The Seneca Falls Heritage Area Visitor Center is your first stop for exploring the Village of Seneca Falls and the greater Finger Lakes Region. We offer a variety of brochures, maps, and other types of information about the history, museums, shops and restaurants, and recreational opportunities in the area. In addition to informational handouts, we offer an orientation video and exhibits that describe the historical development of Seneca Falls and the Women’s Rights Movement.
The Visitor Center provides a unique experience for all ages exploring the Village’s reform movement, industrial, and transportation histories. Established in 1990, the Visitor Center serves over 10,000 visitors a year!
EXHIBITS:
Development of the Finger Lakes
Visitors learn about the geological formation of Seneca Falls and the greater Finger Lakes Region. This exhibit also explores our cultural heritage and Native American history.
Waterpower & Industry
Discover how the power of falls was harnessed to run numerous factories. On exhibit are examples of locally manufactured goods including pumps, irons, tools and fire engines.
Transportation
Fiber optic maps illuminate the system of turnpikes, canals and railroads that all converged in Seneca Falls.
Village of Seneca Falls
On display is a scale model of the Seneca Falls community. With a touch of a button, watch as the community is transformed back to its 19th century appearance.
Women’s Rights
A life-size statue of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and storyboards continue to trace the inspiring story of the first women’s rights convention.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
Visitor Center Tour- Tour is available year round for ages 5 and up. It teaches local history and explores the development and changes within Seneca Falls. Approximate time is 30 minutes.
Taking Tea-The Visitor Center is a proud participant of this program, which is open to 4th grade students. For more information contact the Geneva Historical Society or Seneca Falls Historical Society.
Exhibit Scavenger Hunt- Students search the Visitor Center exhibits for clues about local geology, transportation, manufacturing, and women’s rights.
Scouting Badge Program- An educational program that allows Junior Girl Scouts to fulfill requirements for the Women’s Stories Badge through on-site activities.
FEATURED AT THE VISITOR CENTER:
“Seneca Falls”.. a 17 minute video presentation on the history of Seneca Falls
1915 footage of “Seneca Falls in Motion”
Temporary gallery space with new exhibits on a regular basis
Brochures offering three different self-guided walking tours
A gift shop
FACILITIES:
Restroom facilities
Water fountain and Multipurpose Room may be reserved for public and private functions (groups up to 50)
Kitchen facilities are available, along with digital and slide projectors
PARKING:
Two-hour parking available on the majority of Village streets
Free visitor parking available off of Water Street.
