OHA’s Notorious Glorious 2020
Our Glorious Workplaces is usually the highlight of OHA's yearly events and features one company and the work they have done to promote our community's history. This year, with the novel Coronavirus still playing a factor, we are flipping the script and bringing you a virtual variety show, reminiscent of the popular late-night talk shows […]
Without A Whisper: Konnón:Kwe – A Virtual Screening
Zoom EventDecember 2nd: Join us for a virtual film screening of Without a Whisper – Konnón:kwe, the untold story of the profound influence of Indigenous women on the beginning of the women’s rights movement in the United States, and a follow-up Q&A session with film Director and Producer, Katsitsionni Fox; Mohawk Bear Clan Mother, Louise Herne; Executive […]
OHA Bedtime Stories – SU’s Two Helens & Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Back by popular demand are OHA's Bedtime Stories! In this next installment of the series, learn more about some of Onondaga County's most significant, historic people. We'll be soaring into the first episode on January 15th with a glimpse of how two local Helens, who attended Syracuse University, made a precious little elephant with big […]
Women’s Suffrage Exhibit Virtual Tour
Central New York was a hotbed of activity during the Women's Suffrage Movement in the early 20th century. OHA's Women's Suffrage exhibit reflects the progress and steps women took to gain their freedoms. Join OHA curators, Thomas Hunter & Robert Searing ("Curator Bob") as they walk us through the exhibit, pointing out some of the […]
Michael T. Keene on “Abandoned: The Untold Story of the Orphan Trains”
Michael Keene, local history author and frequent guest speaker at public libraries, senior centers, and historical societies has produced an unique online program titled based off his book, “Abandoned: The Untold Story of the Orphan Trains." The program will air on YouTube Premiere, February 1, 2021 at 11:00am (EST). The program is free but requires […]
OHA’s Bedtime Stories: Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage
OHA Facebook Page --, --In honor of Women's History Month, enjoy the story of one local woman who lived a life of extremes. From poverty-stricken years as a teacher to financial and social freedom as an elderly, wealthy widow, Olivia Slocum Sage used her wealth to give back to her community in order to improve society and create more opportunities for […]
Michael T. Keene’s “The Psychic Highway: How the Erie Canal Changed America”
Zoom EventMichael Keene, local history author and frequent guest speaker at public libraries, senior centers, and historical societies has produced an unique online program titled based off his book, “The Psychic Highway: How the Erie Canal Changed America." The program will air on YouTube Premiere, April 1, 2021 at 11:00am (EST). The program is free but […]
OHA Bedtime Stories – James Pass
Virtual EventThe father of American fine china, James Pass brings together science and art to create a versatile, useful china that has lasted 100+ years. Most people (at least in Central New York) can still look in their cabinets, flip over their plate and find that iconic Syracuse China logo. Learn how the Pass, a skilled […]
OHA’s Medal Award
Virtual EventThe OHA Medal is the highest honor that this organization can bestow upon an individual for contributions made to the cause of preserving and interpreting our heritage. This year, help us honor: Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation The Dunbar Association Stickley Audi & Co. We are holding our medal event virtually again this […]
OHA’s Ghostwalk Downtown
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseThis May, join us as we venture through downtown Syracuse and showcase some of the important figures that walked our city's streets. This tour will began at OHA's Downtown Museum at 321 Montgomery Street. Parking, rainy day, and other important information will be emailed to attendees at a later date. We are still maintaining social […]
Ladies with a History Ghostwalk – July 16th
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseAre you curious about the private lives (and deaths) of those of the female persuasion in the Salt City? Select ladies from our previous Ghostwalk events are returning to share stories about themselves and of the Syracuse of their day. The tours are within the historic Oakwood Cemetery, starting every 15 minutes from 6:00 to […]
Ladies with a History Ghostwalk – July 17 (Cancelled)
