The American Red Cross of Western New York and the Village of Dansville occupy a very significant and unique place in Red Cross history. Our founder, Clara Barton, established the very first Chapter of the American Red Cross in Dansville, NY in 1881. Today, her legacy is honored through a beautiful home at 57 Elizabeth Street, built circa 1840 and remodeled around 1900 by noted architect Claude Bragdon. It was graciously donated by the Noyes family and designated a National Historic Site by the National Parks Service. The building remains a meeting space for Red Cross volunteers and staff, and a museum of Red Cross history.
A photo gallery highlighting interior preservation projects can be viewed here.
Free Tours are Available!
NEW! Enjoy a 3-D Virtual Tour that allows you to step back in time and get an up close view of the very first American Red Cross chapter:
While touring this historic property, patrons will view numerous, original artifacts from the Civil War, Clara Barton, and dignitaries that have visited this site. The parlor showcases Clara Barton and her activities during the Civil War, including letters of passage from Civil War Generals and other period artifacts. The dining room displays relics of Clara Barton’s time in Dansville. Items of note include a signed program by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the chair that the President sat in during the golden jubilee celebration in 1931. Finally, visitors will experience the history of Women in the Red Cross in the library, where items are displayed in a manner that demonstrates the extensive and unprecedented history of female volunteerism and leadership at the American Red Cross.
Red Cross Chapter #1 is open for free tours by appointment only. You can request a tour by filling out and submitting the form below.
NOTE: Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Questions? Feel free to contact us at WNY.Operations@redcross.org.
For a more detailed history of Clara Barton, her work to relieve suffering, and the background of her founding of the American Red Cross, visit here.
The Red Cross is here for you. Please call us 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) - 24 hours a day.
Information on blood drives, blood donation appointments as well as your personal blood donor account can be found on our Red Cross Blood website (click the link below). You may also call us 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
We provide help for members of the military, veterans and their families to prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service. Call 1-877-272-7337 (24 hours a day) or click below to learn more.
The Red Cross offers classes in: CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, learn to swim, water safety and more. Click below to learn more.
For questions about classes or certification cards you may also call: 1-800-RED-CROSS.
The best way to provide immediate relief to your neighbors facing emergency situations is through a monetary donation. Our disaster assistance programs rely heavily on the generous financial support of citizens in the Western New York region. Even if you only have a few dollars to spare, your donation to American Red Cross disaster relief will make a significant difference in the lives of those facing disasters. Make a one-time donation today either online, by phone, or by mail, or set up a recurring monthly donation to make an even bigger difference.
The humanitarian work that we do at American Red Cross would not be possible without our volunteers. We have a variety of disaster relief volunteer opportunities available, as well as potential positions focused on facility management, health and safety, service to the Armed Forces, and professional specialties like photography, IT, and more. Check out our current volunteer opportunities near you in Rochester!
The Red Cross actively supports fundraising on many popular platforms - whether you use Facebook, Instagram, or prefer to live stream, we have the resources to get you started!
