Barker Library & Museum

The Darwin R. Barker Library and Historical Museum have been an important center in the life of Fredonia, New York for over one-hundred years.  The evolution of the library-museum is a complex one.  Darwin R Barker, born in 1820, was the son of Leverett and Desire Barker.  The homestead, located at 20 East Main Street, was built in 1821.  D. R. Barker married Helen Pettit in June of 1846 and became a partner in her family’s business, which manufactured and sold Pettit’s Eye Salve.  The business was sold in 1879 for a goodly sum, and Darwin R. Barker became a local philanthropist greatly involved in causes and activities of the time. Read More…