If the walls of your local watering hole could talk, what would they say?

Rochester is no stranger to time-tested taverns and contemporary bars housed in historic buildings. Each of these edifices has a story to tell. What better time to hear them than during happy hour?

Storied Saloons: Local History Happy Hours explores the history of some of Rochester and Monroe County’s most interesting and iconic bar-boasting buildings. If you enjoy learning and libations, pull up a stool and join us as we uncover the past of a different tavern during each session of this exciting off-site series.

January Session:  Abilene Bar & Lounge

Abilene Bar & Lounge is housed in the oldest building on Liberty Pole Way. Before Daniel J. Deutsch opened the popular watering hole and music venue in 2008, the almost 200-year-old edifice held connections to the flour milling industry, a local vice district, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Join historian Emily Morry to learn all about the evolution of this unique downtown gem.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

5:30pm -7:00pm

153 Liberty Pole Way

Registration for this FREE event is encouraged, but not required. 

Presented by the Office of Rochester & Monroe County History in partnership with the Central Library's Local History & Genealogy Division