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Exhibitions & Events


The Geneva Historical Society Museum at the Prouty-Chew House
543 South Main Street, Geneva NY 14456


Summer Hours (May 1-October 31)
Monday- Friday, 9:30 - 4:30, Saturday, 1:30-4:30, July & August only: Sunday 1:30-4:30

Changing Exhibits

Coming Up on the Season: Migrant Farmworkers in the Northeast

Coming Up on the Season: Migrant Farmworkers in the Northeast traces the path of the fruits and vegetables we eat, and the lives of the people who grow and harvest them in the Northeastern United States.

Based on five years of fieldwork and documentation by the Cornell University Migrant Program, this bi-lingual exhibition explores the world behind the supermarket shelves. Even in our mechanized world, having fresh, unblemished produce still means that someone has to pick it, or bunch it, or wash it, or pack it. The Northeast still grows much of the nation’s food, and in no other region do migrants make up such a large part of the work force that produces it.

Excerpts from oral histories with workers and growers in combination with contemporary photography by Drew Harty provide a compelling view of the world of farmworkers today. Historic photographs, including those taken by photographers for the Farm Security Administration in the 1930s and 1940s, help visitors understand the historical forces that have shaped farmwork.

Coming Up on the Season: Migrant Farmworkers in the Northeast will open with a reception on June 7 and be on display through July 2008.


From Steamboat Captain to Winery Host: Summer Work in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes is noted for its agricultural bounty and physical beauty; both assets contribute to our fame as a tourist destination. This exhibit investigates the question, “Who does the work?” Someone makes the motel beds, pours the wine samples, and plants and harvests the cabbage. Agriculture and tourism are major drivers of the economy in this region, but individuals—who they are and why they work—are often overlooked.

When we’re on vacation, we rarely think about the people who make our vacations possible. When we work in the region, we both depend on visitors for income and, perhaps, resent them a bit. For generations, Finger Lakes residents have done the work that created traditions and memories for tourists. Once steamboat captains and train conductors were the workers we met; today, “winery hosts” and lifeguards enhance our experiences. For residents in every generation, that summer job at an ice cream parlor, marina, or hotel, is a sign of passage from child to adult. For some adults, seasonal work provides extra income or a chance to pursue an interest or hobby. For others, it’s an entrepreneurial business venture that’s a year-round commitment.

From Steamboat Captain to Winery Host: Summer Work in the Finger Lakes is part of the award-wining six-museum collaborative project Summer in the Finger Lakes, which Society staff helped develop. The exhibit will open with a reception on June 7 and be on display through July 2008.



Permanent Exhibits

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.

Local History Room. Using objects and images, this exhibit presents an overview of Geneva's history, its early development, industrial and commercial development, and notable Genevans. This room also features the Geneva Sports Hall of Fame profiling notable Geneva athletes.

2008 Events

May
May 1   Rose Hill Mansion opens for the season  
May 3   Balmanno Cottage and Johnston House open for the season  
May 6 12 noon Women's Council Luncheon Belhurst
May 10   Student Art Exhibit closes Geneva Historical Society Museum
May 13 7:30pm The Unity of New York State: The Upstate/Downstate Divide in Historical Context. A lecture by Peter Eisenstadt. Click here for more information. Geneva Historical Society Museum
May 27 6pm Annual Dinner and Meeting featuring "Where No One's Been Before: Underwater Exploration in Seneca Lake." A presentation by Milton Shares. Click here for more information. Club 86, Avenue E, Geneva, NY
June
June 6 5-7pm Opening reception for the exhibits Coming up on the Season: Migrant Farmwork in the Northeast and From Steamboat Captain to Winery Host: Summer Work in the Finger Lakes. Geneva Historical Society Museum
June 14 10am-5pm The Geneva Historical Society presents Colleges of the Seneca: A Walking Tour of Hobart & William Smith Buildings, Gardens & Homes The campus of Hobart & William Smith Colleges
June 29 1pm and 3pm A Victorian tea and exhibit of tea-related items. Call the Society at 315-789-5151 for more information. Rose Hill Mansion
       
       
       
July
       
       
August
       

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 the address below 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.


Contact Us
Phone 315-789-5151
Fax: 315-789-0314
Address: 543 South Main St., Geneva, NY 14456
E-mail: info at genevahistoricalsociety.com



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