Calendar:

Temporary Exhibitions

Capturing the Conflict: How Artists Revealed the American Civil War, OHA Museum Exhibition This exhibition utilizes paintings, prints, photographs and sketches made during the war by an array of individuals. There is an emphasis on images with local connections, either by the artist or photographer being from Central New York or through the subject involving activities of soldiers from this area.

Featured are several photographic prints by George Barnard, one of the War's most famous photographers, who spent much of his life in the Syracuse area and is buried along Cedarvale Road in the Town of Onondaga . Barnard is most noted for his documentation of General Sherman's “March to the Sea.” Original sketches made in the field by Syracuse sergeant George Sager are also included as are several works by Voltaire Combe, an illustrator who was born in Jordan , lived in Syracuse and served as a bugler in the Third New York Cavalry. Combe was also a talented artist and illustrator. Several of his detailed watercolors of army camps and the occupied city of New Bern , North Carolina were reproduced as lithographs.

A number of prints by noted Civil War artist Edwin Forbes show the details of a soldier's life during the war. Also on display is a reproduction of Forbes famous painting of the battle for Culp's Hill at Gettysburg , a bloody struggle that involved the 149 th regiment, a unit composed almost exclusively of Central New Yorkers. And the exhibit is supplemented by a number of original Civil War artifacts ranging from uniforms to weapons.

June 11 through October 17, 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.

Coming in November Toys from the 1970's Exhibition 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.

Events

September 16, 2010: Evening at the Museum In the spirit of GHOST WALK, on the third Thursday of each month, after regular business hours, pay a visit to the Onondaga Historical Association for Evening at the Museum. OHA has collected innumerable stories from Syracuse and Central New York for 150 years. Now you have the opportunity to explore our past in a fun and unique way. Accompany our knowledgeable night watchman to experience our exhibits in a new light and see who comes out of the woodwork to bring Salt City history to life. The tour lasts for one hour, starting at 6:00pm, a t the OHA Museum. Cost is $8 for Members, $10 for non-members. Reservations Required. Call 428-1864 (ext.370). Groups of 15 maximum.

September 17, 18, 24, 25, 2010: Unsolved Mysteries of the Salt City, OHA's Fall 2010 Ghostwalk Where now stands distinctive architecture from another century on the site of long lost salt fields, a cast of colorful characters create a chronology of criminal conundrums guaranteed to intrigue, bring chills and tickle the funny bone. Follow the clues to historic Franklin Square for the stakeout. Friday, September 17, Saturday, September 18, Friday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25, from 6PM-8PM with tours leaving every fifteen minutes from a location to be announced. Reservations are strongly advised. Payment due at the time of reservation. Please call 315-428-1864 ext 312. Prices: Reservations made by September 15 OHA Members $8.00, Non-Members $10.00. After September 15th, OHA Members $10, Non-Members $12.00.

September 23, 30, October 7, 2010: Civil War Lunchtime Lessons The Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) will present three free lectures at its museum this fall, in conjunction with its current exhibit, Capturing the Conflict: How Artists Revealed the American Civil War . These “Lunchtime Lessons” will explore the lives and works of three individuals featured in the exhibit: photographer George Barnard and artists Voltaire Combe and Winslow Homer. Talks will begin at 12:15 pm and end prior to 1:00. September 23rd , Dennis Connors will offer an illustrated presentation of George Barnard; September 30th , Andrew Saluti will discuss Winslow Homer and the Civil War; October 7th , Thomas Hunter will offer an illustrated presentation focused on Voltaire Combe. Thursdays, September 23, 30 and October 7, from 12:15 to 1 pm.

October 1, 2, 3 An Evening Celebration with Ward Wellington Ward: The Centennial of His Mohegan Manor Commission Mohegan Manor houses a fine restaurant, unique banquet facility and distinctive private club in a landmark building originally designed in 1910 by Ward to serve as an Odd Fellows Temple . This event, being organized as a fund-raiser for the OHA, offers a reception, dinner, special exhibit of original Ward Wellington Ward drawings and a rare opportunity to tour one of Ward's largest private commissions, the McBirney estate in Baldwinsville, commonly known as Applecrest.

Patrons have the choice of selecting either Friday or Saturday night. The evening will begin with a private reception, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the second floor Banquet Hall where a special exhibit about Ward Wellington Ward will be available for viewing.

At 7 pm, guests can sit down to enjoy a fabulous dinner with a menu specifically chosen for the event by Mohegan Manor owner Dennis Sick and his executive chef, Tim Brown, complete with wine.

The event ticket also entitles patrons to return to Baldwinsville on Sunday afternoon, at a time pre-selected when tickets are purchased, to tour the Applecrest Estate. Tour guests will arrive first at Mohegan Manor, where they can again view the exhibit, to await their shuttle to the estate. Transportation will be by limousine or in classic antique Franklin autos.

October 21 , 2010: Evening at the Museum In the spirit of GHOST WALK, on the third Thursday of each month, after regular business hours, pay a visit to the Onondaga Historical Association for Evening at the Museum. OHA has collected innumerable stories from Syracuse and Central New York for 150 years. Now you have the opportunity to explore our past in a fun and unique way. Accompany our knowledgeable night watchman to experience our exhibits in a new light and see who comes out of the woodwork to bring Salt City history to life. The tour lasts for one hour, starting at 6:00pm, at the OHA Museum. Cost is $8 for Members, $10 for non-members. Reservations Required. Call 428-1864 (ext.370). Groups of 15 maximum.

November 6, 2010: Glorious Workplaces The Onondaga Historical Association will celebrate its 14th annual signature event “Our Glorious Workplaces” on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 6:00pm. This year the OHA is pleased to recognize the century old company, L. & J.G. Stickley, Inc. Reserve your ticket at $195/person and support the mission, programs, and work of the OHA. For more information or to make a reservation, please call Karen Cooney at 315.428.1864 ext 312. Please note the evening is black tie optional.

