for the Museum. The west wing, called the Robert Morris Room, was added in 1970 and is used as an exhibit area. The east wing, built in 1977, previously housed the office and collection of the Genesee County Historian. This separate County Department is now located at 3 West Main Street. They provide research services and educational programs. The space is used as an exhibit area and meeting room. The final addition to the building was made in 1982 and consists of a small room attached to the back of the west wing for display of the historic 12 1/2 foot high Genesee County gibbet.
