It has been more than 130 years since Millard Fillmore blew out candles on his own cake, but his birthday is still recognized in Moravia.

On Sunday, the Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society will mark another year passed as it celebrates the day the 13th president was born.

From 2 to 4 p.m., the historical society will hold an open house and offer special treats and activities in honor of Fillmore, who was born Jan. 7, 1800.

Visitors can have some birthday cake or test their knowledge with a Fillmore quiz while browsing an exhibit dedicated to the president.

Born and raised in a log cabin near Moravia, Fillmore was elected vice president in 1848 and became president in 1850 after Zachary Taylor fell ill and died.

He is perhaps best known for signing the Compromise of 1850 into law during the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War.

But in Moravia, he is especially significant, according to Mary Donovan, historical society president.

“He is the only president who ever came from Cayuga County,” Donovan said. “There were others from New York state, but none from this county.”

The annual birthday celebration is held to keep Fillmore's memory alive. But this year's event will also recognize some of the exciting recent happenings within the historical society, according to Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society Treasurer Roger Philips.

Earlier this year, the organization acquired a large amount of notes and documents from the late local historian Robert Scarry. Scarry spent much of his life researching Fillmore, and published the extensive biography, “Millard Fillmore,” in 2000. His widow, Harriet Scarry, recently donated his entire Fillmore collection, including research papers, pamphlets, articles, a slide collection, rare letters, signed photographs and memorabilia related to the president's birthplace and boyhood home.

Philips said that items in the collection are not yet on display, but some information about the collection will be available.

Philips also said that Sunday's birthday bash will help kick off the historical society's fundraising campaign for a Millard Fillmore museum.

“(Millard Fillmore) is certainly a key figure in Moravia, and he is important to the history of this county,” Philips said. “We try and continue to educate the public as to why he is important.”

For more information about the Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society, visit www.rootsweb.com/~nycolhs.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.

If you go

What: Annual Millard Fillmore birthday celebration

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society, 14 W. Cayuga St., Moravia

Cost: Free