November 7, 2010: A Native American Celebration Recognize Native American Month at OHA with native crafts and art to purchase, performances, and traditions. This afternoon is made possible with the cooperation with the Native American Circle of Life. Sunday, November 7, 1-4PM

November 14, 2010: When the Circus Came to Town Everyone loves the circus and the Salt City is no exception. To celebrate the CNY Reads 2010 Book Choice, Water for Elephants , by Sara Gruen, a story in which a resident of a nursing home relives his adventures with a traveling circus during the depression, the OHA History Upstagers will recreate the times the circus came to town. From the first circus in 1825 followed by the first elephant that same year, to the days of Senor Sautelles' circus canal boat, to more recent days. Experience the big top with readings from Ms..Gruen's moving story interspersed with Salt City Circus history. Sunday, November 14, 2PM, Members $8.00, Non-members $10.00

November 18, 2010: Evening at the Museum In the spirit of GHOST WALK, on the third Thursday of each month, after regular business hours, pay a visit to the Onondaga Historical Association for Evening at the Museum. OHA has collected innumerable stories from Syracuse and Central New York for 150 years. Now you have the opportunity to explore our past in a fun and unique way. Accompany our knowledgeable night watchman to experience our exhibits in a new light and see who comes out of the woodwork to bring Salt City history to life. The tour lasts for one hour, starting at 6:00pm, a t the OHA Museum. Cost is $8 for Members, $10 for non-members. Reservations Required. Call 428-1864 (ext.370). Groups of 15 maximum.

November 28 to December 6, 2010: Europe's Christmas Markets OHA, in conjunction with Collette Vacations, is sponsoring a tour of Europe's Christmas Markets featuring Austria , Germany , France and Switzerland .  The cost for a double is $2,399 per person; $2,549 for a single and $2,369 for a triple*. A representative from Collette Vacations will be present to answer any questions.  RSVP to Karen at 428-1864 X 312.
* includes the price are air taxes and fees/surcharges of $150 (subject to increase until paid  in full, hotel transfers; round trip airfare from Hancock International).  Cancellation waiver and insurance can be purchased for $150 per person.

December 5, 2010: Seasons Greetings from The Salt City Join for a special festive presentation to celebrate the Holidays. Watch for more exciting information to follow!

December 16, 2010: Evening at the Museum In the spirit of GHOST WALK, on the third Thursday of each month, after regular business hours, pay a visit to the Onondaga Historical Association for Evening at the Museum. OHA has collected innumerable stories from Syracuse and Central New York for 150 years. Now you have the opportunity to explore our past in a fun and unique way. Accompany our knowledgeable night watchman to experience our exhibits in a new light and see who comes out of the woodwork to bring Salt City history to life. The tour lasts for one hour, starting at 6:00pm, a t the OHA Museum. Cost is $8 for Members, $10 for non-members. Reservations Required. Call 428-1864 (ext.370). Groups of 15 maximum.

2009 Community Outreach Programs

2009 School Programs

Upcoming Events at Local Historical Societies & Libraries

Historic Photos of Syracuse, a new hard cover book by Dennis Connors, Curator of History, Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center

A giant electric turbine on the Near West Side provides power to Syracuse 's streetcars. . .

A spindly iron lift bridge carries Salina Street across the Oswego Canal . . .

And a group of men assemble typewriters by hand on the Salt City 's Near East Side.

Very different scenes, but they all survive in photos from the exhaustive collection of the Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center (OHA). These images, and nearly 200 more, are featured in the Association's newest publication, Historic Photos of Syracuse , released this month by Turner Publishing Company of Nashville , Tennessee . This fascinating journey through time is captured in the remarkable images reproduced in this new hardcover book .

Historic Photos of Syracuse is part of a larger series of books by Turner Publishing that features high quality reproduction of historic photos from various American cities. In this book, Connors has made a special effort to select images of distinctive quality with emphasis on photos that have not been published in previous titles by the OHA. The book is divided into four chronological chapters covering 1854 to 1980. Each chapter begins with a description of a unique local event during that time, while offering an overview of Syracuse during that era. These mini-histories are followed by photographs from those decades, with a descriptive caption for each. The book is a stunning celebration of Syracuse 's rich history and will make a very distinctive and memorable holiday gift.

Copies are available at the OHA Museum Gift Shop for $39.95 plus 8% tax. OHA membership discount applies.

Crossroads in Time:  An Illustrated History of Syracuse by Dennis Connors, OHAM&RC Curator of History

ORDER TODAY!

About Crossroads in Time:
OHAM&RC is please to announce the most ambitious publication in its nearly 145-year history.  Crossroads in Time:  An Illustrated History of Syracuse is a 208-page, hardcover book featuring over 225 images, many in color.  Along with an extensive text, it presents the truly engaging story of our city's growth and development over the last 200 years.  Crossroads in Time provides our community with a long-needed general history of Syracuse that will appeal to residents and visitors alike.

This energetic book was authored by OHAM&RC Curator of History, Dennis Connors, who also spent months combing the collection of OHAM&RC for a number of distinctive and unique illustrations, many of which have never been published before.  The book has been many years in the making and is being produced in cooperation with Syracuse University Press along with several generous corporate and institutional sponsors.  The price of the book is $49.95; $42.45 for members.  OHA's Museum Gift Shop will continue to be the exclusive outlet for the book until later this fall.  In addition to visiting the museum, phone orders may be placed by calling (315) 428-1864, extension 321.

About Events, Performances, Ghost Walk, Glorious Workplaces>, Walking Tours, Lecture