As early America's greatest technological innovation, the Erie Canal ushered in a new era of transportation history when it was completed in 1825. New York's waterways, railroads, highways and airfields have helped our nation grow in size, population and economic strength while making the state the center of a transportation revolution which has continued into the 21st century. Attractions from scenic railroads to canal cruises to lighthouses act as living history museums, showcasing the many ways New York has led the nation in moving people and goods. In 2017, New York celebrates the 200th anniversary of the groundbreaking of the Erie Canal with events and celebrations across the state.
Housed at Cottage Lawn (designed by renowned architect Alexander Jackson Davis and constructed in 1849) , home of Niles Higginbotham, founder of the City of Oneida, the Madison County Historical... more
The Maritime Explorium is a hands-on interactive museum where families enjoy the excitement of scientific discovery, develop a broadened cultural awareness and experience a sense of artistry while... more
Port Jefferson was the largest shipbuilding center on Long Island, (after the Brooklyn Navy Yard) having constructed over 500 ships from 1797 to 1922. Its maritime history is unsurpassed anywhere... more
McClurg Mansion from 1836 to 1837. The museum contains a research library, military artifacts, farm and craftsman tools, toys, pioneer kitchen and Native American artifacts. It is the staging point... more
The Medina Railroad Museum, located in the old New York Central freight depot, is the largest freight depot museum in the country. It features a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia, along... more
Buffalo`s esteemed place in the struggle for African-American equality,including being the birthplace of what would become the NAACP, is captured in sites like the Michigan Baptist Church, an... more
Midway State Park is an historic amusement park originally established in 1898 as a trolley park. It is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. Traditional rides for... more
The Mill Brook Covered Bridge (formerly known as the Grants Mill Covered Bridge) is one of five covered bridges still standing in Ulster County. It is owned and maintained by the Town of Hardenburgh... more
The oldest lighthouse in New York State, Montauk Point Lighthouse was authorized by the second congress, under President George Washington in 1792. Construction began on June 7, 1796 and was... more
85,000 square foot museum with over 450 motorcycles built since 1897. Police, military, and Harley Davidson galleries. Rare vintage bikes including over 100 Indians are exhibited. Two "Wall of Death"... more
One of the first Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks in Buffalo, the 350 acres of meadow, forest and lake serve as Buffalo`s "Central Park." As the focal point of the Olmsted System, it contains... more
Constructed in 1856 the former Wayne County Jail and Sheriff`s residence now houses a museum which interprets the history of Wayne County. Featured exhibits include Clyde Glass, Lyons pottery and... more