Temporary Exhibits, Customized Exhibits & Traveling Exhibits

Onondaga Historical Museum Temporary Exhibits

TRANSFORMING SYRACUSE'S LAKEFRONT: The 25th Anniversary of a Bold Vision - 1987-2012
Ongoing
This six-panel traveling exhibit explores the stunning changes that have occurred to the Syracuse Lakefront district since officials of the Pyramid Companies and the City of Syracuse first announced plans to begin a transformation of the city's waterfront. The exhibit introduces the lakefront as an area with a long history, extending back to colonial times and once serving as the heart of Syracuse's great salt industry. The exhibit then examines, often through dramatic before and after images, the changes that have occurred in the area with Destiny USA serving as the catalyst. These transformations have taken place at the Inner Harbor, with the removal of dozens of oil tanks; along Onondaga Creek, with the creation of the Creekwalk; and within the abandoned early 20th century industrial district that is now the exciting historic Franklin Square neighborhood. Click here to see video.

Onondaga County at Gettysburg: A Sesqui-Centennial Remembrance
through August 11 at OH Museum.
OHA honors the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place July 1-3, 1863, with this exhibit, featuring maps, images, stories, and artifacts associated with Onondaga County men who fought and died at the Civil War's most momentous battle.

Love and Marriage, in collaboration with Syracuse Opera
through May 26, 2013 at OH Museum
This exhibit is in collaboration with Syracuse Opera for their production of, “The Marriage of Figaro.” It will feature items from OHA’s collection of a wedding nature, including wedding dresses, invitations, and even a piece of anniversary cake from 1896.

The Ties that Bind: The Heritage of Onondaga County's Bridges
Now through October 20 at OH Museum.
Syracuse and Onondaga County are not generally the places one thinks of when bridges are mentioned, but with its lush geology of hills, streams and rivers; its rich heritage of turnpikes, canals, railroads; and the Post World War II intersection of two great interstate highways, we are a community that has been shaped by a legacy of bridges. A recent New York State report lists over 450 bridges in Onondaga County. And presently, we are deep into a community-wide discussion about the future of a particular series of bridges – I-81 in downtown Syracuse – that will impact the future of our city for generations to come. This exhibit is generously sponsored by the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council’s I-81 Challenge as a significant opportunity to help inform the community about the long-term influences of bridges on our lives.

OHA Collaborative Offsite Exhibitions

An Irrepressible Conflict: The Empire State in the Civil War
Now through September 22, 2013. At the New York State Museum in Albany, NY.
OHA has seven artifacts, including the earliest photograph of Frederick Douglass, in the exhibit, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The exhibition includes objects from the collections of the State Museum, Library and Archives, as well as others from institutions across the state.

Landscape Painting Exhibition
At the North Hall, 2nd floor of the Capitol Building, Albany, NY.
Exhibit of paintings that represent iconic scenes from CNY.

An Iliad
May 16 – June 9, 2013 in Coyne Lobby at Syracuse Stage
syracusestage.org This modern adaptation of Homer’s epic story of the Trojan War serves as inspiration for an exhibition that examines the struggle and sacrifice of Central New Yorkers who went to fight other wars.

OHA Temporary Offsite Exhibitions

The Old Jewish Neighborhood Exhibit at the JCC, May 22-June 20, 2013

TRANSFORMING SYRACUSE'S LAKEFRONT: The 25th Anniversary of a Bold Vision - 1987-2012
Two of the panels of the six panel exhibition explore the stunning changes that have occurred to the Syracuse Lakefront district since officials of the Pyramid Companies and the City of Syracuse first announced plans to begin a transformation of the city's waterfront. The exhibit introduces the lakefront as an area with a long history, extending back to colonial times and once serving as the heart of Syracuse's great salt industry. The exhibit then examines, often through dramatic before and after images, the changes that have occurred in the area with Carousel Center serving as the catalyst. These transformations have taken place at the Inner Harbor, with the removal of dozens of oil tanks; along Onondaga Creek, with the creation of the Creekwalk; and within the abandoned early 20th century industrial district that is now the exciting historic Franklin Square neighborhood.

