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Monday 10am - 2pm Tuesday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 10am - 2pm Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday 10am - 2pm

Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes

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Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes

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Village includes: 1796 Patterson Inn, 1850s Wixon Log Cabin, 1878 Browntown Schoolhouse, 1870s Blacksmith Shop, Starr Barn, Agriculture Exhibit, and Gardens

Founded in 1976, a joint project led by the Corning-Painted Post Historical Society to restore an 18th century frontier inn, We've since expanded to include the 1876 Browntown School House, the 1850's Wixon Hill Road Cabin the Charles Cooley Blacksmith shop, our Starr Barn and Agricultural Exhibition and attached Joiner's Shop. Here you get a taste of Early American life from the founding of America up until the end of the 19th century.

10/07/2026

✨ Thank You for a Wonderful Lecture Series Season! ✨

Last night we wrapped up our 2026 Lecture Series, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s programs such a success.

A special thank you to Rob Cassetti for his fantastic presentation, Corning Museum of Glass: How It All Started. We also extend our gratitude to Gary Fitzpatrick for his insightful talk on Arthur Houghton Jr., Kirk House for his powerful program on Slavery in Steuben County, and Vicie Rolling for her moving performance of Lear Green.

These programs are an important way we share and celebrate our region’s history, and we’re grateful to each speaker, and to our community, for supporting this work.

We’re already lining up speakers for next year’s series, and we hope you’ll join us again for another season of learning, storytelling, and connection.

📅 Upcoming Events
We also have several exciting programs on the horizon! Keep an eye out for follow‑up announcements and details—there’s much more to come.

10/01/2026

FREE LECTURE SERIES ✨
CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS: HOW IT ALL STARTED
Presented by Rob Cassetti

📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026
🕠 6:30 PM
📍 Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes

Join us for a fascinating evening as Rob Cassetti explores the remarkable origins of the Corning Museum of Glass. Founded in 1951 as part of the Corning Glass Center, the Museum began with just 2,000 objects and five staff members—envisioned by Arthur A. Houghton Jr. and Amory Houghton as a gift to the community and a celebration of Corning Glass Works’ centennial.

Cassetti will trace the Museum’s evolution from its early days—complete with its iconic glass‑walled building, research library, and pioneering exhibitions—to its growth into a world‑renowned institution dedicated to the art, history, and science of glass.

This is an illuminating look at how one visionary idea became a global center for creativity, innovation, and glassmaking excellence. We hope you’ll join us.

09/07/2026

Join us at the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes on 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗 𝐚𝐭 𝟔:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 for a special presentation by Gary Fitzpatrick, former Library of Congress librarian and writer. Gary spent decades working with historical maps, archives, and cultural collections, experience that makes him an exceptional storyteller and guide to the region’s history and its influential figures. He will be presenting 𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐫: 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐜𝐨𝐧.

Gary will explore the remarkable life and influence of Arthur A. Houghton Jr. — from his early years at Corning Glass Works in the 1930s to his transformative role in shaping the Corning Museum of Glass.

Houghton’s cultural leadership extended far beyond Corning. He served as chairman of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Society and played a major role in the creation of Lincoln Center as vice chairman of its founding committee, contributing to the planning and development of Philharmonic Hall.

This talk offers a fascinating look at one of the region’s most influential cultural figures. We hope to see you there!

08/27/2026

𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 — 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟲 • 𝟭𝟬 𝗔𝗠–𝟰 𝗣𝗠

Join us for our 48th Annual Heritage Festival as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary alongside major community milestones — from Corning Incorporated’s 175th to Corning Museum of Glass’s 75th and The Rockwell Museum’s 50th. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 250 | Our Nation, Our Story, Our Milestones,” honors the shared history that shaped Corning.

Spend the day exploring traditional craftsmen demonstrations, live music, hands‑on children’s activities, farm animals, homemade treats, raffles, food, and special exhibits inspired by this milestone year. The festival is free for kids and filled with family‑friendly experiences that bring history to life.

Come celebrate community, heritage, and the stories that connect us!

07/01/2026

*𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.*

We love the charm and authenticity of our historic buildings—but, with that comes a lack of modern-day air conditioning!

With an Extreme Heat Warning in effect through Friday evening, we've made the decision to postpone the opening reception for 𝙊𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧: 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟏–𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟏 to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

The good news? We won't have to wait long!

🎭 Please join us instead on 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟳, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟱:𝟬𝟬–𝟳:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺. as we celebrate this special exhibit honoring the people, performances, and community that made Corning Summer Theatre such a beloved tradition.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you for a much cooler celebration next week!

06/29/2026

🎭 The curtain is about to rise on our new exhibit! 🎭

Join us for the opening reception of 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫: 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟏–𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟏 on 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐, from 𝟓:𝟎𝟎–𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. at the Benjamin Patterson Inn.

For 40 summers, Corning Summer Theatre was more than a theatre—it was a beloved community tradition. Families filled the seats, volunteers worked behind the scenes, local residents shared the stage with professional actors, and each season created memories that have lasted for generations.

