From Sacred to Stereotype and Back Again: Tourist Presentations of Native Americans in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes’ earliest inhabitants were the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), most of whom were forced to abandon their lands during the 1779 Sullivan-Clinton Campaign. However, the Native American presence continues in the region, and the land still holds spiritual importance to the Iroquois. Despite that, the images, place names and “legends” of the Iroquois have been used for generations to entice visitors and promote the area’s natural and historic attractions. Today, Native groups have reasserted their voices, focusing on their authentic traditions at sites like Ganondagan and at festivals throughout the region. From Sacred to Stereotype and Back Again focuses on the history of the Haudenosaunee presence in the Finger Lakes and how it has been depicted in association with summer and vacationing in the region.

This exhibit is part of the six-museum collaborative project, Summer in the Finger Lakes, which examines the history of summertime leisure on Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka, Owasco, and Seneca Lakes. The six exhibits have been rotating amongst the partner museums since their development in 2007. In addition to the Geneva Historical Society, the participating museums are: the Cayuga Museum of History and Art in Auburn; the Chemung Valley History Museum in Elmira; The History Center in Tompkins County in Ithaca; the Ontario County Historical Society in Canandaigua; and the Yates County Genealogical and Historical Society in Penn Yan.

The planning and implementation of this project were made possible by: Institute of Museum and Library Services; National Endowment for the Humanities; New York State Council on the Arts, Museum and Folk Arts Programs; and New York Council for the Humanities.

The exhibit will be open through December 31, 2010.

Geneva’s Changing Landscapes

This new, permanent, professionally-designed exhibit exploring the changing relationship of the city of Geneva to its natural and built enviroment will be opening July 27, from 6-7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

Geneva’s Changing Landscapes is designed as an introduction to the city’s history that will both inspire visitors to learn more about Geneva and provide local residents with a deeper understanding of how their community came to be. The content is drawn from the questions people commonly ask the museum staff: How were the Finger Lakes formed? Why is the city in this spot? What attracted people here in the first place? What is the history of the wineries? Where do people work?

An overview of 300 years of local history, Geneva’s Changing Landscapes tells the story of how that history has been influenced by Geneva’s natural surroundings. Glacial activity created lakes, valleys, and fertile soil. Beginning with early Native Americans, people have come to this area for the natural resources in and around Seneca Lake. Geography continued to influence decisions such as railroad routes in the 19th century and the location of Sampson Naval Training Station near Geneva in the 1940s.

The exhibit was made possible by the New York Council for the Humanities and many generous sponsors: the Wyckoff Family Foundation, Wegmans of Geneva, Red Jacket Orchards, Phelps Sungas, Inc., the Women’s Council of the Geneva Historical Society, Ellen and Kevin Mitchell, Dr. Olaf and Mrs. Elaine Lieberg, Mr. and Mrs. John Shanahan, Ford and Harriot Weiskittel, Charles and Joanne Wisor, and an anonymous donor in the memory of Warren Hunting Smith.

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.

2010 Events

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