Onondaga Museum/Research Center, Syracuse (must see)

The Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center in Syracuse, offers one of the largest regional collections of historical artifacts in the country, focusing on the rich past of Onondaga County. The museum presents exhibits that celebrate the area's people, events, industries, and cultural heritage. Notable permanent exhibits include "Freedom Bound: Syracuse & the Underground Railroad," which explores Syracuse's critical role in the Underground Railroad, as well as "Onondaga County: The Heart of New York," offering a comprehensive look at the county's history, including Native American life, the Erie Canal, and local industries.

The museum’s collections span a broad range of topics, including sports legends, transportation, and architectural history, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The museum also serves as the headquarters for the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA), a private nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history of Central New York. The OHA’s archives, housed in the Richard and Carolyn Wright Research Center, include over two million archival photographs, maps, cemetery records, and other documents related to Onondaga County’s past. The research center provides an invaluable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the region's social, political, and religious movements.

Admission to the museum is free, while the research center charges a small fee for non-members. Visitors can also explore other OHA sites, such as the Ska-nonh: Great Law of Peace Center in Liverpool, which highlights the history of the Onondaga Nation, and the Brewseum at Heritage Hill, dedicated to the area's brewing history. The OHA’s commitment to history extends beyond exhibits with events like "Walking and Talking Wednesdays," where guests explore Syracuse’s downtown history.

With its engaging exhibits and vast research collections, the Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages, making it a central resource for understanding the area's past and cultural legacy.