This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOB advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.

Hull Family Home & Farmstead / Photo x Stephanie Dubin for Step Out Buffalo

As our local history nerds know, Western New York history is not limited to the invention of the chicken wing. The War of 1812 unfolded at nearby Fort Niagara and Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated in Allentown. Few relics survive the passage of time — especially because Buffalo, well, burned to the ground — but one interactive historic site transports you to another era, before all that went down.


Hull Family Home & Farmstead / Photo x Stephanie Dubin for Step Out Buffalo

The Hull Family Home and Farmstead in Lancaster traces its roots back to 1810 — before the War of 1812, before the ill-fated Pan-American Exposition, and before Buffalo sports teams were even a “Buffalo problem.”

Hull Family Home & Farmstead / Photo x Stephanie Dubin for Step Out Buffalo

Built by Warren Hull, a literal Revolutionary War veteran, the Hull Family Home offers insight into everything from the completion of the Erie Canal to the devotion of abolitionists in the 19th century. Yes, this structure precedes the Erie Canal AND the Civil War. (And, yes, your kids will still ask you if you were alive when it was built.)

But it’s interactive. You don’t just stand there and imagine what life was like back then, but you play with the toys your ancestors cherished. It’s not roped off; it’s as immersive as can be.

Hull Family Home & Farmstead / Photo x Stephanie Dubin for Step Out Buffalo

Do You Want the House Tour?

The season is jam-packed with events that will surely tickle your fancy. The first Sunday of every month means house tours, barn exploration, and even cemetery tours. Adults pay $10, children $5, and children under 5 are free. It’s cheaper than Darien Lake and waaaaay more impactful.

Hull Family Home & Farmstead / Photo x Stephanie Dubin for Step Out Buffalo

The Buffalo Tea Party

One of their most popular events are their teas, with 5 different offerings. A new addition this year, in honor of America250, invites guests to sip on some tea, Boston-style. On July 11, “LiberTEA Party-A Celebration of Independence” will transport you back to 1776. It is not everyday that one is able to partake in a formal 18th century tea in a historic threshing barn, sampling the teas that were tossed overboard during the Boston Tea Party, alongside a variety of sweet and savory treats. For only $30, you can experience the highs and lows of 250 years ago — without trekking to Colonial Williamsburg.  Don’t miss the boat, reservations are on sale now!


Hull Family Home & Farmstead / Photo x Stephanie Dubin for Step Out Buffalo

Everybody’s Working for the Weekend

Then there’s the Revolutionary War Weekend, July 11th & 12th from 11-4pm each day, where drill and arms demonstrations, skirmishes, open hearth cooking demonstrations, and family friendly activities will give you a first hand experience as to the founding of our country here locally on the Western NY frontier, just in time to celebrate its 250th birthday. Adults pay $10, children $5, and children under 5 are free.

Hey, Kids! History Is Fun!

Enroll your kids in the week-long History Camp! For all you know, hands-on learning about pioneer life and Native American culture may instill a life-long passion for history and, ta-da, your child suddenly becomes a professor at Harvard.

Just the Beginning

These events are just the tip of the iceberg, take time this summer to explore what life was like HERE, in Western New York, before any of us even existed. The only place you can do that is at the Hull Family Home and Farmstead.

Get your hands on some history at the Hull Family Home and Farmstead this summer! From yoga and art classes to a Heritage Arts Festival later this season, there is something for everyone at this unique historic site. Visit hullfamilyhome.com/events for the complete list of upcoming events and for ticket information.

This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOB advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.