10 History Museums in Finger Lakes That You Shouldn't Miss

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport's favorite son, is located on Route 54, one half mile south of the village of Hammondsport, New York. Dedicated to the memory of pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss, the museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history. The museum also features a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a gift shop. In addition to motorcycles and aircraft, visitors will also see antique tools, toys, boats, home-furnishings, fire equipment and much more. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Museum Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsman and watch them work on historic aircraft.

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.

The George Eastman Museum is located in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film. Founded in 1947 as an independent nonprofit institution, it is the world's oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives. The museum holds unparalleled collections-encompassing several million objects-in the fields of photography, cinema, and photographic and cinematographic technology, and photographically illustrated books. The institution is also a longtime leader in film preservation and photographic conservation.

The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House shares the story of Susan B. Anthony's lifelong struggle to gain voting rights for women and equal rights for all. We keep her vision alive and relevant by preserving and sharing Anthony's National Historic Landmark home; collecting artifacts and research materials directly related to her life and work; and making these resources available to the public through tours, publications, the internet, and interpretive programs. Come visit us today!

Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York state. Located in Mumford, New York, about 20 miles (32 km) from Rochester, New York, USA. First opened to the public in 1976, the authentic 19th-century Historic Village features costumed historians breathing life into many of the 68 relocated and restored historic homes, farms, shops and other public buildings. When you visit during the regular season (Mother's Day weekend through October 12, 2020) you will find various historic trades and craftspeople as well as historic cooking and agricultural demonstrations. GCV&M is also home to the John L. Wehle Art Gallery, our Nature Center, Silver Baseball Park, a pioneer farm, and several Heirloom Gardens. Numerous special events and classes are also offered throughout the year. In the off-season, join us for special events and classes. See our website for details and tickets.

Step into history at the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes. Visit the historic Patterson Inn, a 1796 frontier tavern, 1850s log cabin, 1878 one room schoolhouse, 1870s blacksmith shop, and interactive barn exhibit, all furnished to depict their original use. While in season walk through the herb garden and heirloom vegetable garden. See the website for additional exhibits, demonstration dates, and events.

The Erie Canal Museum houses the National Register 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building, the only structure of its kind in the United States. The unique building where canal cargo was once weighed is the Museum's most important artifact and a centerpiece for interpretation of Erie Canal history. The Museum shows visitors 200 years of Erie Canal history through interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, a full-size replica canal boat, narrative audio tracks and original artifacts. The gift shop offers historic maps, books for children and adults, T-shirts, Canal-inspired toys and more. Admission is by reservation with a suggested $10 donation per party. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with the exception of major holidays. Free parking in Visitor Center spaces in lot on Erie Boulevard East.