New Exhibits at the Suggett House Museum
Make a stop at the Cortland County Historical Society to see what’s new in the Suggett House Museum! CCHS is the memory bank of Cortland County, and each time you visit, you’ll learn something new about the past. So many stories to share!
We’ve got some special exhibits lined up for 2026 that you won’t want to miss.
- Music in Our Lives
- The Art of Living
- America at 250
Bring the kids to explore the changes in the Then & Now Children’s Room, too!
Admission to the Suggett House is free, but donations are always cheerfully accepted.
Main Street Walking Tours return!
Note: The May 23rd walking tour has been cancelled due to projected weather forecast.
Main Street Walking Tours are back! You are invited to join City of Cortland Historian Kate O’Connell to explore Cortland’s downtown business district. With her wealth of knowledge and passion for local history, Kate will share stories about the unique architecture and people that have shaped downtown Cortland over the years.
This walking tour is perfect for both residents and visitors who wish to learn more about Cortland’s rich history. It’s your chance to gain a deeper understanding of Main Street’s storied past.
Choose from either Saturday, May 23, or Saturday, June 20. We’ll start the tour at 2 North Main Street (Bailey Place Insurance) at 9:30am. The average length of the tour is one and a half to two hours, so be sure to wear good walking shoes. You might want to support our local businesses and enjoy a fabulous lunch at one of the many downtown restaurants when the tour wraps up—you’ll be hungry!
To reserve your spot, please call 607-756-6071 or email info@cortlandhistory.org. A suggested $10 per person donation will support the Cortland County Historical Society. We’re looking forward to sharing life in the past lane with you!
Timeless Treasures Sale – May 29th & 30th
Musical Event – May 29th
From Ages Past: A Historical Concert Series
A new concert experience begins in Cortland this spring, inviting audiences to journey through the history of music, one era at a time.
On Friday, May 29 at 7:00 PM, the inaugural performance of From Ages Past will transport listeners to the Medieval and Renaissance periods, tracing the evolution of Western music from its earliest sacred roots to the expressive artistry of the Renaissance.
The program features a quartet of local professional vocalists—soprano Cara K-B McLaughlin, alto Jennifer Rafferty, tenor Ben Wells, and bass Steve Bellamy—performing works that span centuries of musical development. From the meditative stillness of Gregorian chant and the lively storytelling of the Cantigas de Santa Maria, to the refined polyphony of the Renaissance, audiences will experience a remarkable range of sound and style.
Selections include beloved works such as If Ye Love Me, the lyrical beauty of John Dowland’s Flow, My Tears, and the playful charm of Il est bel et bon, alongside solo songs and ensemble pieces that reveal the humanity, humor, and emotion of early music.
Set in the intimate Grace Street venue, with additional period-inspired instrumentation, this performance offers a rare opportunity to hear this repertoire brought to life by musicians deeply connected to the Cortland community.
This concert marks the first in a five-year series, with each season devoted to a new chapter in music history.
Admission: $15
Tickets: www.CortlandHistory.org or at the door
Seating is limited
Life of a Soldier- JUNE 30th, 6:30 PM
Come join history buff George Cummings as we explore the life of an 18th-century soldier fighting for independence. George will share many facts about a soldier’s life, and you will enjoy a number of Revolutionary War-era artifacts. This engaging program is free to attend and open to the public.
George Cummings was born, raised, and educated in Binghamton, NY. An early fascination with military history has led to a lifetime of study and collecting.
This event is part of our series exploring the founding of the United States and will take place at CCHS at Grace Street, our new event space at 9 Grace Street, Cortland. No reservations are required. If you have any questions, call us at 607-756-6071.
BOOK CLUB
The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 28th, at 6pm at 25 Homer Ave. We are reading “The Divided Ground” by Alan Taylor.
History Forge
HistoryForge Transcription Sessions
The Wednesday sessions are held from 5pm-6:30pm on the following dates:
June 17, July 8, August 5, September 9, and October 7
The Saturday sessions are held from 9:30am-11pm on the following dates:
June 27, August 22, and September 26
HistoryForge transcription sessions take place at 25 Homer Avenue.