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseAre you curious about the private lives (and deaths) of those of the female persuasion in the Salt City? Select ladies from our previous Ghostwalk events are returning to share stories about themselves and of the Syracuse of their day. NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Due to today's rainy weather, this event (previously postponed […]
Hotel Syracuse Tour – July 19th
Hotel Syracuse 500 S Warren Street, SyracuseOur historic guided tours of the Hotel Syracuse are back! Onondaga Historical Association, in cooperation with the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, conducts historic tours lasting approximately and hour and a half for groups of 15. Our first one is set for Monday, July 19th from 11am to 12:30pm. Tours will be held every third Monday of […]
A Stroll with the Spirits Ghostwalk – Friday, August 20th
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseJoin us for our latest edition of OHA's historic Ghostwalks! Stroll the hills and valleys of Oakwood Cemetery's oldest section and encounter a number of individuals who, after facing the challenges of their lives, reside there in peace and have stories to share. The tours are within the historic Oakwood Cemetery, lasting about an hour […]
A Stroll with the Spirits Ghostwalk – Saturday, August 21st
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseJoin us for our latest edition of OHA's historic Ghostwalks! Stroll the hills and valleys of Oakwood Cemetery's oldest section and encounter a number of individuals who, after facing the challenges of their lives, reside there in peace and have stories to share. The tours are within the historic Oakwood Cemetery, lasting about an hour […]
A Stroll with the Spirits Ghostwalk – Sunday, August 22nd
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseJoin us for our latest edition of OHA's historic Ghostwalks! Stroll the hills and valleys of Oakwood Cemetery's oldest section and encounter a number of individuals who, after facing the challenges of their lives, reside there in peace and have stories to share. The tours are within the historic Oakwood Cemetery, lasting about an hour […]
A Stroll with the Spirits Ghostwalk – Friday, August 27th
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseJoin us for our latest edition of OHA's historic Ghostwalks! Stroll the hills and valleys of Oakwood Cemetery's oldest section and encounter a number of individuals who, after facing the challenges of their lives, reside there in peace and have stories to share. The tours are within the historic Oakwood Cemetery, lasting about an hour […]
A Stroll with the Spirits Ghostwalk – Saturday, August 28th
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseJoin us for our latest edition of OHA’s historic Ghostwalks! Stroll the hills and valleys of Oakwood Cemetery’s oldest section and encounter a number of individuals who, after facing the challenges of their lives, reside there in peace and have stories to share. The tours are within the historic Oakwood Cemetery, lasting about an hour and […]
Stained Glass and a Glass of Wine
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseJoin us for Stained Glass and a Glass of Wine, our opening reception for our new exhibit, The Colors of Keck. The exhibit features the stained glass artwork of Henry Keck. Enjoy a Curator Talk with Robert Searing at 5:30. Then, pick up your voucher for a free glass of house wine with purchase of […]
Our Glorious Workplaces 2021
Landmark Theater 362 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY, United StatesOHA’s Our Glorious Workplaces event showcases and honors how organizations create and deliver their products or services while emphasizing their historic impact upon the larger community. We collaborate with a new company each year and hold a celebration right at their place of business. Proceeds from the cocktail reception and elegant dinner support all of OHA’s […]
Grand Opening of the Brewseum at Heritage Hill
The Brewseum at Heritage Hill 3149 Sweet Road, Pompey, NY, United StatesIn collaboration with Heritage Hill Brewhouse, OHA is pleased to unveil The Brewseum at Heritage Hill. Help us celebrate the long-awaited opening of this exciting new project, showcasing the regional history of beer right at a working brewery. On Wednesday, November 17th, join us at the scenic Heritage Hill Brewhouse in the rolling hills of […]
Salina Street Exhibit Final Stroll Tour
