Farm Heritage Day
Before the Midwest was settled, the fertile land around Seneca Lake was the “bread basket” of America. Area farmers grew crops like wheat, corn, and fruits. Through the canals and later railroads farmers were able to sell their produce to a broad market.
On Saturday, August 13 from 12 to 4 pm, the Geneva Historical Society will hold its biennial Farm Heritage Day at the Johnston House. This event will give visitors, particularly families, the chance to sample farm life during the 1800s. Planned activities include operating an antique cornsheller, fanning wheat with an antique wheat fanner, and testing milking skills on a simulated milk cow. In the parlor there will be presentations on the life and work of John Johnston and performances of a 19th-century style silhouette puppet show. There will be crafts for kids and the opportunity to meet farm animals. Representatives from the Finger Lakes Institute, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ward W. O’Hara Museum, and Geneva Reads will also have informational booths. Throughout the day the Johnston House and the Weaver Drain Tile Museum will be open to visitors.
Farm Heritage Day will take place out of doors, rain or shine, on the grounds of the Johnston House. The event is free and open to the public. Call the Historical Society at 315-789-5151 for more information. Johnston House is located at 3523 East Lake Road at the junction of Route 96A near Geneva.
I’m interested in seeing the Weaver Drain Tile Museum. Can you provide me the hours it is open this week. Thanks
Johnston House and the Drain Tile Museum are open on Saturday from 12 to 4 pm as we are having a special event, Farm Heritage Day. It will be open from 1 to 5 pm on Sunday as well. Hope to see you there on Saturday!