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 Welcome to Syracuse's only comprehensive local history museum, a facility operated by Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) Museum & Research Center, a private organization that has been collecting, preserving and exhibiting Onondaga County's heritage since 1862. This museum is free, however, we encourage donations. To help us preserve the unique artifacts on display, we ask that you please refrain from touching them. If you want more information on OHA, its programs, activities, membership and donation opportunities, please click on the appropriate links on this website, ask at the reception desk or call 315-428-1864.
Onondaga Historical Association Museum
321 Montgomery St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 428-1864 |
Museum Hours:
Wed-Fri 10-2:00
Sat-Sun 11-4:00 |
Main Gallery
Onondaga County: The Heart of New York
permanent exhibition
A comprehensive presentation of the distinctive and diverse history of Onondaga County. The area's people, commerce, architecture and transportation systems are highlighted using items from the extensive and unique OHA collections.
Lobby
The Franklin and the rise of the Automobile Age
permanent exhibition
The saga of the once-grand Franklin automobile company, from its beginning in 1902 until its demise in 1934.
The 1902 Franklin light roadster on view is the first Franklin automobile ever sold! It is on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Historic photos of the Franklin factory, autos, and employees, as well as, brochures, 1920's styling model of a Franklin sedan, and vintage driving attire are also on display.
Franklin Automobile Photographs Online
East Gallery
Freedom Bound: Syracuse and the Underground Railroad
ongoing exhibition
A cutting edge exhibit that interprets the anti-slavery movement and Underground Railroad in Syracuse & Onondaga County. Three of the carved faces from the basement of the Wesleyan Methodist Church are on display. A provacative object theater offers a dramatic audio & light projection program that brings to life the struggles of escaping slaves and their journey to freedom.
OHA Auditorium
The Jerry Rescue - An Audio / Visual Presentation
audio-visual presentation
A dramatic, first person audio / visual interpretation of the watershed Jerry Rescue of 1 October 1851, a Syracuse anti-slavery event that resounded across the country, even inside the very walls of the White House! Watch Lucy Watkins recall this momentous event on the big screen.
Board Room Gallery: Enriching History Through Art
Changing History and Art Exhibits
Sports Gallery
Our Sporting Life: The Heroes. The Highlights. The History.
Intriguing and famous objects from Central New York's grand sports tradition. Vintage moments in 17 major sports are presented. View WIXT NewsChannel 9 production of the greatest moments in local sports history, in the Time Warner Cable mini-theater!
West Gallery
Syracuse China:
Fired Forms of the American Experience
The saga of a product that has taken the 'Syracuse' name to all corners of theglobe. Rare artifacts and film.
 Gambrinus: Icon of Brewing
Syracuse Brewing History exhibit
The story of the famous Haberle Brewing Company and Gambrinus, a cast zinc sculpture that once projected from the brewery's facade..
Our Space
Housed in the landmark 1906 Bell Telephone Building, the engaging photos, paintings, maps and rare artifacts in the OHA Museum galleries can provide a fascinating backdrop for a meeting or reception.
OHA can provide the following to ensure that your meeting / event is a total success:
- 600 sq. ft. conference room, seating 50 auditorium-style, 30 at tables.
- Audio-visual theater, with projecting booth, seating 40-50.
- Lobby / Gallery areas of 5,000 sq. ft., available for receptions.
- Gift Shop offers a unique line of historically themed books and other gift items.
An alternative entertainment venue for your meeting / event participants:
- Walking tours of the downtown historic districts
- Ongoing and changing exhibits
- Opportunities for research support to highlight the local historical aspects of your group / organization
If you are interested in additional information including applicable fees, please call: (315) 428-1864
Group and School Tours can be arranged, call the Education Office at (315) 428-1864
The Basement
We use the basement for our Ghostwalks and Christmas events. To read about the flooding of our basement, please click here: The Flood of 2005 and our Recovery
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