Throughout mid 19th-century Central New York, a strange phenomenon gripped community after community: spiritualism, the belief that the dead were unquiet and could communicate with the living. Revisit this wave of faith that even some members of the Seward family entertained with Riley Stevers, the Education Coordinator at the Seneca Falls Historical Society. This event will take place at the Equal Rights Heritage Center and is free and open to the public.

Jack Sherman reprises his role portraying William Seward for a dramatic and powerful recreation of his closing defense in the 1846 trial of William Freeman. Perhaps Seward's most inspired oratory on behalf of social justice, it also challenged the American criminal justice system and nearly cost him everything as he sought his U.S. Senate seat two years later. From this powerful moment, Seward chose the words to adorn his gravestone: "He Was Faithful." This event will take place at the Carriage House Theater on September 13th at 7:00 PM. Tickets: $10 SHM Members, $15 Non-Members.


Seward House Museum makes the South Porch available for a Skaneateles Festival Outreach Performance

The Seward House Museum is pleased to announce that an excerpt from the suite Fortitude will be performed on the South Porch of the Museum on Friday, August 4th at 1:00 PM, featuring soprano Kearstin Piper Brown. This year, the theme of the Skaneateles Festival's outreach program is Following Harriet. Fortitude is composed by Nailah Nombeko and based on the life of Harriet Tubman.

The lunchtime lecture series concludes its summer run as Auburn celebrates Founders Day. SHM Director of Education Jeff Ludwig will highlight the role of Elijah Miller - William Seward's father-in-law - in the early founding of Auburn. As Jeff will argue, Miller's is a story of contradictions: a man capable of equal parts great generosity and petty vindictiveness. This event will take place at the Equal Rights Heritage Center and is free and open to the public.

As Founders Day approaches, Ted Freeman discusses his family's critical role in Auburn's history. A descendant of Harry and Kate Freeman- often recounted in early chronicles as enslaved people under Auburn founder John Hardenbergh- Ted Freeman challenges much of that narrative, telling instead an intimate story of family and place in "History's Hometown." This event will take place at the Carriage House Theater and is free with reservations recommended and a donation suggested. 

An opportunity for Brownie and Junior level Girl Scouts to experience hands-on-history and earn badge requirements. This immersive Fanny Seward-centered program teaches girls about 19th-century America through several fun, participatory activities. Staff from the SHM and Seymour Library will draw on events and memories from Fanny's life to inspire Scouts about how girls can change the world! Each participant will receive a unique Seward House Museum patch. This event is free and reservations are required due to limited spaces available. 

Join us Friday, August 4th for our First Friday Event. We will be hosting an exhibit by Patrick Hanay-Zaia in our gift shop and the musical stylings of Colleen Kattau in our gardens. Complimentary refreshments will be provided and rooms in the Museum will be open for interpretation.  This event is free and open to the public. 

The product of a collaboration between the SHM, Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, Cayuga Museum of History and Art, and Seymour Library, this weeklong camp shares all that “History’s Hometown” has to offer. It is an especially perfect summer experience for 8-10 year olds. Registration is $100 and reservations are required as space is limited. 

Bring your lunch and attend a lecture at the Equal Rights Heritage Center as the SHM continues this popular series.  Bruce Levitt will discuss his perspective on rehabilitation measures within our prison system and how the Phoenix Players fit into his vision of reform inside the Auburn Correctional Facility. Afterwards, be sure to experience the new SHM exhibit, “Rooted In Reform.” This event is free and open to the public. 

Join us Friday, July 7th for our First Friday Event. We will be hosting an exhibit by Fran Norsworthy in our gift shop and surf medleys and classic TV show themes performed by Bob Keefe and the Surf Renegades in our gardens. Complimentary refreshments will be provided and rooms in the Museum will be open for interpretation.

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