Cayuga Museum of History and Art

Friends of the Seymour Library Program: Auburn Author Expo
2025-11-01 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | NY
Save the date!
Looking for your next great read? Mark your calendars for the Friends of the Seymour Library 2025 Author Expo
This year’s theme: Mystery Loves Company
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the world of romance and mystery writing with not one, but TWO panel discussions: Romance Between the Covers and Murder by the Book.
Panels will be followed by an audience Q&A. Authors will be signing and selling copies of their books. Refreshments will be provided.
Pre-sale tickets will be available at Seymour Library and online (via PayPal), starting September 22. For more information on tickets and this year’s panelists, visit: www.seymourlibrary.org/friends-library/author-expo

2025 History Conversation: "Through the Eyes of Lafayette & Tocqueville"
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Learn more about the journeys and impressions of Auburn by two of the most famous 19th Century French thinkers: The Marquis de Lafayette & Alexis de Tocqueville. This program will be presented by Julien Icher of the Lafayette Trail Inc. and Dr. Olivier Zunz of the University of Virginia.
Light hors d’oeuvres provided, cash bar available. This program is the 2025 inaugural presentation of the Richard Nelson Hill History Conversations Series.
General Admission $30, Museum Members $25
Learn More & Purchase Admission

November First Friday
2025-11-07 17:00 - 19:30 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
DIRTY LAUNDRY and other women’s work
For November’s First Friday at the Cayuga Museum (our final First Friday of 2025), explore our newest exhibit, DIRTY LAUNDRY and other women’s work and other exhibits on display. The Children’s Gallery on the second floor will be open with fun hands-on activities as well. Light refreshments will be offered.

This event is free and open to the public.

Case Mural Fundraising Event - "Movietone Magic: A Night of Sound & Light"
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Step back into the dawn of the talkies and take part in creating a landmark mural that will preserve Auburn’s cinematic legacy. Be the first to see the designs of what will eventually become Auburn’s largest public mural to date.

Admission to this fundraising event is exclusive to donors who contribute $100 or more towards the mural project.

Catering will be provided by Downtown Deli. Registration for this event includes two complimentary drinks from the Carriage House Theater bar.
Learn More & Register

Lunchtime Lecture: "Certain Heavy Scales Fell From My Eyes: William Seward, the Erie Canal, and the Making of a Reformer"
2025-11-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Jeff Ludwig, Seward House Museum’s Director of Education, will explore how Seward reversed himself on the Canal as a young man, a decision that ultimately forged his political philosophy and set him on a path towards becoming a New York Governor, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State.
Admission to this program is “Pay What You Wish.” Bring a bag lunch, cash bar available. This program will be recorded and broadcast by Auburn Regional Media Access.

Annual Holiday Party Fundraiser
2025-11-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Our Annual Holiday Party Fundraiser returns, with live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and a raffle of special items from local businesses. Support your community Museum at our biggest fundraiser of the year, and kick off the holiday season in Auburn!
$95 General Admission, $85 Museum Members
Learn More & Get Tickets

Museum Closed for Holiday
2025-11-27 - 2025-11-28 | NY
The Cayuga Museum main campus will be closed for Thanksgiving & Black Friday. Be sure to stop by on Friday with your family! If you have any questions, please contact us at kirsten@cayugamuseum.org or 315-253-8051

Live Music: A Cast of Thousands Black Friday Gig
2025-11-28 18:30 - 21:30 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
A Cast of Thousands is back, performing their annual gig at the Carriage House Theater as a fundraiser for the Cayuga Museum of History & Art.
Admission: $10 at the door
A cash bar and ACOT merchandise will be available.

Creative Explorers Family Free Day: "Fall Activities"
2025-11-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Join the Cayuga Museum for our Family Free Day! Join us to make fun fall crafts. Be sure to ask for this month’s scavenger hunt at the front desk to win a special prize.

Admission is free for families with children 12 and under.

Artist Talk: "DIRTY LAUNDRY and other women's work"
2025-12-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Join artist Julie Thurber for a close and personal look into her exhibitions “DIRTY LAUNDRY and other women’s work” which is currently on display on the Museum’s second floor. Admission to this tour is simply the cost of admission to the Cayuga Museum ($10-$12). The tour will begin at 2 PM on the Museum’s second floor.

About the Exhibit

From the Civil War through the middle of the 20th century, so much of a woman’s experience was intended to be kept out of view, lest she or her family be shamed. Women had been ingrained to be submissive, question their own voices and to prize appearance. You are invited to touch and examine these pieces for an intimate encounter with our tightly laced past and ask yourself if we still have some “dirty laundry” to address.