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseOur Strolling Down Salina Street: 1940-1980 exhibit is rotating out this month, but we're offering up one last stroll! Our curator Bob Searing is leading a final exhibit tour, and you can book your slot now. Plus, enjoy 10% off on when you stop by the gift shop during your trip, or 15% off for our […]
Holiday Sale & “The Bear Tree” Book Talk
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseJoin us downtown at the Onondaga Historical Museum on Friday, December 10th from 4pm-7pm to listen to the authors of The Bear Tree discuss their new book about the history and folklore of Cazenovia. Enjoy 20% off on everything in the Gift Gallery during the event - stack the sale with a Membership Discount for […]
“Floor Burns” Book Talk with Author M.C. Antil
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseJoin OHA as we welcome M.C. Antil, author of Floor Burns: Love, Passion and the 1967 Syracuse All-City Championship. The book has been described as "a sprawling, affectionate...portrait of a city being transformed by the 1960s, the people who lived there, and the game they loved". This work is a non-fiction account of a high school […]
A Pocketful of Progress Exhibit Opening
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseWe're launching a new exhibit, A Pocketful of Progress: A Retrospective Look at the Machines Found in our Smartphones! This new exhibition opens on Thursday, March 3rd at 5:30. Come join us downtown at the Onondaga Historical Museum to explore this fascinating new display of machines from the past 150 years which performed functions that, today, […]
OHA Medal Breakfast 2022 Honoring Playwright Kyle Bass, Jeff & Susan Bastable, and the University Neighborhood Preservation Association
The Oncenter Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center 800 S State St, Syracuse, NY, United StatesThe 2022 Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) Medal will be awarded to Playwright Kyle Bass, Jeff & Susan Bastable, and the University Neighborhood Preservation Association to recognize their outstanding and meritorious service to local history, and to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Onondaga County. We will be honoring this year’s Medal recipients on […]
Recollections from Beyond the Grave Ghostwalk – June 3
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseCome experience the newest edition of OHA's Historic Ghostwalks! Walk through Oakwood Cemetery and hear the stories of those at rest there, including an early Syracuse mover and shaker, a prominent local family, a pair of star crossed lovers, and a murder victim; all amidst the beauty of the cemetery as a backdrop. The tours are […]
Recollections from Beyond the Grave Ghostwalk – June 4
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseCome experience the newest edition of OHA's Historic Ghostwalks! Walk through Oakwood Cemetery and hear the stories of those at rest there, including an early Syracuse mover and shaker, a prominent local family, a pair of star crossed lovers, and a murder victim; all amidst the beauty of the cemetery as a backdrop. The tours are […]
Recollections from Beyond the Grave Ghostwalk- June 10
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseCome experience the newest edition of OHA's Historic Ghostwalks! Walk through Oakwood Cemetery and hear the stories of those at rest there, including an early Syracuse mover and shaker, a prominent local family, a pair of star crossed lovers, and a murder victim; all amidst the beauty of the cemetery as a backdrop. The tours are […]
Recollections from Beyond the Grave Ghostwalk – June 11
Oakwood Cemetery 940 Comstock Avenue, SyracuseCome experience the newest edition of OHA's Historic Ghostwalks! Walk through Oakwood Cemetery and hear the stories of those at rest there, including an early Syracuse mover and shaker, a prominent local family, a pair of star crossed lovers, and a murder victim; all amidst the beauty of the cemetery as a backdrop. The tours are […]
“All Love Comes Home” Book Signing by Gene Fisch
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseOnondaga Historical Association is pleased to invite the community to a free public lecture and book signing by Gene Fisch. Join us at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16th at the organization’s comprehensive history museum at 321 Montgomery Street in Downtown Syracuse. “All Love Comes Home: A Promise of Truth” is part memoir, part tribute […]
Historic Ghostwalk: We’re Ba-ack!
