2019 Exhibits in the Main Barn
Barns: Cathedrals of the Countryside (April 2-October 31, 2019)Dairy barns, with their soaring roof lines and towering silos, punctuate the rural landscape. Upstate New York's agricultural buildings have long served as landmarks due to their size and visibility. Nowhere is this monumentality more noteworthy than on gentleman's estates, such as Edward Severin Clark's Fenimore Farm. Architects designed barns such as this, built 100 years ago, to be practical: to house cows, provide storage for hay, grain, and silage, and model advances in sanitation to ensure pure milk. But they also hoped to create rural landmarks that would model new and visually striking ways to meet basic farming needs.
Between 1840 and 1900, New York State grew more hops and brewed more beer than any other state in the country. Since 2000, brewing beer on a small independent scale has been at the forefront of the Grow Local movement. Today, New York State has more than 400 craft breweries and a new generation of entrepreneurs is resuming New York's leadership in craft brewing. In turn, the craft beer revival is sparking a resurgence in both agriculture and tourism, supporting the local economy and communities.
Collections
The Farmers' Museum holds over 23,000 agricultural tools and artifacts, historic structures, and even a carousel that celebrates the history of New York. Through demonstrations, interactive programs, workshops and interpretive exhibits, the Farmers' Museum preserves the agricultural history of Upstate New York.Historic Structures
The 22 buildings that make up the 19th century historic village have histories of their own dating back to the late 1700's. Relocated from rural communities around New York State and carefully restored to bring you a real life experience of rural life in the 19th Century. At the Farmers' Museum you will be transported back in time as you walk through the village from the Farm House, Doctor's Office, Blacksmith Shop to Todd's General store and many more.FAQs
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What is the history of The Farmers' Museum?
The renowned author James Fenimore Cooper, known for his classic books including Last of the Mohicans, owned the current site of this agricultural attraction that has been a working farm since the 1790s. The property changed hands over the years until Edward Severin Clark built a brand new barn, cottage, and facilities in 1918. The museum officially opened in 1944 as a true living history museum focusing on pre-industrial life in rural America using demonstrations and entertaining yet educational interpretive exhibits. -
What types of events are taking place this season?
The museum offers a wide range of events throughout the year from their "Step Back In Time" weekend series, livestock show, and the Heritage Plant Sale to the Annual Benefit Horse Show & Luncheon. During the holiday season, events include magical Candlelight Evenings with tours through the snowy grounds, the chance to sip warm cider next to a roaring bonfire, and even a visit from Santa Claus.