The first settler arrived in 1793, Revolutionary War hero Col. John Hardenbergh. In 1817, a state prison opened and in 1829, a theological seminary was established. Fort Hill Cemetery contains part of a hill that was thought to have been erected by Moundbuilders. It also has the graves of William Seward, secretary of state under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson as well as Logan, a Mingo Indian orator who led a war party in 1774 to reprise the murder of his family.
The Museums are located on the former Willard Case estate. Theodore Case's original laboratory is located within the 1836 mansion. It is here that Theodore W. Case invented the first commercially successful system of sound-on-film and much of his original equipment is on display. The Cayuga Museum houses historical displays of Cayuga County, including 19th century furnishings.
Address: Cayuga Museum / Case Research Lab Museum, 203 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021, United States
Phone: 1 (315) 253-8051, Fax: 1 (315) 253-9829
Emerson Park is located on Owasco Lake. The Cayuga County Agricultural Museum is found within the 133 acres of the park. Boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking are available.
Harriet Tubman was a former slave who helped over 300 slaves to freedom through the underground railroad, which earned her the title of "The Moses of Her People". During the Civil War, she provided service to the Union Army as a nurse, scout and spy.
The restored home contains articles of furniture and a portrait that belonged to Harriet Tubman.
The Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center displays art covering all eras, cultures and geographical areas, but in particular the work of emerging artists. Other aspects of the center include tours, lectures, art classes and workshops.
Address: Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, 205 West Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021-3304, United States
Phone: 1 (315) 255-1553, Fax: 1 (315) 255-0871
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum is located opposite the entrance to Emerson Park. It features farming and household equipment used in rural life during 1800-1930. A general store, blacksmith shop, vet's office and kitchen are on display.
The Willard Memorial Chapel, once part of the Auburn Theological Seminary, is an example of interior design by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Carved wooden pews, stained-glass windows, mosaic floors and gold stenciled furniture are found within the Chapel.
Hours:
July 1 to August 31: 10am-4pm; Sun:1pm-4pm; Closed: Mon, Sat
September 1 to June 30: 10am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Sat, Sun, Mon, Sat
William H. Seward served as Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. The Seward House is a mix of Federal and Tuscan style architecture with 2 acres of gardens. An extensive intact collection includes furnishings, household items, documents, photographs, and art that belonged to and was used by Seward and his descendants.
Address: Willam H. Seward House, 33 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021-3929, United States
Phone: 1 (315) 252-1283, Fax: 1 (315) 253-3351
Hours:
July 11 to October 10: 10am-4pm; Sun:1pm-4pm; Closed: Mon
October 11 to July 10: 10am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Sun, Mon