Lunchtime Lecture: “Uncovering 200 Years of Lore” The History of New Hope Mills
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
An immersive telling of the histories of New Hope Mills and the two centuries of legends and lore. Come along, as the Weed family presents the fruits of 12 years of research, which shed light on the old mysteries and uncovered new ones. Discover the origin-story, meet the owning families, and ride along with a cast of characters whose names are still in the news today. What comes next, may only be the beginning.
Presented by Doug & Duane Weed. Admission is “Pay What You Wish.” Bring a bag lunch, cash bar available.

Live Music: Yule Rock
2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Mark your calendars, Yule Rock is back! Yule Rock is Auburn’s one and only Christmas Rock Band! The band plays a few shows every Christmas Season to raise money for local charities. All money received from donations (in person and Venmo) and from the venue will go directly to charity.
This show at Carriage House Theater will benefit The Cayuga Museum. Please come out to support the museum and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs!
Admission: “Pay What You Wish” Donations

Holiday Traditions: Wada Music Studio Holiday Performance & Ukrainian Caroling Star Workshop
2025-12-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Join us for an afternoon of festive fun! Check out our historic mansion decked out in holiday finery as you explore the galleries of the Museum. The Wada Music Studio will be performing from 1-4 PM with a selection of holiday ambiance as you explore the galleries. From 1 – 2:30 PM, join Nataliia Shynkarenko for a Ukrainian Caroling Star workshop. Treats will also be available for your enjoyment.
Admission is free, although donations are always greatly appreciated. Support for the Ukrainian Caroling Star workshop is provided by the Skaneateles Area Arts Council (SKARTS).

Live Music: Quatro by Candlelight Holiday Concert
2025-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Enjoy the very unique Quatro experience by candlelight in this wonderful listening room with holiday glow. Feel up close and engaged wherever you sit.
General seating is $20 and all seats are good seats.
VIP Tables of 4 are available at $35 per seat. Includes a free drink, CD, and schwag.
Purchase Tickets
Light snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea will be available.
Learn More About the Artists

Museum Closed for Holiday
2025-12-24 - 2025-12-25 | NY
The Cayuga Museum main campus will be closed for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Be sure to stop by on Friday and Saturday with your family! If you have any questions, please contact us at kirsten@cayugamuseum.org or 315-253-8051

Creative Explorers Family Free Day: "Winter Crafts"
2025-12-27 10:00 - 17:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Join the Cayuga Museum for our Family Free Day! Winter is here, the the holidays are nearly over, and as the water freezes icicles are forming on our homes. Come and make some icicles that will be much cooler than the ones on your house, because these will be made out of paper. Be sure to ask for this month’s scavenger hunt at the front desk to win a special prize.

Admission is free for families with children 12 and under.

Museum Closed for Holiday
2025-12-31 - 2026-01-01 | NY
The Cayuga Museum main campus will be closed for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day. Be sure to stop by on Friday and Saturday with your family! If you have any questions, please contact us at kirsten@cayugamuseum.org or 315-253-8051

Opening Day
2026-02-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
The Museum is open for the 2026 season with all new exhibits! Thanks to generous support from the Technology Alliance of Central New York (TACNY) admission to the Museum and Case Research Lab is FREE for all visitors from Februar 4 – March 14, 2026. The following new exhibits will be on display:
Community Canvas (On Display February 4 – March 14, 2026)
Features pieces from a group of 9 emerging artists from Cayuga County between the ages of 18 and 30.
Revolutionary: Cayuga County’s Fight for Equality (On Display February 4 – May 16, 2026)
Explore the powerful role local people and movements played in shaping the nation’s ongoing struggle to fulfill the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
The Reel American West (On Display February 4, 2026 – January 2, 2027)
Examine the history and impact of the iconic “Western” genre of cinema and the stories they tell about what it means to be American.
Through the Decades: 90 Years of Collecting (On Display February 4, 2026 – January 2, 2027)
Observe 90 years of history through rarely displayed collection items as we celebrate the Museum’s founding in 1936.
Learn More

February First Friday
2026-02-06 17:00 - 19:30 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Join us for the opening First Friday of the 2026 season! This month’s First Friday at the Cayuga Museum features an opening reception for the art exhibit “Community Canvas” with artists available to answer questions about their work and share their creative inspiration with visitors. Admission is free, complimentary snacks and drinks are available.

Broadway Karaoke Party
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Attention, Broadway fans! The Cayuga Museum and Auburn Players are partnering up again, so get ready to unleash your inner performer at the next Broadway Karaoke Party at The Carriage House Theater! We are thrilled to be hosting this event again! We hope you join us for a night filled with songs and unforgettable moments as we celebrate the magic of Broadway. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just want to belt out your favorite show tunes, this event is for you! Feel free to invite friends who share your love for the stage, and let’s create a night full of showstopping performances! Tickets are $10 at the door.

