Women’s Rights National Park, Seneca Falls, NY

Not too far from the National Women’s Hall of Fame on Falls Street in Seneca Falls, NY, is the Women’s Rights National Park. I wrote about the rich history of the women’s movement that began here in my post National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls, NY. While the National Women’s Rights Hall of Fame [...]

National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls, NY

March is Women’s History Month! Women are, by and large, the unsung heroes (well, heroines!) of history. They have often worked behind the scenes or have even assumed men’s names to introduce their achievements to the world. Did you know that the circular saw was invented by a woman? Tabitha Babbitt, in 1812. The dishwasher [...]

Peterboro Prepping For Civil War Weekend

I was delighted that WKTV reports some good news: Peterboro already preparing for Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. PETERBORO, N.Y. – 1861 marked the beginning of the American Civil War. The 19th Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend Committee plans to include programs that reflect the 150th anniversary of that conflict. Among the plans in the [...]

The Old Main, or Utica Lunatic Asylum, NY

Renowned as the finest example of Greel Revival architecture in the world, the Old Main, or old Utica Lunatic Asylum, still stands. Barely. It sits aloof on its once pastoral grounds in the heart of Utica, NY. It’s history is incredibly rich and it is for this reason that this magnificent building still stands. This is my investigation of its history and the earth-shattering movement of treatable mental illness in this country.

Civil War Re-enactment Coming Up!

I love it when I hear about these re-enactment events BEFORE they occur. It seems that I always hear about them in the news after they have happened, and I miss out on all the fun! I’m really hoping to go to this one: the Annual Civil War Weekend in Peterboro, NY. Peterboro invites everyone [...]

Madison County Historical Society, Oneida, NY

Almost two weeks ago, on a soggy, dreary day, the girls and I took a drive out to Oneida, NY, to see the Madison County Historical Society home. It was once the gracious home of the Higinbotham family of Oneida. The home was built in 1849, and remained in the family up until 1930s, when [...]

A Trip West on Route 5

We travel Route 5 frequently, about 12 times a year at least. I’m always seeing those nifty State Historical Markers as we drive by, but traffic has always been too heavy or I’ve always been running too late for us to stop and read them. Our latest trip was much more leisurely, so we took [...]

Gerrit Smith Estate, Peterboro, NY

You may not have heard of Gerrit Smith, but in his day he was the man most responsible for the abolition movement in New York State. Gerrit Smith was the “Stationmaster” of the Underground Railroad. We visited his old estate in Peterboro, NY.

Travel Wanna-dos

With spring right around the corner (as I ignore the falling snow and blustery winds out my window), we’re gearing up for another season of outdoor activity. The kids and I are hoping to go on an extended “Freedom Trail” trip, with drives out to historic sites and museums pertaining to the abolition of slavery [...]

H. Lee White Marine Museum, Oswego, NY

Sitting quietly on the pier on Ontario Lake, in Oswego, NY, sits a tiny little museum with a mascot tugboat. Don’t let the simple and small exterior fool you– inside lies a massive museum of naval exploration. What a terrific place!