museum

It's officially maple season here in Cortland County, and we have three ways you can celebrate all things syrup. Each weekend, beginning March 16 through March 24, the sap will be running throughout the county for NYS Maple Weekends. So, grab your family and your best pancake batter and get ready for some sweet adventures! COOPER HILL MAPLE OPEN HOUSE 291 Cooper Hill Rd.Marathon, NY(607) 849-7865…

When it comes to planning the perfect date, the decision can be daunting. Whether you've been together for longer than you can remember or are nervously planning a first date, Cortland County has the perfect spot for you. Take our quiz to help determine what your heart desires on your next date, and let us plan all the rest. What place sounds most appealing to you? 1. A quiet cabin in the woods.…

Cortland Curiosities is home to an epic trail with three terrifying tales of local legends and lore. Explore the darkest corners of the deepest woods where Cortland's cryptid hunts, walk the shores of the inky lake under the pale moonlight listening for haunting screams, and wander a forgotten cemetery in search of a lost grave. Ready for your next misadventure, curious travelers? Keep reading if…

We invite you to join Cortland Curiosities for a frighteningly fun evening unearthing our curious and paranormal past on October 26 at the Center for the Arts of Homer. This free event will leave you spellbound and ready for your next misadventure on the Cortland Curiosity Trail. So pack your rucksack, all you curious travelers. In the words of the great Vincent Price, we're "going to give the…

Take a breather from work and bring your family and friends to Cortland County for a little rest and relaxation during Labor Day weekend! Pack a lawn chair to sit under the stars for an outdoor concert. Lace up your sneakers to stretch you legs on one of our hiking trails. Take a walk down memory lane in Cortland's Victorian-era stone castle. Keep your taste buds happy at one of the county's craft…

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…

"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…

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…

Travel Responsibly: In an effort to limit the impact of COVID-19, mask-wearing and social distancing are required in all public spaces per official guidelines. Advance tickets or reservations are highly recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: Plan ahead. Have you made your Cortland County winter bucket list yet? There are so many safe, family-friendly activities to enjoy in the…

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…

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…

Did you know that there is a wonderful, interactive and immersive exhibition of an impressive train collection left to the Homeville Museum (located at the CNY Living History Center) by Ken Eaton.   When volunteer Doug Deer became involved just over a year ago, his passion for model trains helped to make the incredible collection left by Ken a focal point for the Homeville Museum at the CNY…

Ever since the Cortland County Historical Society was founded in 1925, it has collected, preserved, and interpreted countless artifacts from all around the county. Their latest exhibition was a major project to help celebrate their 90th anniversary by exhibiting and interpreting 90 unique artifacts from throughout Cortland County.   I spoke with Director Mindy Leisenring and asked a difficult…

It’s why I think we’re so lucky about our museums here [in Cortland].  Even if you’ve lived here your whole life, been here for an event, or you’ve gone around for a tour, there’s always something new to discover.   There are many interesting objects found throughout the 1890 House Museum. There’s a hair wreath in the East Parlor, large brass cranes…

CNY Living History Center Museum Object: 1925 Brockway Fire Truck Brockway Truck Museum Luke Biondi, Executive Director.   ...they [Argentinian firemen] just wanted to bring it up and get it replaces because they used it for so long, almost forty years. I guess that’s part of the reason that I like the truck their perseverance just to get it all the way up here. For us [CNY Living…

This year, 2017, marks the 100th anniversary of the United States entering World War 1. Trench warfare along the Western Front was a brutal life for soldiers who could spend weeks at a time there. Luke Biondi, Executive Director at the CNY Living History Center took us through this full-scale WW1 Trench on exhibit now. Part of his Master's Thesis, Luke with the help of board members and volunteers…