Discover Rochester, New York
Exploring History in the Flower City
Did you know that Rochester, known today as the Flower City and sometimes the Flour City, was once a boomtown that was nicknamed “The Young Lion of the West”? Many amazing events took place in Rochester and many famous figures in history called Rochester home. Who knew Rochester held such an important place in the history books? There is a lot to see and a lot to do -- whether you are a history buff or a casual explorer, there is something for everyone! So, get out and discover what historic Rochester has to offer.
Pioneers in Women’s Rights
Rochester is the site of the National Historic Landmark home of Women’s Rights Advocate Susan B. Anthony (you might recognize her from those shiny one dollar coins that President Jimmy Carter had put into circulation in 1979. The last coins were minted in 1999 but you can still find them in circulation today). You can tour Susan B. Anthony’s home and view artifacts from the mid-1800’s, the time while she resided in Rochester. Now on display is the exhibit “Susan B. Anthony, American Hero” which highlights Anthony's life, including her influences, and the many causes she fought for including suffrage, abolition, temperance, and education. The exhibit also highlights her friendship with Frederick Douglass and her trial after voting illegally in 1872. Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday) 11am-5pm. Location: 17 Madison Street, Rochester 14608. Learn More: www.susanbanthonyhouse.org
The Women’s Rights National Historic Park and National Women’s Hall of Fame are less than an hour’s drive away in Seneca Falls. At the Hall of Fame you can learn about the fascinating lives of the many great women who helped to shape history. Location: 76 Falls Street, Seneca Falls 13148. Learn More: http://greatwomen.org
Black History
Upstate New York and Rochester played an integral role in the Underground Railroad and the struggle to end slavery. The Underground Railroad Heritage Trail features exhibitions and important sites throughout Rochester and Upstate New York. Included in the trail is the Rochester Museum and Science Center’s “Flight to Freedom” exhibit where you can experience the journeys of Austin Steward, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Reverend Thomas James as they overcome huge obstacles to build free lives. Location: Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester 14607. Learn More: www.rmsc.org.
Other sites along The Heritage Trail include: The Susan B. Anthony House (17 Madison Street, Rochester 14608, www.susanbanthonyhouse.org), Seward House (33 South Street, Auburn 13021, www.sewardhouse.org), The Harriet Tubman Home (180 South Street, Auburn 13021, www.harriethouse.org), and the National Abolition Hall of Fame (5255 Pleasant Valley Road, Peterboro 13134, www.abolitionhof.org). A brochure which includes all stops along the trail is available to download at www.rmsc.org/Data/Documents/exhibits/urr/ugrr_broch_final_8.8.08.pdf
The Akwaaba Heritage Association also offers a guided walking tour where you can meet famous personalities such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Susan B. Anthony. Learn More: www.akwaabatours.org
Mount Hope Cemetery
Founded in 1838, Mount Hope Cemetery was America’s First Municipal Victorian Cemetery and, as of today, more than a third of a million people have been buried among its 197 acres. Many famous people have been lain to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery including Women’s Rights Advocate Susan B. Anthony, Anti-Slavery Movement Leader Frederick Douglass, Newspaper Publisher Frank Gannett, and Strong Museum founder Margaret Woodbury Strong. Hours: The Mount Hope Cemetery is open to the public daily if you would like to stroll through the grounds on your own. The Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery also offers free historic walking tours on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October. Saturday tours begin at 1pm and Sunday tours at 2 and 2:30pm. Location: 1133 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester 14620. Learn More: www.fomh.org
After you stop by her grave, you can see Margaret Woodbury Strong’s extensive collection of dolls on the 2nd Floor at the Strong National Museum of Play. You’ll probably want to make a whole day of it because your family is sure to enjoy the many interactive and fun exhibits the museum offers including the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, National Toy Hall of Fame and One History Place. Location: 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. Learn More: www.strongmuseum.org
The Click of a Shutter
Rochester is home to George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, and the man who helped bring photography into mainstream popularity. The George Eastman House, his residence along beautiful East Avenue, now includes numerous exhibits, the Dryden Theatre, and houses more than 400,000 photographs from the early days of photography to the present. Docent-led and self-guided tours are available through the house and gardens (tours are free with museum admission). Kids will especially love the Discovery Room (open at 1pm daily and located on the 2nd Floor) where they can make their own sun-prints and enjoy various interactive stations. In the spirit of Eastman, be sure to take lots of pictures while you explore Rochester! Location: 900 East Avenue, Rochester 14607. Learn More: www.eastmanhouse.org (Note: Closed Mondays)
50 Miles on the Erie Canal…
You probably know the classic Erie Canal tune about the mule named Sal who travels from Albany to Buffalo. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, runs slightly more than 360 miles from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. The canal was important to early industry in Rochester and is responsible for the numerous villages and towns along its path. Today, you can venture through many of the quaint villages surrounding Rochester such as Pittsford, Fairport (which has a great old lift-bridge), and Brockport. The canal paths are a great place to walk, bike, and feed ducks.
High Falls & Browns Race
Rochester’s High Falls District includes a lot more than just the view of the spectacular falls from the 850-foot-long Pont-de-Rennes Pedestrian Bridge. The district is home to the historic mill factories that helped Rochester become a boomtown and led to many achievements in industry including flour production (which is why Rochester is dubbed “The Flour City”). A self-guided historic walking tour is available which covers the High Falls Heritage Area and includes stops along Mill Street and Browns Race. Placards, highlighting history and events, are conveniently set up along the walking tour (a printable tour map of the walking tour is available at www.highfalls.us). You’ll want to stop first at the High Falls Visitors Center which offers interactive exhibits, a fine art gallery, and a gift shop. Bonus: Admission is free! Open Wednesday through Sunday. Location: 60 Browns Race, Rochester 14614. Learn More: www.centerathighfalls.org.
Just a hop across the street you can see “history on deck” as you watch Rochester’s Red Wings baseball team (the AAA farm team of the Minnesota Twins). You can see where Joe Altobelli, Rip Collins, and Cal Ripkin, Jr. once played and possibly catch the next hall-of-famer at bat. The season runs from April to September. Location: Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. Learn More: www.redwingsbaseball.com
Getting Around:
Recently, Rochester has added numerous signs to direct residents and visitors alike to various sites and attractions around the city (there are also convenient signs for parking areas and garages near attractions).
Want to see what else is going on in Rochester? Visit the official tourism site of Rochester at www.visitrochester.com and sign up for their free “Visit Rochester” Guide.
Jillian Melnyk is the Editor of Genesee Valley Parent Magazine in Rochester, NY.