The Finger Lakes region of New York State is loaded with history, on many scales. If history is your thing, you can find out about the history of the Finger Lakes area, and you can also find out about your history, too, as an American, or as a human being from planet Earth. Come and take a look!
GLENN H. CURTISS AVIATION MUSEUM – Hammondsport
Let’s begin with an important world history moment – the advent of flight, and it happened right here in the Finger Lakes…specifically, in Hammondsport, NY. If you want to understand the history of early humans flying, you need to understand the story of Glenn Curtiss, and you really will here.
Curtiss, once named “The Fastest Man on Earth” (he was a pioneer in the earliest motorcycles, too), was the first human being to pre-announce he would fly his man-made airplane at a specified date and time (the Wright Brothers had no idea they would actually get off the ground when they were the first to fly at Kitty Hawk), and he did it about one mile south of the village of Hammondsport.
Really, there will be a lot of surprises for you when you visit this wonderful Finger Lakes museum.
For more information: Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS – Corning
If you came to the Finger Lakes region for one day only, and only had time for one activity, this world class museum would be our absolute top recommendation. It is unbelievable.
Known locally as CMoG, the Corning Museum of Glass leads the world in the study of this fascinating and complex material. From incredibly rare finds of antiquity, to modern marvels of science, to your kitchen dishes at home, CMoG delivers with education, spectacle, and wonder…and hands on participation, too!
This…is a must see.
For more information: The Corning Museum of Glass
THE ORIGIN OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN AMERICA – Seneca Falls
Yes, it began here. You probably remember the names Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucretia Mott from your history books in school. They, and several other brave American women began the march for women’s rights in this charming Finger Lakes village.
Both the Women’s Rights National Park, and the National Women’s Hall of Fame are here, and they are well worth your time, no matter your gender identity.
Oh, by the way, if you like museums, and you like classic movies, you’re going to want to see this one, too (it’s also in Seneca Falls)… It’s a Wonderful Life
For more information: Women’s Rights National Historical Park and National Women’s Hall of Fame
THE FINGER LAKES MUSEUM – Branchport
This wonderful idea is just being born. There are several outstanding museums in the Finger Lakes, but this new endeavor is being created to help us all learn about the Finger Lakes. You can begin learning about the lakes and the region now, as the earliest facilities are up and available to us.
The museum’s permanent home in Branchport hopes to open in time for the summer season of 2024. In the meantime, there is a lot you can learn about this fascinating region there already, and a lot for you to do, too – including hiking trails, kayaking equipment for you to use, and ongoing educational programs.
For more information: The Finger Lakes Museum
THE FINGER LAKES BOATING MUSEUM – Hammondsport
You should go to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum for one of four reasons: 1. You are a fan of old, beautiful, classic antique wooden (and non-wooden) boats, and how they were made. 2. You grew up on a summer lake and are dying for that deep nostalgic, reminiscing emotional pull to transport you back there again. 3. You enjoy learning about the local history of different regions of America. 4. You love that vacation feeling of saying, “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that much but that was really fun and I’m so glad I came here.”
Located in the actual headquarters and production buildings of the former Taylor Wine Company, this museum has been designed for meaningful education, as well as for simple pleasure. You’ll be glad you went.
For more information: The Finger Lakes Boating Museum