RENEWAL OF A COMMUNITY RESOURCE: Onondaga Lake’s Historic Role in Shaping Syracuse’s Identity exhibition
Syracuse City Hall Common Council Chamber

Center of Excellence
The exhibit begins with Onondaga Lake and the Native American philosophy of respect for the environment, then travels through time to examine early windmills and wind power, as well as the efficiency of the Syracuse-made Ner-A-Car, to the first centrifugal chiller made by Carrier Corp. and installed in the lithography department at Onondaga Pottery Co. The exhibit also analyzes the Erie Canal, railroad travel through Syracuse, and the air-cooled Franklin automobile.

War Memorial
This exhibit displays our area’s rich and significant military history, from the American Revolution to the Iraq War. There are fascinating displays with authentic artifacts from each conflict, all from the extensive collections of the Onondaga Historical Association Museum. The exhibit includes a Civil War draft wheel, muskets, swords, flags, life-size figures in period uniforms… even a local World War II P.O.W.’s diary

These unique displays, beautiful Memorial Hall, and the Congressional Medal of Honor display (on the second floor) are all a permanent tribute to our Syracuse & Onondaga County veterans.

D. McCarthy, Sons & Co. Exhibit
This mini off-site exhibit features some objects and archival items associated with the 19th century department store D. McCarthy, Sons & Co. The exhibit is located in the building’s lobby at the corner of E. Fayette and Salina Sts. It consists of one exhibit case displaying some clothing and shoes once sold at D. McCarthy, Sons & Co. department store along with some beautiful trade cards. The exhibit case also includes some store advertisements. Also located on the lobby wall is a portrait of Dennis McCarthy, Sr. the second owner of the store. Painted by George Kasson Knapp in 1897, the portrait of McCarthy looks down on the lobby making sure all is well with the lobby and exhibit.

OHA Exhibit at Century Club
At Century Club
The portrait of Moses DeWitt Burnet, the original owner of the Clubhouse, painted by Charles Loring Elliott in 1841, is on long term loan from the Onondaga Historical Association and hangs just outside the Member’s Dining Room. Beginning this month, OHA will expand its exhibit at the Club and will showcase some of its great Syracuse China Collection in the china cabinets within the Member’s Dining Room. The first exhibit of 60-70 plates will be from the collection of plates of Native American images. Some of these plates are "Approved Sample" plates which are one-of-a-kind plates. Many have the original paper stamp (which identifies them as "Approved Samples"). There was one "Approved Sample" made for every order of Syracuse China prior to full-scale production so these are unique plates. There are also some plates that are part of the historical collection (including one that was designed by the famous painter, N.C. Wyeth, called "Return of the Hunter"). More information about the display will be a part of the exhibit.

OHA Customized Offsite Exhibitions

United Way of Central New York: A 90th Anniversary Exhibition
Ongoing
Opening at United Way headquarters in September, this panel exhibit will trace the growth and vital work carried on by one of the community’s most important charitable efforts. Once known as the Community Chest, this local organization’s roots extends back to one of the first national campaigns carried on during World War I to provide relief to the sufferings of both the civilians and soldiers caught up in that catastrophic conflict.

OCC H-1 Hall Lobby
Ongoing
Permanent panel exhibit: "An Historic Location" tells the story of the RHEC site from its 15th century occupation by Native Americans, through its use in the 19th and 20th centuries as the Onondaga County Poor House and Home. Call OCC for more information, 315.498.2622.

