Cayuga County: Witness History Firsthand

© Courtesy of Cayuga County

Cayuga County: Witness History Firsthand

Cayuga County is a truly remarkable destination for those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of national history in the United States. Located in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, this picturesque county is so much more than just its gorgeous scenery. Cayuga County is home to a wealth of historic sites, landmarks, and historical societies that offer fascinating glimpses into the past and its impacts today. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of some of our country’s greatest and most influential fi gures—Harriet Tubman, William Seward, Emily Howland, and more.

In Auburn, NY—affectionately known as “History’s Hometown”— venture through Harriet Tubman’s own property. Witness the land she owned, the legacy she built, and the life behind her story. The Underground Railroad conductor spent the fi nal 50+ years of her life in Auburn, and her influence is palpable here. The newly restored Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, housed in the very church where Tubman herself worshiped, invites visitors to walk through her story and stand where she stood. The many public art installations dedicated to her image ensure that Tubman’s memory is carried throughout the city. Learn more about Harriet Tubman’s legacy in Auburn at the city’s annual Harriet Tubman Day celebrations.

Just up the road from the Tubman Home, visit the residence of another historical figure—William H. Seward. Though the former Secretary of State is perhaps most well-known for his work in orchestrating the purchase of Alaska, he and his wife, Frances, were also staunch abolitionists. In the Seward House Museum, walk through the halls of their well-preserved home and step into the basement room, which served as a frequent stop on the Underground Railroad. Learn more at the museum’s Haunted History Tours in October or its Candlelight Tours in December.

At the Cayuga Museum of History & Art, visit the Case Research Lab—where Theodore Willard Case cracked the case of sound on fi lm and created the fi rst “talking picture.” Walk through his darkroom, chemistry lab, and recording studio; witness his experimental recording equipment and the fi rst-ever sound camera. Learn not just about Case’s lasting legacy but about the very history of fi lm itself. Learn more on the Cayuga Museum’s summer “Birthplace of Sound Film” Walking Tours in downtown Auburn.

Outside of Auburn in the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District, explore the life and work of prominent women’s rights activist Emily Howland. A philanthropist, educator, and Quaker, Howland believed strongly in the right to education for all and spent much of her life teaching girls, women, and formerly enslaved individuals. At the Opendore Project and Howland Stone Store Museum, learn about her life and work and the women’s rights and suffrage movements in New York State. Learn about Emily Howland and others at the museum’s annual Women’s Suffrage Celebratory March & Tea Party.

Cayuga County is a veritable treasure trove of national history for all interests, offering visitors a chance to connect and engage with the very foundations of the United States.

Plan your trip today at TourCayuga.com