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Historic marker dedication set for Three Bears complex in Ovid

A long-running preservation effort in Seneca County will be celebrated next month with the unveiling of a new historic marker and the completion of a major restoration project at the Three Bears complex.

The Friends of the Three Bears will host a public dedication ceremony May 31 to mark the installation of a New York State Historic Marker recognizing the site’s historical significance and Ovid’s designation as a half-shire community.


The event will also highlight the completion of restoration work on the cupola atop “Papa Bear,” one of the three historic buildings that make up the former Seneca County Courthouse Complex. The buildings, originally constructed in 1845 and 1860, now serve as a hub for arts, culture, and community events.

Organizers say the celebration will include live music, refreshments, children’s activities, and wine tastings from several local wineries. Ice cream from Cayuga Creamery will also be available, along with opportunities for visitors to view recent upgrades to the historic site, as highlighted in promotional materials for the event.

Operations Manager Sarah Byers said the gathering is meant to bring the community together while recognizing the work that has gone into preserving the site over the past two decades.

The ceremony will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on the lawn of the Three Bears complex in Ovid and will be held rain or shine.