Historian

Historian Office closed Monday, April 3

Peter EvensPeter K. Evans

 Peter K. Evans of Williamson, NY passed away March 11, 2023 after battling lymphoma.

Born August 7, 1942, Peter grew up on fruit farms in the mid-Hudson Valley and always considered that area home.  He graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in chemical engineering, and then served in the US Army commanding a tank company in Korea.  In 1968 Peter moved to Rochester, NY to work in film processing at Eastman Kodak, and married Sue-Jane Kerbin Evans in 1970.  In 1979 they moved east to Pultneyville with their children Ben and Emily where Peter became a dedicated member of his community.  Upon his retirement from Kodak, he delighted in spending time with children as a school bus driver. As a lifelong armchair historian and lover of local history, Peter enjoyed a second career as Wayne County Historian, and was awarded the Landmark Society’s 2011 Paul Malo Award for Community Preservation Advocacy in recognition of his efforts.

Peter is survived by his wife, Sue-Jane, son Ben Evans (Kim), daughter Emily Terry (Carter) and four cherished grandchildren.  His extended family includes his sister Pamela Sundell, sister-in-law Priscilla Price (Steve), brother-in-law Jim Kerbin (Carol), and much loved nieces and nephews.

Peter is held in the memories of his family and friends, and his family will gather this summer to celebrate his life.  His grandchildren (Charlotte, Toby, Alice, and Eleanor) will miss his willingness to make unsanctioned stops for treats and will enthusiastically raise an ice cream cone in his memory.  Peter’s willingness to get lost, talent for stumbling upon interesting adventures, and uncanny ability to find his way home will hold him in good stead whatever comes.

In remembrance of Peter Evans, please consider sharing in his enthusiasm for local history by attending a Wayne County Bicentennial event. Donations may be made in Peter’s name to the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society or Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association.

Online condolences can be expressed by visiting this website.

April 11, 1823, by act of the New York State Legislature, Wayne County came into existence. The last county to be "set off" from Ontario County along with parts of northern Seneca County It is unique with lakeshore and fertile lake plain in the north Undulating with 100s of Drumlins in the middle Marshy with streams flowing easterly in the south.

Information available at Historian Office: 

  •  Burial/cemetery data
  • Census
  • County maps 1853, 1858, 1874 atlas, 1904 atlas, 1937 compass map
  • Hoffman Essays
  • Library with county, town, church, organization histories
  • Microfilmed records
  • Subject files
  • Surname folders
  • Wills/surrogates before 1900

General Instructions

Research may be done on site at the Office of the County Historian without charge. Appointment Only!!  You must have a confirmation reply to your appointment request!  Appointment requests by phone message or email must have a confirmation reply to assure access to the Historian Office.  Thank you.

Starting 2023 February 1 the Historian Clerk hours (except for holidays) are: Monday 2-5; Tuesday 12-5; Wednesday 12-5; Thursday 10-4; no Friday.

If you can't come into the office, you may request the Office of the County Historian to do research, using the  research request form (PDF).

State requests simply and clearly, giving pertinent information but excluding unnecessary detail.

Research request form (PDF) and deposit must accompany all requests.

Helpful Documents

  1. 2023 Holiday Closures (PDF)
  2. Guide to Wayne County Historic Sites (PDF)
  3. Research Request Form (PDF)