Explore History at the 1890 House Museum in Cortland, NY
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly walking indoors on flat surfaces.
Overview
Step inside the 1890 House Museum in Cortland, NY, to discover the remarkable legacy of inventor Chester F. Wickwire. This guided tour tours through a 15,000-square-foot historic home, revealing stories of family, innovation, and local heritage.
Museum Admission
House Admission | Tours | Visit the 1890 House Museum Today!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the fascinating history of the 1890 House Museum, once home to inventor Chester F. Wickwire. Enjoy a guided tour through this expansive 15,000 square foot residence, exploring the lives of the Wickwire family across generations. Experience the charm of a bygone era in a beautifully preserved setting.
Built for late 19th-century inventor & industrialist Chester F. Wickwire, we invite you to explore his former home, the 1890 House Museum!
Rates
- Adults - $15
- Seniors (65+) - $12
- Military (Must show valid ID) - $10
- Students (Must show valid ID) - $10
- Children (6 -18) - $5
- Children (5 and under) - Free. Please note that (for their safety and the safety of the museum artifacts) children must be supervised by an adult, and may not wander the museum unaccompanied.
Guided Tour Duration:
60 - 90 Minutes
About Your Admission:
- A guided tour is the best way to explore this 15,000 square foot home.
- Guided tours are subject to docent availability. Self-guided tour books may also be available.
- Please note that tours visit all floors of the house. Upstairs floors are unfortunately not accessible to those who are mobility-challenged. Please contact the museum in advance for accessibility information.
- Tours cover two generations of the Wickwire family, from pre-1890-1973.
- Group tours are available for 10 or more guests. Please contact the museum for special group tour pricing and scheduling.
- IMPORTANT: Please note that the 1890 House Museum is continually undergoing restoration/preservation projects that occasionally may interfere with the museum’s normal operating hours. If traveling from afar, please call 607-756-7551 to confirm your visit and/or book in advance.
Adventure Tips
Book guided tours in advance
Tours fill quickly, so reserve your spot online to ensure availability.
Wear comfortable shoes
The house is large with many rooms to explore, so dress for walking.
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the visit
Plan enough time to fully experience the house's exhibits and guided commentary.
Photography allowed without flash
Capture details but avoid flash photography to protect antiques.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Occasional sightings of ruby-throated hummingbirds in the museum garden
- Eastern gray squirrels commonly seen on the museum grounds
History
Chester F. Wickwire was an inventor whose innovations helped transform Cortland’s industrial scene during the late 1800s.
Conservation
The museum maintains its collections through environmentally controlled conditions and promotes historic preservation practices to protect the legacy for future visitors.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cortland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supports walking through the large museum space comfortably.
Light jacket or sweater
Indoor temperatures can be cool depending on season.
Camera or smartphone
Great for capturing intricate architectural details and exhibits.
Notebook or journal
Useful if you want to record interesting historical facts or reflections.