Local History

About our history

The history of Cayuga County has central themes of agricultural invention and development, business, transportation and commerce, education, religious awakening, abolition, and women’s rights. These themes are found in the history of the Village of Aurora on Cayuga Lake (https://auroranewyork.us/about/history/) and in the collections and programs of the museums and historical societies throughout the county.

You can discover Cayuga County history at the Patrick Tavern in Aurora (link to ALHS page) and at the locations highlighted on this page.

In Auburn, NY

Cayuga County Historian
https://www.cayugacounty.us/234/County-Historians-Office

Cayuga Museum
https://cayugamuseum.org/

Equal Rights Heritage Center
https://equalrightsheritage.com/

Fort Hill Cemetery
http://www.forthillcemetery.net/

Seward House
https://sewardhouse.org/

Ward O'Hara Museum
https://wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org/

Willard Chapel
https://www.willard-chapel.com/

In Southern Cayuga County

Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society, Moravia, NY
http://www.colhs.org/

Frontenac Historical Society and Museum, Union Springs, NY
https://www.frontenacmuseum.org/

Genoa Historical Association and Rural Life Museum, King Ferry, NY
https://genoahistorical.org/

Howland Stone Store Museum, Sherwood, NY
https://www.howlandstonestore.org/

In Northern Cayuga County

Old Brutus Historical Society, Weedsport, NY
https://www.tourcayuga.com/listing/old-brutus-historical-society/

CiViC Heritage Historical Society (Town of Victory and Cato), Cato, NY
https://civicheritage.blogspot.com/

Old Mentz Heritage Center, Port Byron, NY
https://old-mentz.org/

Montezuma Historical Society, Montezuma, NY
https://montezumahistoricalsociety.wordpress.com/about/

Old Erie Canal Heritage Park, Port Byon, NY
https://newyorkcanals.org/the-heritage-park

Samuel Center for Canal History, Port Byron, NY
https://newyorkcanals.org/news/f/new-samuel-center-for-canal-history-in-port-byron

Sterling Historical Society and Little Red Schoolhouse, Sterling, NY
https://sterlinghistoricalsociety.com/