It also attracted some remarkable talent. James Earl Jones, William Shatner, Lana Turner, Eve Arden, Arte Johnson, Bob Denver, Patty Duke Astin, and many other acclaimed performers appeared on the Corning stage, making our small city part of the national theatre scene.

Now you can relive those unforgettable summers!

Explore photographs, costumes, programs, memorabilia, and personal stories that celebrate four decades of laughter, applause, friendships, and community spirit.

Whether you remember attending performances, volunteering, performing yourself, or are discovering Corning Summer Theatre for the first time, we invite you to experience this special exhibit and celebrate a cherished piece of Corning's history.

📍 Benjamin Patterson Inn Exhibit Room
🎟️ Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!

We hope to see you there—and don't forget to share your own Summer Theatre memories with us!

06/09/2026

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Union Pacific’s 4014 Big Boy will pass through Corning in a moment that connects today’s community with one of the most celebrated eras in American railroading. This extraordinary visit is part of America's 250th anniversary celebration and marks the first time this route has been traveled by the 4014 Big Boy. For railfans, families, and history lovers alike, it is a rare and unforgettable opportunity to witness living history in motion.

The 1.2 million pounds 4014 Big Boy was originally built at the ALCO plant in Schenectady, New York, in 1941, during the golden age of American railroading. Big Boy locomotives were designed to haul heavy freight over demanding mountain grades, combining immense power with remarkable engineering. This 2026 journey marks the first time the last remaining operational Big Boy has returned to the Eastern United States since leaving the factory 85 years ago.

This once-in-a-lifetime event offers a thrilling viewing opportunity for the entire community. Whether you are a dedicated rail enthusiast or a family looking to share in a memorable local experience, this historic passage promises to be a spectacle worth seeing.

To allow staff and volunteers the opportunity to witness this momentous occasion, our office and museum will close at 2:30 PM on Thursday, June 11.

For the most recent route updates, timing information, and announcements, please visit the Union Pacific website at www.up.com. Be sure to check out their safety guidelines for viewing.

05/08/2026

What a wonderful success our "Petticoats, Patriots, and Pastries" Victorian Tea Party was! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and helped make the day so memorable.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the event, and to our exceptional tea committee—Debbie Amati, Diana Fee, Chris Hoyler, Sheri Golder, Rachel Goyette, Soni Lacey, Karen Rowe, and Jean Walker—whose creativity, time, and generosity brought the event to life. They created and donated most of the food and décor, making the entire experience truly special.

A highlight of the day was our guest speaker, Dr. Melinda Grube, who delivered a captivating first-person interpretation of Elizabeth Cady Stanton that transported us back in time.

Congratulations to our raffle winners:
Hilda Allington — Table Quilt, Hot Pads and Napkins (provided by Pat Starzec)
Lynne Hatch — Ellen & Michael's Gift Certificate (provided by our Board of Directors)
Joanne Coombs — Forged Shepherd's Hook and Massi's Gift Card (provided by Leon Golder and Debbie Amati)
Mary Ann Garlock — Patriotic Home Decor (provided by Diana Fee and Chris Hoyler)

Our sincere appreciation to the following volunteers who made this event possible:
Debbie Amati
Meghan Bourke
Christine Cullen
Diana Fee
Sheri Golder
Rachel Goyette
Cory Gromulus
Brian Hoyler
Chris Hoyler
Jean Krebs
Alison Merkl
Nancy Magrath
Karen Rowe
Pat Starzec
Cheryl Stephenson
Jean Walker
Darby Webster
Penny Wilson

04/28/2026

Reminder: Join us tonight at 6:30 in the Patterson Inn for our program with Kirk House on the history of slavery in Steuben County.

We also have exciting news—one seat has opened for our May 2 previously sold‑out Victorian Tea! This year’s theme, Petticoats, Patriots & Pastries, invites you into the charm of our 1796 Benjamin Patterson Inn for a three‑course experience of breads & scones, sandwiches, and desserts. Enjoy an exclusive exhibit featuring pieces from our archives and vintage clothing collection, and hear Dr. Melinda Grube bring Elizabeth Cady Stanton to life as she explores the Declaration of Sentiments and its bold call for equality. With raffles, door prizes, and a special keepsake, the afternoon is set to be a delight from start to finish.

Tickets are $45. Call 607‑937‑5281 now to claim the last seat!

04/22/2026

Join us on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 at the Patterson Inn for Kirk House’s program on Slavery in Steuben County. The program will delve into the lesser-known history of slavery in this region, shedding light on the complex and often overlooked stories of those who lived and labored in Steuben County. Kirk House, Director of the Steuben County Historical Society, will guide us through an exploration of the county's past, revealing how these narratives fit into the broader tapestry of American history. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time for questions and conversation following the presentation. The program is FREE and open to the public.

Address

73 W Pulteney Street
Corning, NY
14830

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 2pm
Tuesday	10am - 2pm
Wednesday	10am - 2pm
Thursday	10am - 2pm
Friday	10am - 2pm

Telephone

(607) 937-5281

Website

http://www.heritagevillagesfl.org/

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