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseHistoric Ghostwalks presented by the Onondaga Historical Association are led by guides to locations in neighborhoods, buildings, and cemeteries where actors in costume portray individuals from Onondaga County’s past. The “ghosts” reveal their lives in 12 to 15 minute vignettes, giving personal insight to those who have preceded us. Tours leave every 15 minutes and […]
Possessing Harriet Book Talk with Kyle Bass
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseJoin OHA in welcoming Kyle Bass, resident playwright of Syracuse Stage, and recent recipient of OHA's Medal Award! Kyle's OHA commissioned play Possessing Harriet has been adapted into a book by Standing Stone Books. This inspirational chapter of our location history imagines a conversation between an enslaved woman, Harriet Powell, and a young Elizabeth Cady, the fierce advocate for women’s […]
Historic Ghostwalk: Spirits in the City
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseHistoric Ghostwalks presented by the Onondaga Historical Association are led by guides to locations in neighborhoods, buildings, and cemeteries where actors in costume portray individuals from Onondaga County’s past. The “ghosts” reveal their lives in 12 to 15 minute vignettes, giving personal insight to those who have preceded us. Tours leave every 15 minutes and […]
Holiday Open House & Book Talk
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseOHA is hosting a holiday open house! Enjoy an evening of extended hours, complete with refreshments, musical entertainment, a book talk, storewide sales, and a special free gift from OHA! We will be open until 7pm on December 4th, allowing our guests plenty of time to do their holiday shopping. Everything in the Gift Gallery […]
Book Talk: “To Have A Tomorrow” with author Gene Fisch
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseOnondaga Historical Association is pleased to invite the community to a free public lecture and book signing, featuring Gene Fisch and his new book, To Have A Tomorrow: A True Story. Join us at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7th at the organization’s comprehensive history museum at 321 Montgomery Street in Downtown Syracuse. There, you'll […]
Come In From The Cold Exhibit Opening
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseWarm up from the CNY winter at the opening reception for our new exhibit, Come In From The Cold. The exhibit features selections from OHA's collection of winter fashions through the ages, plus artifacts of winter recreation, and artwork and historic photos depicting the snowscapes of our region. Enjoy refreshments, followed by a Curator Talk […]
2023 OHA Medal Breakfast
The Oncenter Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center 800 S State St, Syracuse, NY, United StatesThe 2023 Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) Medal will be awarded to Christine B. Lozner, William P. Burrows, and Sedgwick Farm Neighborhood Association to recognize their outstanding and meritorious service to local history, and to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Onondaga County. We will be honoring this year’s Medal recipients on May 25th at […]
Syracuse Forever Historic Ghostwalk
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseHistoric Ghostwalks presented by the Onondaga Historical Association are led by guides to locations in neighborhoods, buildings, and cemeteries where actors in costume portray individuals from Onondaga County’s past. The “ghosts” reveal their lives in 12 to 15 minute vignettes, giving personal insight to those who have preceded us. Reservations are $15 for the general […]
Aviation Historian James Coulthart: Canadian P-51 Mustangs Over Central New York in the Late 1950s
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseOn Sunday, June 11th from 11am-noon, OHA will be hosting local aviation historian James Coulthart at our downtown museum at 321 Montgomery Street. He will be presenting his talk, Canadian P-51 Mustangs Over Central New York in the Late 1950s, the story of how 70+ WW2-era high-performance fighter planes, whose destinations were supposed to be conflict “hot […]
Walking & Talking Wednesdays: Historical Lunchtime Tours of Downtown Syracuse
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseThis summer and fall, spend your mid-week lunch hour with Curator of History Robert Searing, listening to some local history as you get in a midday walk around town. On select Wednesdays, the tours will leave from OHA's downtown museum at 321 Montgomery Street at 12:05 and end in Clinton Square. Tour dates are June […]
Syracuse: City Life In Watercolors Opening Reception
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery Street, SyracuseThe opening reception for Syracuse: City Life in Watercolors is on June 28th from 5-7. Join us at our Downtown Museum at 321 Montgomery Street as we officially launch our new exhibit, which celebrates urban environments, plein air painting, and daily city life through the eyes and paintbrushes of three local artists. The work featured is by […]