The Old Mentz Hertiage Center is the place to begin your research and study of the history of Mentz, Montezuma and Port Byron, NY. Our volunteers can help you with your genealogical or historical interests, whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher. In our building at 73 Pine Street, you will find a extensive collection that will help to fill in the gaps of your family history. And while we have many resources available as digital files, much of the collection remains as paper copies that can only be accessed in person.

In late February 2024, the historical societies in our neighboring communities announced their merger and combined the membership of Port Byron Lock 52 and Montezuma historical societies chartered to serve the communities of Mentz, Port Byron, Montezuma and part of Throop.  The mission of both groups has been to preserve the history of the region and to help to educate those who wish to learn about it. There has always been a common thread with Montezuma and Throop being within the township of Mentz until 1859, which Old Mentz Heritage Center will carry forward.

The former Lock 52 Historical Society of Port Byron & Mentz was chartered in 1979 after the local 1976 Bicentennial Committee felt that the Village of Port Byron and the Town of Mentz should have its own historical organization. They have remained active for 45 years; and in the early 1990’s, the Moore house at 73 Pine Street was purchased to serve as their headquarters. The Old Mentz Heritage Center is now located at that location where meetings, collections, displays and programs will be held by the newly combined group.  

Montezuma Historical Society was originally formed following the Town of Montezuma taking ownership of a closed church building in 2004 that was one of the first churches built in the area between the town borderlines of Mentz and Montezuma. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a preservation committee was formed to restore what is known as the Historic Mentz Church. This led the Montezuma group to eventually form as a historical society in 2006. Historical programs, and special events such as weddings and special services have been held there. In 2010, when the town received state funding to develop a historic Erie Canal Park just outside the hamlet, the historical society shifted its focus to support the town in efforts to develop the Montezuma Heritage Park.  Volunteers from the Society will continue to help the Town maintain trails, interpret the historic sites and offer tours.  

Learning about our family’s past embraces our culture, celebrates our family traditions, and give us a sense of belonging like no other. The collections, digital newspapers and online family genealogy records are being carefully preserved by our volunteers that contributes to the ongoing story of our communities. The house museum is open to visit collections, our featured Erie Canal themed paintings of local artists or to do research on Thursdays between 1-3 PM.

We welcome new members. To join our new membership and/or become a volunteer, please visit our website: https://old-mentz.org/; Email: oldmentzhistory@gmail.com