Frontenac Historical Society
and Museum
Keeping History Alive!
PROGRAMS
Historical programs have been offered to the community for several years on a variety of subjects which center around history and historical events in our region, state or nation. Presenters are specialists in the topic and always welcome questions. Programs are offered once a month on Sundays from May to October in the museum's Community Room. All programs are free and open to the public. A sample of past programs included “Beginnings of Business in Union Springs”, “Raptors of Upstate New York” and the “Lake Sturgeon in Cayuga Lake.”
Summer Program Schedule
Check back often for updates and announcements!
June 14, 2026
7pm
Summer Song Birds
Presenter:
Stephen Kress, PhD
Stephen Kress, PhD, noted ornithologist, will share information on our Cayuga Lake summer songbirds. Cayuga Lake vicintiy is home to many colorful songbirds that nest during summer months. Some , like Eastern Bluebirds and Northern Cardinals are here year-around, but during summer these are joined by tanagers, buntings, orioles, and grosbeaks that travel thousands of miles from tropical habitats to nest in local gardens, meadows and forests. Learn more about their songs, family life, and nesting habits. Dr. Kress will aslo share tips on how to improve backyard habitats to make gardens inviting and safe places for birds.
August 9, 2026
7pm
Hidden History: The Cayuga County Poorhouse
Presenter:
Diana (Dee) Katovitch, PhD
What happened to people who were poor, disabled, elderly, or infirm in the days before social safety nets? In 1824, the NYS Legislature passed a law stating that every county was responsible for building a place to care for people who did not have the means to care for themselves. The Cayuga County Poorhouse was built on County House Road in Sennett and remained in operation until 1940. Who were the people who lived there? What were their lives like? What do these early examples of social care have to teach us about current attitudes towards community members in need? We can often learn the most about a society by learning the stories of those who were excluded from it.
September 13, 2026
7pm
Music of the 60's & 70's
Presenter:
Joe Sarnicola
Joe Sarnicola will present a program of songs from the 60's and 70's, sharing the history of the songs. The 60's and 70's were transformative decades in music featuring rock, pop, soul, folk and disco. Think of the Beatles, Motown, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Music from this era not only shaped popular culture but also reflected social movements, from civil rights to anti-war protests. Joe plays the guitar and ukulele and stated that he will dress the part!
December 13, 2026
4pm
Christmas Sing-Along
Presenter:
Geoff Clough
Geoff Clough of G&L Music Studio in Baldwinsville plays your favorite songs of the season with unique arrangments and shares a bit of history and trivia as well. It;s sure to get you into the spirit. The Frontenac Museum wants to remember Christmas and the caroling that once happened in our village. Bring your voices and enjoy Christmas refreshments of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. A snow storm last year prevented this program. Geoff willingly agreed to re-join us this December.