Seymour Library Program: "Travelogue: Peru and the Galapagos"
2026-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Explore the world without ever leaving your chair during Seymour Library’s travelogue series!
Head South to Peru and the Galapagos with Susan Marteney! After a quick stop in Lima, head off to explore the ancient city of Cusco, located high in the Andes Mountains. Visit Sacsayhuaman before taking a train to the village of Aqua Caliente and Machu Picchu. Then fly off to the Galapagos Islands to discover volcanoes, Galapagos tortoises, Blue footed boobies, seals and other animals.
The 2026 Travelogue series is made possible by the Friends of Seymour Library. This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Seymour Library After Hours Lecture: "The Next Mr. & Mrs. Seward"
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
By 1876, a changing of the guard had taken place at the Seward home at 33 South Street. William and Frances Seward– who lived lives of political ambition and often radical idealism– were replaced by the next generation. William Seward Jr. and his wife, Janet Watson Seward, espoused different values, but were no less determined to leave their mark on this community. In this talk, Seward House Museum Director of Education Jeff Ludwig, explores their legacy, and what Auburn meant to them during the centennial of the American Revolution.
The After Hours Lecture series is made possible by the Friends of Seymour Library. This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Creative Explorers Family Day: "Black History Month Activities"
2026-02-28 10:00 - 17:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Bring the whole family to the Cayuga Museum’s Classroom on the ground floor and create paper lanterns in honor of Black History Month and Auburn’s own Harriet Tubman. Then explore the galleries of the Museum and Schweinfurth Art Center to complete scavenger hunts and win special prizes!
Admission to the Museum & Art Center is free.
Learn more about the Creative Explorers program at cayugamuseum.org/creative-explorers

March First Friday
2026-03-06 17:00 - 19:30 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
In recognition of Brave Brews weekend and International Women’s History Month, the Cayuga Museum will offer a Women’s History Scavenger Hunt. Complete the hunt to win a special prize! Admission to the Museum is free from 5 – 7:30 PM, refreshments will be provided.

Seymour Library After Hours Lecture: "“Mattie Bullard” Seymour Library’s First Librarian"
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Learn about the life of Seymour Library’s first librarian, Mattie Bullard, with the library’s Director of Development, Dori Gottschalk-Fielding.
The After Hours Lecture series is made possible by the Friends of Seymour Library. This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Ukrainian Embroidery Workshop: "Vyrizuvannia (cut-out) embroidery design"
2026-03-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Explore Ukrainian art and culture through unique fabric arts experiences with instuctor Nataliia Shynkarenko. Participants will be provided with the chance to learn the basics of vyrizuvannia technique, which includes stitching, cutting and weaving the threads to secure the embroidery. Most materials will be provided by the instructor. Registration is required as capacity is limited.
Learn More & Register

Seymour Library Program: "Travelogue: Italy"
2026-03-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Carriage House Theater, 203 Genesee St. (rear), Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Explore the world without ever leaving your chair during Seymour Library’s travelogue series!
Travel across Italy with Deb English. From the beautiful views surrounding Lake Como and the foothills of the Alps, to iconic landmarks such as Juliet’s balcony in Verona, the canals and the Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) in Venice, the vineyards of Tuscany, the beautiful medieval village of Assisi, and the ancient city of Pompeii- to name a few destinations on this Italian adventure. End the journey in Rome with its ancient and modern cultures, art work, and a visit to the Vatican. And of course- wonderful food throughout!
The 2026 Travelogue series is made possible by the Friends of Seymour Library. This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Creative Explorers Family Day: "Women's History Month Activities"
2026-03-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Families will explore the Cayuga Museum through special scavenger hunts to earn a special prize. You are then invited to make your own Women’s History Month paper megaphones in the Cayuga Museum’s Classroom on the ground floor.
Admission to the Museum is free. The Schweinfurth is closed until 4 p.m. that day.
Learn more about the Creative Explorers program at cayugamuseum.org/creative-explorers

Exhibit Opening Reception: "Untamed by Carla Stetson"
2026-03-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
The CNY Emerging Artist Project returns to the galleries of the West End Arts Campus, featuring the work of Ithaca area artist, Carla Stetson. This exhibition will be the first of two CNY Emerging Artist exhibitions in 2026. Admission to the Cayuga Museum and Schweinfurth will be free during the reception.
Learn More

Spring Break Youth Program
2026-04-01 12:00 - 15:00 | Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Come out to the Cayuga Museum for a fun afternoon of special activities during spring break. Attendees ages 10 – 12 will play board games, explore the Cayuga Museum through a special scavenger hunt, create spring arts and crafts, and play a specialized trivia game.
This program is free; registration is required as capacity is limited.
Learn More & Register
