History/Museums

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Come and visit some of the finest museums spread across the region. These include such history rich sites as Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor which gives a look at native American history, the Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum at Sodus Bay. The Glenn Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, featuring the life work of Curtiss who developed the the first plane to land on water, and the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center and the National Soaring Museum in the Elmira area offer insight into the miracle of flight.

Several magnificent Finger Lakes Mansions combine with splendid gardens to provide a glimpse into the lifestyles of the past. William H. Seward's home in Auburn displays the lifetime collections and gardens of the former New York Governor, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson and prime mover in the purchase of Alaska. At Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, the extensive grounds feature nine spectacular themed gardens, an arboretum and conservatory.

The homes of many distinguished Finger Lakes citizens are open to the public such as the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester. Susan B. Anthony's home, also in Rochester, commemorates her support of temperance, abolition of slavery and women's rights. Gideon Granger, first Post Master General of the U.S. lived in Canandaigua where his home and a carriage museum, Granger Homestead and Carriage House, with over 40 vehicles are available for touring.

Visit community history museums to learn about inventors and manufacturers and other men and women who significantly contributed to our heritage. Glimpse life as it was lived during the past three centuries at the Geneva Historical Society's Prouty Chew Museum, the Seneca Falls Historical Society Museum and the Yates County Geneological Society museums in Penn Yan. The 1890 House in Cortland resembles a castle with many interior Tiffany touches. Rose Hill, an 1839 Greek-revival mansion in Geneva was one of the finest farm estates of its day. Mark Twain's Study, one of the most famous literary landmarks in America, allows you to visit the site where the author wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and other classics in Elmira. For a comprehensive look at the history of the Finger Lakes, visit Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford with over 50 buildings which have been moved to the site from all over the area. Authentically costumed craftspeople and tour guides in each of the buildings take you back to an earlier time.

Civil rights and religious freedom drew their first tentative breaths in the Finger Lakes, grew here and are documented at many significant sites. You can learn about and celebrate the freedoms won, from women's suffrage in Seneca Falls at the Women's Rights National Historical Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame. The Harriet Tubman site in Auburn celebrates the life of the former slave who is known for her Underground Railroad activities, personally leading over 300 people to freedom.

Finger Lakes "firsts" include the Clara Barton's American Red Cross Chapter Number One in Dansville and the Pleasant Valley Wine Company in Hammondsport, which holds the title of "US Bonded Winery #1." Many are a part of Americana, like the first film with sound produced in Auburn and the first community to celebrate Memorial Day—Waterloo.

The Corning Museum of Glass details the history of glass and offers hands-on opportunities. While in Corning be sure to stop and visit the renowned museum of western art, The Rockwell Museum of Western Art. The four museums of Historic Palmyra (Alling Coverlet Museum, Palmyra Historic Museum, Phelps General Store and the Print Shop) are located in Palmyra where the Mormon religion was founded. When visitng the Ithaca area, be sure to explore the museums located along Ithaca's Discovery Trail where there will be a museum for everyone!