About the Program
Our Lunchtime Lecture series will feature local experts exploring a diverse range of topics. Bring a bag lunch, and join us for presentations and discussions related to the unique history of Cayuga County.
Upcoming Programs
Friday, April 25
Flames & Factories: Auburn’s Industrial Boom and the Firefighters Who Battled It
Speaker: Brian Jessie
12 PM- 1 PM
@ Carriage House Theater
Join us at the Cayuga Museum’s Carriage House in Auburn, NY, on April 25th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for a fascinating look at how Auburn’s fire service evolved alongside its industrial growth. This engaging lecture is part of the Cayuga Museum’s Luncheon Lecture Series and ties into the current exhibit, “Making History: Stories of Industry in Auburn.”
From the early mills of the 19th century to the rise of manufacturing giants, industry has long shaped Auburn’s landscape. But with progress came peril—major industrial fires tested the city’s resilience and drove innovations in firefighting. Discover the stories of Auburn’s most significant industrial blazes and the fire department’s role in protecting the city’s prosperity.
About the Speaker
This lecture will be presented by Lt. Brian Jessie of the Auburn Fire Department, who has served the city for over 18 years. A member of the department’s history committee, Lt. Jessie has delivered several historical presentations, including the “History of the Auburn Fire Department”, the “History of the Cayuga Museum Fire”, and most recently, “Evolutions: A History on the Modernization of the Fire Service.” His passion for preserving and sharing Auburn’s firefighting history makes this a must-see event for history buffs and fire service enthusiasts alike.
Live Streaming & Recordings
If you can’t make it to a lunchtime lecture in-person, just reach out to our Director of Development at geoffrey@cayugamuseum.org to get a link to stream the session on Zoom. Programs will be recorded as well, so if you can’t make it at all, check out our YouTube channel or this webpage for the full recording.
View Recordings of Previous Programs
July 13, 2023
The Angel and the Warrior: The Love Story of Emily Martin & General Emory Upton
Speakers: Don & Sharon Burkel
Through the letters and diary of Emily Norwood Martin and General Emory Upton we will tell their brief, yet tragic, story of their life together. It relates to their courtship, the Martin & Upton families, Willowbrook, and the various locations in the country where Emily and Emory resided throughout their time together. A PowerPoint program provides visuals and other details to go along with the readings.