Geneva’s Changing Landscapes

Geneva’s Changing Landscapes is a prototype for a new exhibit on the history of Geneva and the surrounding area. Geneva’s Changing Landscapes incorporates parts of the Geneva Room, which has conveyed the story of the city to visitors for the last eleven years, with new material being considered for the permanent exhibit. The new exhibit is in the Hucker Gallery on the lower level.

The exhibit aims to address the questions of tourists and new residents, as well as engage long-time residents in thoughtful consideration of the community’s past. Rather than concentrate on institutions common to most American cities, Geneva’s Changing Landscapes focuses on three themes that thread through most of Geneva’s history: geography, agriculture and transportation. Through these themes, the exhibit explores the questions many people have about why Geneva is here, what brought people to the community, and what the community has contributed to the wider world.

This is a prototype exhibit rather than a finished product. It incorporates the existing exhibit panels, along with text, images, and ideas proposed for the permanent exhibit. Visitors are asked to comment on topics, content, interactives, and effectiveness. This input will be used to help develop the permanent exhibit slated to be installed in 2010.

Geneva’s Changing Landscapes will be on display in the Hucker Gallery June 13 through the end of 2009.

A Stroll Down Seneca Street, 1907-08

A Stroll Down Seneca Street, 1907-08 is the result of a collaborative project with the Geneva Middle School’s Extended Studies program. Five students have spent time this school year researching the Seneca Street buildings found on a 1909 Sanborn Insurance Map in the Society’s collection. Using resources in the archives, the students have collected data that gives a picture of the street at that moment in time and we have created an exhibit based on their research. The exhibit will run through September 26, 2009.

A Stroll Down Seneca Street, 1907-08 will be on display in the Costume Gallery June 13 through September 26, 2009.

From Lake Trout to Grape Pie: Summer Food in the Finger Lakes

Part of the Summer in the Finger Lakes exhibit series that debuted in 2007. In this segment, visitors explore how food makes memories for vacationers and natives alike. Summer memories often focus on food—people remember that special place where they stopped for ice-cream every year on the way to the cottage or Mom’s special deviled eggs for a picnic on the beach. Today, vacationers and residents join in the region’s many food traditions while creating new ones of our own.

Summer Food in the Finger Lakes will be on display in the Chew Gallery May 16 through October 10, 2009.

The Charles Bauder Children's Discovery Room. This exhibit space is designed for children aged six to ten years old. Walled off from the main exhibit gallery, the colorful 240-square-foot space contains hands-on activities and books that allow children to explore aspects of local history and culture. Activities focus on Seneca basket making and beadwork, historic clothing, and “re-building” downtown Geneva. Also featured is an interactive Erie Canal lock. Built to scale from the plans for the original canal locks, the model has working doors and a barge that children can move through the lock.

A mural designed by Trumansburg artist Daniel Burgevin decorates two walls in the Discovery Room. It contains a colorful and lively visual history of Geneva over 300 years. The mural is intended to help children (and adults) place themselves in the history of the community. It depicts events in American and world history on the upper portion and images of landmarks and events in Geneva history on the bottom portion. Families visiting the mural will enjoy sharing memories of the recent events shown on the mural and discussing the significance of events outside of living memory.

The Discovery Room is a long-term exhibit. The exhibit is self-guided and will be open during regular museum hours. For more information about the exhibit call the Society at 315-789-5151.

Period Rooms. The Prouty-Chew House features two parlors furnished in the Colonial Revival style of the late 19th century.

2009 Events

E-Mail List

If you would like to be added to our e-mailing list to receive reminders of events and exhibition openings, please send an e-mail to info@genevahistoricalsociety.com with the subject line Mailing List.  Our mailing list is used only within the organization and your e-mail address will not be shared or distributed.