Visit Auburn, NY
Visit Auburn, NY
Are you ready for a captivating day trip to Auburn, New York? I had the pleasure of visiting Auburn this summer and had no idea how many hidden historical gems were in the city! Join me as I share my recent adventure to this charming city in the Finger Lakes region. Auburn may not be on everyone's radar, but after exploring its historical gems and vibrant culture, I can confidently say it's a destination worth visiting.
Our journey began at the Equal Rights Heritage Center, a place where history comes to life. As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by friendly staff members eager to help us plan our day. This welcoming atmosphere set the tone for our Auburn adventure.
The center boasts a variety of interactive exhibits, each color-coded to represent different aspects of civil rights history. Blue for human rights, green for the abolition of slavery, and purple for women's rights. Walking through these exhibits, we encountered influential New Yorkers who had left an incredible mark on history.
One striking detail we discovered was a reproduction of a women's suffrage picket sign, where a "7" had been painted over the "5" in 1915. This ingenious recycling allowed these signs to be used from 1915 to 1917 while the 19th Amendment was pending. However, New York State women won the right to vote in 1917.
Fun fact: The Equal Rights Heritage Center was the first municipal building in Auburn to fly the Pride flag publicly.
Auburn was home to a few influential leaders, including the iconic Harriet Tubman. After we visited the Equal Rights Heritage Center, we headed straight to the
Harriet Tubman Home for the 10:00 AM tour.
The staff's passion for Tubman's legacy was unmatched, making the tour a memorable experience. Tours are available Tuesday to Saturday at 10 AM and 2 PM, appointments are strongly encouraged.
We stopped for Lunch at Prison City Pub & Brewery. It was a great stop in the middle of the city to enjoy a break before setting out on the rest of our afternoon!
One of the most surprising stops on our Auburn journey was the Case Research Lab, where we delved into the technological history of the Finger Lakes region. Here, we learned about the invention of the first commercially successful sound film camera which was invented in Auburn, NY. Witnessing some of the earliest sound films remastered for us to watch was a true highlight!
Our tour guide, Haley, did an exceptional job narrating the Case family's story. I recommend visiting the Case Research Lab if you have a love for history and technology. They are open Wednesday to Saturday, with tours running on the hour from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Our next stop was the Cayuga Museum, which houses various exhibits. My personal favorite was "Fabrication: Telling Stories Through Clothing” which is on display until December 2023. We also admired a local artist's work, explored Finger Lakes Maps, and dove into long-term exhibits on the Auburn Correctional Facility and the Infancy of Modern Medicine.
The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM. If you're an art enthusiast, you can purchase joint admission to the Schweinfurth Art Center which is right next door.
Our final stop was the Seward House Museum, where we uncovered fascinating historical secrets. Did you know that William Seward, famous for his role in purchasing Alaska, lived in the Finger Lakes? His contributions to history are monumental, serving as a State Senator, Governor of New York, and Secretary of State under President Lincoln.
Seward and his wife, Frances, played a vital role in Harriet Tubman's relocation to Auburn, making their home a stop on the Underground Railroad. Most historical home museums are duplications of what they imagined the home looked like with just a few heirlooms from the family. The Seward House Museum is on the opposite end of the spectrum with everything being almost fully original, including Seward’s partially smoked cigars in the dining room.
The Seward House Museum welcomes visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Saturday, with guided tours available on the hour. They are also open on Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM from June to September.
Conclusion:
An Unforgettable Day in Auburn
Our day trip to Auburn, NY, was nothing short of extraordinary. We explored the Equal Rights Heritage Center, delved into Harriet Tubman's legacy, marveled at technological history in the Case Research Lab, and immersed ourselves in diverse exhibits at the Cayuga Museum and Seward House Museum.
Based on open times and tour times, I strongly recommend visiting locations in the order listed! Our itinerary was as follows:
8:00 AM - Depart Rochester
9:00 AM - Arrive to the Equal Rights Heritage Center
9:50 AM - Drive to Harriet Tubman Home for the 10:00 AM tour
10:00 - 11:30 AM - Enjoy the Harriet Tubman Home tour
5 minute drive to the city parking garage, walk to Prison City Pub & Brewery to enjoy lunch and walk around downtown
1:45 PM - head back to car, drive 2 minutes over to Cayuga Museum
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Case Research Lab Tour (entrance through the Cayuga Museum)
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM - Explore the Cayuga Museum (or the Schweinfurth which is right next door!)
3:50 PM - drive to Seward House Museum
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Guided tour of the Seward House Museum tour
From there you can enjoy dinner, head to Fort Hill Cemetery (which is open til sunset), or see about a show at Auburn Public Theater or REV Theatre Company. You definitely do not have to follow this itinerary but with so many tours being at specific start times, I thought it would be helpful to know how we outlined our day!
While we packed so much into just one day, Auburn offers more to discover. Whether planning a day trip from Rochester or a weekend getaway, Auburn's historical treasures and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination. For more information on all that Auburn offers, head to VisitAuburnNY.com.
Take advantage of exploring this hidden gem of the Finger Lakes region. I promise you'll leave Auburn with a newfound appreciation for its rich history and warm hospitality.
