History

The Cortland County Historical Society has created a new, interactive children's exhibit! The grand opening of Then & Now Children's Room is August 27, from 1-3 pm at The Suggett House Museum (25 Homer Ave, Cortland). The Then & Now Children's room emulates an old-fashioned town, with a general store, barn, and cabin in the woods. Hands-on activities and historically accurate reproductions…

For four days, the town of Cortland will be filled with Huskies, but not the kind attached to a sled. Truck buffs, regional history enthusiasts, and festival-goers come in hoards to the 22nd Annual Brockway Truck Show, August 11-14, for the sights and sounds of the Brockway Motor Truck Co. legacy.  A majority of the show's events will take place at the Central New York Living History Center,…

The Warbirds will take to the skies over Cortland this Saturday, which can only mean one thing! It's time for the 12th Annual Cortland Airfest which celebrates flight in a variety of ways. Gear up for a high-flying day of history, plane rides, firetrucks and good eats. Keep reading to know what to expect at the Cortland Airfest. WHEN Saturday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE The Cortland…

"Have I gone mad? I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I will tell you a secret, all the best people are." -Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll) Celebrate May Day in style at the 1890 House Mad Hatter Tea Party! Don your zaniest, frilliest, silliest, mad hat and promenade about the Victorian mansion in all your finest. Sip tea, pinkies up, while swaying to the serenade of the Underground…

Plan a visit to the 1890 House Museum on a sunny afternoon and find yourself bathed in a kaleidoscope of rainbows. The architectural treasure is located in the heart of downtown Cortland, built for the late 19th-century inventor and industrialist, Chester Wickwire. Those who venture in will be treated to ornate decorative stenciling, parquet flooring, and oak and cherry woodwork, but it is the…

Standing under the only stop light in town, you'll often hear a distant clip clop as an Amish horse and buggy makes it's way down Main Street. Comprised of a patchwork of buildings, both historic and new, hemmed in by the Tioughnioga River, Marathon is radiating quintessential small town charm, perfect for a wandering day trip. FIRST STOP BREAKFAST Reilly's Cafe It's been said that breakfast is…

If you’re a history buff, visiting Cortland County is a no-brainer. Just a few days spent in the county is enough to give you a taste of the area’s very diverse history. We promise adventure, a little beauty, and a whole lot of history in two days in Cortland County. DAY ONE Start your trip with a locally roasted caffeine boost at Coffee Mania; then venture to Cortland County’s…

Travel Responsibly: In an effort to limit the impact of COVID-19, please wear your mask and practice social distancing in all public spaces per official guidelines. Advance tickets or RSVPs are highly recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: plan ahead. The CNY Living History Center is open with safety protocols put in place, but the fun of exploring and learning is still…

While Cortland County is known as a winter destination with its three ski resorts, there's much more to the county than its snowy slopes.  Whether you need a break from the powder or just aren't that into skiing, here are eight other awesome things to do on your winter vacation in Cortland County. 1. STRAP ON SNOWSHOES There are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding that offer…

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920, ending almost a century of protest. The legendary crusade for women's suffrage began in 1848 at a historic meeting in Seneca Falls, New York. Following the convention, the demand for the vote became a centerpiece of the women’s rights…

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920, ending almost a century of protest. The legendary crusade for women's suffrage began in 1848 at a historic meeting in Seneca Falls, New York. Following the convention, the demand for the vote became a centerpiece of the women’s…

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920, ending almost a century of protest. The legendary crusade for women's suffrage began in 1848 at a historic meeting in Seneca Falls, New York. Following the convention, the demand for the vote became a centerpiece of the women’s…

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920, ending almost a century of protest. The legendary crusade for women's suffrage began in 1848 at a historic meeting in Seneca Falls, New York. Following the convention, the demand for the vote became a centerpiece of the women’s rights…

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920, ending almost a century of protest. The legendary crusade for women's suffrage began in 1848 at a historic meeting in Seneca Falls, New York. Following the convention, the demand for the vote became a centerpiece of the women’s rights…

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920, ending almost a century of protest. The legendary crusade for women's suffrage began in 1848 at a historic meeting in Seneca Falls, New York. Following the convention, the demand for the vote became a centerpiece of the women’s…

Hello! My name is Kelly Gardner, a senior in my final semester at SUNY Cortland. I have been interning for the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau during this spring semester. I major in history and minor in political science. Originally, I was studying to become a high school social studies teacher. However, I realized that I enjoy working with people much more than teaching history…

There's no better time to visit the historical museums within Cortland County! Keep reading for the variety of historical hotspots to explore in the area.  Whether you're an out-of-town visitor looking to experience a unique perspective into the past, or you're a local wanting to learn more about the community you live in, Cortland County has much to offer!  Learn about the innovation of…

  Here are five reasons not to miss the new exhibitions reveal at the CNY Living History Center.   The Flying Ace   Levi Chase was an American fighter pilot and double flying ace during World War II. This exhibition, curated and built by his grandson, Bill Chase, will share some incredible stories related to the 512 combat missions that Chase flew during three different wars.  …

Experience Cortland talks with CNY Living History Center Executive Director Luke Biondi about one of the more interesting artifacts on display.   The incredible story of four men's journey from Argentina to Upstate New York is remarkably true. When they finally reached Cortland, New York in May 1960, thousands lined the streets to applaud an adventure that had gripped the imagination of the…