Broaden Your Historical Horizons
Broaden Your Historical Horizons
Must-visit destinations for history buffs of all kinds - from comedy and opera to motorcycles, Seneca Culture and more
It’s hard to resist the allure of the outdoors in an area where summers can feel oh-so short, but the occasional rainy day (or week!) and uncomfortably high temperatures can mean a change of plans. Why not make plans to check out some incredible local museums that highlight our area’s unique history, culture, businesses, manufacturing, and more? Beyond a retreat from the rain or heat, these museums - some of which are free to visit - provide unique learning experiences that celebrate what makes this area so special!
ELLICOTTVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM
Since 1956, the Ellicottville Historical Society & Museum has been dedicated to adding to and preserving the historical record of the town of Ellicottville and the surrounding vicinity. The museum, located at 2 Washington Street, is open every Saturday from 1:00-4:00pm during the months of June through September, and admission is free. Society meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month (May through October) at 7:00pm at the Ellicottville Memorial Library, and all are welcome to attend. On Wednesday, August 2nd, Mary Fox will present “Glimpses of Ellicottville History,” a look at Ellicottville’s history through pictures. On Wednesday, September 6th, Whitney Stewart will present research for the book “FELDPOST: The War Letters of Friedrich Reiner Neimann - A German Solider on the Eastern Front.” On October 4th, Amanda Woomer will present “Legends, Lore and Ghosts of Ellicottville.”
Curious about some of the village’s historical landmarks and structures? The EHS offers historical walking tours around the village, where participants can learn about the founding fathers and their homes. Take part in this hour and a half long tour on July 22nd, August 19th or September 16th at 1:00pm. (Meet at the gazebo.) The cost is just $10; register by calling Ellen Frank, vice president, at 716-699-2276 or 716-474-8528. Be sure to save the dates for the EHS Ghost Walks this fall on the following Friday evenings at 7:30pm: September 29th, October 13th, 20th, and 27th.
SENECA IROQUOIS NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located at 82 W. Hetzel Street in Salamanca, the Seneca Iroquois National Museum and Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center invite visitors to learn about Seneca history, culture, art, and more through their new exhibits. “Women of Influence: Each Block a Story” features a large quilt comprised of beaded squares made by 41 artists who honored specific Native women through their designs. “Indianink: Iroquois and the Art of Tattoos” is an exhibit that shares contemporary tattoo art as self-expression, indigenous identity, cultural philosophy and more. Other exhibits include the Kinzua Dam, the Creation Story, and traditionally crafted items, such as beadwork and carvings. While there, be sure to check out the many handcrafted items available for sale, including baskets, antler carvings, stone carvings, and more. For more information, visit www.senecamuseum.org.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY MUSEUM
There is so much more to explore when it comes to the history of Cattaraugus County, and the Cattaraugus County Historical Museum and Research Library is the perfect place to begin! Known as the Stone House, the museum is located on the first floor of 9824 Route 16 in Machias. Be sure to check out the newest exhibit, “Piecing Together History; Saving the 37th NY Regimental Flag,” a Civil War exhibit that highlights the history of the 37th NY Volunteer Infantry, which included two companies from Cattaraugus County.
In addition to exploring the museum this summer, visitors can attend the Summer at the Stone House series on the second and fourth Thursday nights through the end of August. On July 27th, Ron Cary will be giving a presentation on tavern music; on August 10TH, Linda Hunter, quilting instructor, will be giving a presentation on “What Do You Do with Five Inch Squares?”; and on August 24th, Jeanette Sheliga will be giving a presentation on “Newspapers: Above the Fold, Your Ancestors in the News.” The entire event series is free to attend, as is the museum. For more information, visit www.cattco.org/museum.
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF CUTLERY
Proud to be the only cutlery museum in the western hemisphere not affiliated with a manufacturer or retailer, the American Museum of Cutlery shares a unique part of Cattaraugus County history with visitors. Over the years, there were over 50 cutlery companies within a 100-mile radius of Ellicottville, but the museum actually traces the history of cutlery back to pre-Columbian times. Learn how edged tools were created, used, and made, and their unique production history in Cattaraugus County. For example, Little Valley’s Cattaraugus Cutlery Company was the only cutlery company in the country to exhibit at the 1901 Pan-Am Exhibition and was responsible for the creation of dozens of companies forming in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. The museum is open from 1:00-4:00pm, Thursday through Sunday. Visit www.amcut.com to learn more.
NORTHEAST VINTAGE CYCLE
For those passionate about motorcycles - especially Hondas - a visit to Northeast Vintage Cycle is a must! Located at 9505 Routes 39 and 240 in Springville, Northeast Vintage Cycle began as a hobby and grew into a business formed by self-described “Honda nuts” Mike Krzemien and Bill Miller. The store sells vintage Honda parts and has a service department, Exploration Motorsports, that repairs vintage bikes and modern bikes and ATVs.
Also housed inside the store near the front is a small museum filled with hard-to-find vintage Hondas. There are approximately two dozen vintage motorcycles on display, as well as motorcycle memorabilia. Honda fans will appreciate the Honda snowmobile on display, which is one of only a handful ever made. To see customers’ restoration project photos, vintage Honda advertising, order parts, and more, visit www.hondanuts.com. Northeast Vintage Cycle is open from 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday, and 9:00am-1:00pm on Saturday.
NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER
Designated by Congress as the cultural institution dedicated to presenting the story of comedy and preserving its history for future generations, The 37,000-square feet attraction at 203 W. Second St. in Jamestown includes exhibits that appeal to the whole family and every genre of comedy - from cartoons to sitcoms to stand-up and beyond! Earlier this summer, the Center announced the opening of a new exhibit honoring Caroline Hirsch and her Carolines on Broadway, the iconic Times Square comedy venue where comics including Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, Jay Leno, Michael Che, and more began developing their talent.
Explore approximately 50 other exhibits that share the creative process of comedy and the history of comedy with plenty of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to try their hand at generating some laughs! Kids and teens (17 and under) are admitted free for the summer with the purchase of an admission ticket by an accompanying adult, now through September 4th. Comedy fans should be sure to check out the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, August 2nd-6th, featuring comedians Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Taylor Tomlinson.
LUCY DESI MUSEUM
Known as the “First Couple of Comedy,” Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz made history with their popular and groundbreaking show, “I Love Lucy.” Beloved for its hilarious storylines and physical comedy, “I Love Lucy” was the first television show to represent an interracial marriage and feature a pregnant actress on one of the three major networks. There’s no better place to experience the history of this show than in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, NY! Enjoy exact re-creations of studio sets, screen-used costumes and props, scripts, awards, photographs, and so much more. The whole family will enjoy interactive experiences, like performing in your own Vitameatavegamin commercial!
Tickets for just the Lucy Desi Museum are available or, for those planning to spend a whole day laughing in Jamestown, can be purchased as part of a dual admission package with the National Comedy Center. The museum is part of the same Kids & Teens Free summer program as the National Comedy Center. Learn more at lucy-desi.com.
GOWANDA HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Located at 2535 Gowanda Zoar Road in Gowanda, NY, the Gowanda Harley-Davidson is one of the longest family owned shop in the business, established back in 1947. They aren’t just a motorcycle shop. They also boast an onsite museum that when you visit, you will discover both history and the culture of motorcycles and their riders. You can make a full day of the visit. Tour the museum. Visit the shop. Have a picnic at their gazebo where you may have a great conversation with some of the staff and get a “local’s” perspective.