OHA Exhibit at Century Club
The portrait of Moses DeWitt Burnet, the original owner of the Clubhouse, painted by Charles Loring Elliott in 1841, is on long term loan from the Onondaga Historical Association. Beginning this month, OHA expands its exhibit at the Club and showcases some of its great Syracuse China Collection in the china cabinets within the Member’s Dining Room. The first exhibit of 60-70 plates from Native American images. Some of these are "Approved Sample" plates which are one-of-a-kind. Many have the original paper stamp (which identifies them as "Approved Samples"). There was one "Approved Sample" made for every order of Syracuse China prior to full-scale production. There are also some that are part of the historical collection (including one that was designed by the famous painter, N.C. Wyeth, called "Return of the Hunter").

ARC of Onondaga
This panel exhibit in the Wilbur Avenue headquarters of Arc commemorates its 60th anniversary, as it revisits Arc's historic and inspirational story.

OHA’s Traveling Exhibitions at the Onondaga County Public Library.
Displays that connect famous stage plays with local history.

Louisa May Alcott Traveling Exhibit
TBD

Miracle Worker Traveling Exhibit
TBD

Radio Golf Traveling Exhibit
TBD

“Rent”, sponsored by The Post-Standard
TBD

Fences, sponsored by Green & Seifter
TBD

This year's version will feature toys from the 1970s. Do you remember playing “pong” on Atari, getting your first Luke Skywalker figure or just wishing to have your own Malibu Barbie? Then you won't want to miss this journey into the decade of Charlie's Angels, Richard Nixon and a gallon of gasoline at fifty cents. November 7, 2010

Rediscovering That Old High School Spirit: Syracuse's High Schools of Days Gone By

A nostalgic look back at several of Syracuse 's former high schools such as North, Central, Blodgett Vocational, Old Nottingham, Eastwood and Valley. These are the places that graduated many of our community's citizens in the decades prior to the 1970s. They were critical institutions for Syracuse 's growth, and the buildings and memories associated with them remain key elements of the city's distinct character. The exhibit features photographs, uniforms, trophies, yearbooks and stories that made the legacies of these schools live today. June 11 through October 31, 2010

Do you remember playing with Clue, Twister, Creepy Crawlers, Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots, GI Joe, Battleship, Hotwheels, Easy Bake Oven, Barbie & Ken – all toys and games from the 1960s? Would you like to see them again all in one convenient location? If your answer is yes , then come to the Onondaga Historical Association Museum, 321 Montgomery St. in downtown Syracuse!

M useum staff and several toy and game lenders have created another wonderful and popular vintage toy exhibit that will bring back fond memories in 2009-2010! Come see Batman & Robin, Man From U.N.C.L.E., James Bond 007, Mary Poppins, The Flying Nun, Johnny & Jane West, the Beatles, and many other 1960s toys and games. Over 100 toys and games, as well as vintage photographs of Christmas and downtown Syracuse are included in this exhibit. We even have a Batmobile kiddie ride! It is sure to please all who wish to reminisce about their childhood in the ‘60s! The exhibit is scheduled to run from November 1, 2009 – May 2, 2010. The museum is open Wednesday – Friday, 10-4 and Saturday & Sunday, 11-4.

Women from Syracuse and Onondaga County have a long and illustrious record of supporting other women. For well over one hundred years these women have cared for, nurtured, educated, and supported other women (and many times their children) whose very lives were challenged. Whether through employment services, education, health care, politics, the law, religious conviction, or social, cultural and business/professional advancements, women in Syracuse and Onondaga County have made great strides in ameliorating the conditions of thousands of other women and their families. Philanthropists founded hospitals, educators founded schools, entrepreneurs founded businesses, doctors and nurses founded clinics, and those of various faiths founded day care and life skill centers to remedy myriad social ills. Women who saw a need to support and encourage others took society's challenges upon themselves to help their neighbors cope and thrive, and make their communities better places to live.

In this exhibit, Sisters In Spirit: Women Supporting Women , visitors will catch a glimpse of some of these women who accepted these challenges and the organizations they founded and/or championed. The OHA Museum recognizes and congratulates the many women who, through their tenacity and action, have made Syracuse and Onondaga County a thriving area.

