How Auburn Presents Itself
Throughout this research process, we have archived the materials we collected from the Cayuga County Office of Tourism and the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center. We noticed that in these brochures and pamphlets, the historical aspects of the city of Auburn are repeatedly highlighted. The town has even taken on the label “History’s Hometown” because of its connections to various historical movements. “Notable” historical figures including Harriet Tubman and William H. Seward are frequently mentioned, each with their own historical homes that now serve as tourist attractions.
In addition to the history of the city, these presentations of Auburn make it clear that despite it being a small town, there is plenty to do. Beer, theatre, museums, and lake-life activities are depicted as being integral parts of Auburn’s culture. After receiving a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Auburn has been making efforts to rebrand itself.
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Below are the people, places, and activities that Auburn has presented to us via their brochures and pamphlets. All quotes featured were taken from the brochures and pamphlets themselves.
*All images found on Google, labeled for reuse
Historical Landmarks
"Learn about 19th-century America through the lens of William H. Seward and his family. Serving as a New York State Senator, Governor of New York, a U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State during the Lincoln & Johnson administrations, Seward was one of the foremost politicians of 19th - century America" - Seward House Museum Handout
"Over and over, Tubman risked her life to rescue them and others, finally settling in Auburn, New York in 1859. Central New York was a center for progressive though, abolition, and women's suffrage. Here, Tubman practiced her faith and continued to fight for human rights and dignity until she died in 1913" - Harriet Tubman National Historical Park Brochure
"Near the center of the tract called "Fort Alleghan", was a settlement of early indigenous people, the Alleghans. The site was later occupied by the Cayugas and called Osco. The boundaries of that village were defined by a series of earthen mounds separated by entrances leading to a rounded elevation in the center." - Fort Hill Cemetery & Bradley Chapel Brochure
"A National Historic Landmark - the chapel interior, completed in 1894 was designed and hand-crafted by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company - it features Tiffany stained glass windows and chandeliers as well as a bronze mosaic designed by J.A. Holzer. The chapel complex is all that remains of the original Auburn Theological Seminary Campus." - History, Arts & Culture Handout
"Housed in the Willard-Case mansion built in 1836, the museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions on local figures, events and items pertinent to the developments of Cayuga County. The Case Research Lab is the site where the first commercially successful system of sound on film was invented in 1923" - History's Hometown Map
"It is Seymour Library’s mission to connect our community, to expand opportunities, and to inspire curiosity. Seymour Library serves as the community’s hub of learning and discovery by providing dynamic resources and experiences."
Arts & Culture
"A multi-venue performing arts center in downtown Auburn dedicated to enriching the social, cultural, and economic growth of our region by bringing people together through affordable access to live performance, cinema, arts education, and community events." - History's Hometown Map
"The Schweinfurth Art Center is a multi-arts facility offering a series of changing exhibitions each year, art classes for youth & adults, quilting & fiber arts workshops, multi-arts programs including music, film, folk arts, poetry, storytelling and much more along with a unique gift shop" - History's Hometown Map
"Explore the path to the past. Featuring farm and home implements of all kinds that revolutionized the American way of life." - Ward O'Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum Brochure
"Finger Lakes Musical Theater Festival & MGR, Inc., know as 'Broadway in the Finger Lakes,' is a professional, not-for-profit theatre offering productions & new musicals June-October." - Downtown Auburn Brochure
"Emerson Park offers something for the whole family to enjoy. Picnicking, swimming, boating, sport fishing, playgrounds, disc golf, theatre, concerts and history are among the many attractions you will find at Emerson Park on the north shore of beautiful Owasco Lake."
"Exhibition content focuses on abolition, the Underground Railroad, women’s suffrage and LGBTQ rights, with a goal of acquainting visitors with the many attractions connected to equal rights throughout the State."
Brochures & Pamphlets
Retrieved December 2018, NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center
Retrieved December 2018, NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center
Retrieved December 2018, NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center
Retrieved December 2018, NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center