November 2010

It will also continue to augment existing collections and provide extensive research, educational programming, and exciting exhibitry to expand harness racing's interest and appeal, both nationally and internationally, to assure an informed audience and a successful future.

The Jackson Hole Museum began in 1958 as a private history museum to house the lifetime collection of W. C. "Slim" Lawrence. The collection contains upwards of 12,000 artifacts, featuring an outstanding collection of Native American pottery, weapons, and stone tools. Important collections include fur trade era tools and firearms and material culture from the pioneer settlement era as well as other objects of antiquity.

In 1898, Hanford Mills harnessed the waters of Kortright Creek to provide the town with its first electricity. Through time, the Hanfords also used steam and gasoline engines to power the mill and its electric dynamo.

The mill closed in 1967, re-opening later that year as a museum. In 1973 Hanford Mills Museum was chartered by the State of New York. Its significance as one of the last 19th century mills to survive intact earned it a place on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

The 28-acre farm preserves 18 historic houses, barns and outbuildings ranging from the mid-18th century Hallock Homestead to the Depression-era Chichanowitcz Farmhouse. Visitors can tour the museum's buildings, gardens, and collections; experience real farming in the museum's fields; and meet Hallockville's friendly cows, sheep and chickens. Hallockville serves as an educational resource for all age groups to raise awareness of Eastern Long Island's agricultural heritage.

Visitors can bridge the years by stepping into the museum wing and wandering through the gallery of historical exhibits. Take a look at the town's first fire wagon, imagine our forbearers harvesting ice from a lakeside pond, contemplate transportation before the automobile or study the Native American encampment on Long Pond.

Home to four generations of the Granger Family, the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum occupy a scenic 10-acre site on North Main Street, just a few blocks from downtown Canandaigua, New York, about 20 miles southeast of Rochester. 15,000 visitors come to the Homestead annually.

The Geneva Historical Society consists of over 1,000 members in and around the community. The organization is committed to preserving and interpreting the rich culture and heritage of the diverse citizens who have made Geneva the city it is today. Over many years, the society has been able to support its commitment to preservation through its Fund for Historic Geneva and its restoration efforts at the Prouty-Chew House, Rose Hill Mansion, and the John Johnston House.

The Geneva Historical Society Museum and offices are located in the Prouty-Chew House. The facility features marvelous period rooms, costume displays, and changing exhibits on Geneva's history and culture. The site also features a gift shop, staff offices, collections storage, programming space, and the Society's archives and library, which are open to researchers, genealogists, and the public.

Fraunces Tavern Museum is a survivor of the early days of New York City. It was built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the nation’s first capital, the tavern was rented to the new government to house the offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs.

In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and hired preservation architect William Mersereau to return the building to its colonial appearance.

Built on land once owned by Judge Hiram Horton, the home, now known as the "House of History," was built between 1863 and 1864.  The society is currently working with the Malone Revitalization Foundation to save the historic Horton Mill. 

In the southern portion of the Historic Park, winding paths lead past a reconstructed blockhouse and to the historic section of the grounds, with reproduction gun batteries and firing steps. Opposite the barbette battery, authentically reconstructed eighteenth-century huts, with a well, woodshed, and baking oven, serve as the focal point for interpretive programs.

The Visitor Center is at the heart of the Historic Park, providing information on the role of Fort Lee in the American Revolution. Two floors of displays present the story of how General Washington was forced to evacuate the area in November 1776 and lead his famous “Retreat to Victory” across New Jersey at the end of 1776.

Weekend and Summer programs are available onsite for school aged children.