In conjunction with recognizing several women and/or organizations in Syracuse and Onondaga County for their tireless efforts to assist other women, the OHA Museum has also borrowed a traveling exhibit from the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation. The eight panel exhibit focuses on how the Iroquois matriarchal system influenced the women's suffrage movement of the 19th century.

The exhibit is open for viewing during regular museum gallery hours: Wednesday – Friday, 10-4 and Saturday & Sunday, 11-4 located at 321 Montgomery St., Syracuse, NY . Anyone visiting the museum may park in the garage located at the corner of E. Fayette and Montgomery Sts. for free the first hour and $1.00 for the second hour. March 8, 2009 – June 7, 2009

The exhibit which runs through the month of February will offer highlights from thearea's rich and intriguing African-American story, beginning with an actual bill of sale for a slave brought to Skaneateles during the first decade of the 19th century, when bondage was still legal in New York State. The earliest known photograph of Frederick Douglass, which was made from the original daguerreotype in the OHA collection, will be on display. An original 1851 Syracuse directory will show names, occupations, and addresses for many of the city's earliest Black residents, who generally were living on the Near East Side, north of Genesee Street. Images of the legendary African-American neighborhood of the mid-20th century, the Fifteenth Ward, will be included along with artifacts associated with notable Black Syracusans. A World War II uniform, worn by Dr. Henry A. Washington who had established his private medical practice in Syracuse in 1939, a painting of Yates Castle by African-American artist Falsaff Harris, and the guitar and Grammy Award of local folk singer Libba Cotten.

Kid Stuff: Toys From Your Childhood!
A Holiday Exhibit Featuring the Nifty Fifties

Davey Crockett , hula hoop , slinky, roller skates , Tom Swift, Cherry Ames, Howdy Doody , the erector set! What do these toys and characters have in common? Why they're toys from the Nifty Fifties , of course! And they'll soon be on exhibit at the Onondaga Historical Association Museum ! See all these toys and more during OHA's latest toy exhibit opening Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5-8pm !

Kid Stuff: Toys From Your Childhood! is sure to bring back fond memories for all baby boomers who experienced childhood during the 1950s! Evenif you weren't alive during the Nifty Fifties , the whole family will certainly enjoy this exhibit!

Come see the toys that thrilled children in the ‘50s on Christmas morning, some still in their original boxes! See vintage photos of downtown Christmas shoppers looking for bargains. See Santa checking out the special toys he'll deliver to all the good boys and girls. See families gathered around theChristmas tree unwrapping gifts and enjoying the holiday - fifties style! See a 1950s Christmas tree! This exhibit is sure to thrill everyone, even Ebenezer Scrooge !

So what are you waiting for? Kid Stuff: Toys From Your Childhood! opens on Thursday, November 20, 2008 and closes on Sunday, January 18, 2009 . The exhibit is open during regular museum gallery hours, Wednesday-Friday, 10-4; Saturday and Sunday, 11-4. The exhibit also will be open special hours each third Thursday, November-January, 5-8pm .

Photo Credits:
Upper right: A Small Sample of 1950s Toys Appearing in the Exhibit, photo by Thomas Hunter
Left: The Rocket Ride at the E.W. Edwards Dept. Store in the 1950s, photo from the OHA Collections, available from the OHA Photo Store as photo #325. Find similar photos #172, 324 and 326 also available at the OHA Photo Store.
Lower right: Santa Claus Riding in Style to Sears, photo from the OHA Collections, available from OHA Photo Store as photo #1202

Childhood Throughout the Years
Fourth Exhibit in the Series: Enhancing History Through Art

Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center opens its fourth artwork exhibit in a series, Enhancing History With Art . The latest art exhibit in the series, Childhood Through The Years , features paintings from the permanent collection. Nineteenth century portraits of children that focus on children of prominent local families convey historical circumstances as well as social ideals. Twentieth century genre paintings show children in their element: in the bathtub, at recess, and on vacation. The exhibit also features historical objects that enliven the space and impart a sense of the experience of childhood from the cradle to school days and play time. Childhood Through The Years is not only an excellent opportunity to delve into the history of childhood but also the exhibition represents a moment, as fleeting as childhood itself, for parents and children to share their experiences through the interplay of art and history.

The exhibit is open during regular museum hours: Wednesday through Friday, 10AM to 4PM , and Saturday and Sunday, 11AM to 4PM . The exhibit is also available for viewing during special extended hours ( 5-8PM ) the third Thursday of each to coincide with Th3, a visual arts opening.

Onondaga County on the Move - 200 Years of Transportation
Second Exhibit in the Series: Exploring History with Art

From September 20th , 2007 – April 1, 2008, Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center featured an exhibit drawn from its collections that highlighted 200 years of changes in modes of transportation. From travel by foot, horse, canal, plank and toll road, railroad, trolley, automobile and airplane, the exhibition illuminated the vast changes that have occurred in the ways citizens of Onondaga County get from here to there. Related objects and documents from OHA's collections augmented the paintings in the exhibition.

In addition to showing the changing experience of the traveler, the exhibit showed how modes of transportation succeeded each other and often made earlier forms of transportation obsolete. Also included was information on how the evolution of transportation directly and indirectly shaped every person's life such as occupation, commerce, recreation and lifestyles.

This was the second in series of thematic exhibits begun in 2006 called Exploring History with Art. The first exhibit in the series explored OHA's extensive portrait collection. The multi-year series is designed to use OHA's sizable art collection combined with interpretive exhibit labels to not only educate visitors about the theme but to encourage viewers to use visual information to extract historical content from artworks. Local teachers and students will find subjects meeting their document-based questions social studies standards within the exhibit. Possible future thematic exhibits in this series are Children, Landscape and Women Artists.

This exhibit was sponsored in part by CENTRO – Central New York Regional Transportation Authority and Syracuse Research Corporation.

Crouse Hospital: 120 Years of Innovation and Commitment to CNY
March 28 - August 20, 2007

In 2007, Syracuse's Crouse Hospital is celebrating its 120th anniversary. Today's Crouse Hospital is the result of a 1968 merger between Memorial Hospital, founded in 1887, and Crouse-Irving Hospital, opened in 1912. Therefore, the exhibit explores the story of each. Dennis Connors was able to mine the rich holdings of both Crouse Hospital's exemplary archives and the collections of OHA. The result was a fascinating tour, not only through the evolution of the two institutions, but also of the growth of Syracuse as a city. Nearly 60 historic images were reproduced in the exhibition, ranging from the early 20th century laboratory at Memorial's West Genesee site, when it was first known as the Hospital for Women and Children, to a nurse's fire drill at Crouse-Irving. There was a panel devoted to the challenges of the 1918 influenza epidemic, which gave the hospitals their most serious crisis and took the lives of several area nurses.

Another section discusses some of the generous supporters of the hospital in the past, which often reads as a "who's who" of local industry. And there is the story of how Memorial was founded and run, for several years, exclusively by dedicated and visionary area women.

Artifacts included an oil portrait of Ely Van de Warker, a surgeon at Memorial in the late 19th century, custom dinnerware made for Crouse Irving in 1913 by Onondaga Pottery (now Syracuse China) and the original 1890's scrapbooks of Lizzie Crouse that document the "Charity Balls" held in Syracuse to benefit the Hospital for Women and Children. One of the most dramatic artifacts is the original World War I recruiting poster for nurses that was used in Syracuse by the Red Cross. Both hospitals had nursing schools at the time, and their story forms another section of the exhibit.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Crouse has also published an accompanying book of the same title that is for sale at both the hospital's Gift Shop and at the OHA's Museum Store.