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.

Bookbinding Workshop with Robert LoMascolo

Step back in time and create a beautiful book of your own with the help of Book Arts professional Robert LoMascolo. Mr. LoMascolo owns a studio in Aurora that specializes in fine letterpress printing and hand bookbinding.

The fee for this class includes materials and instruction along with lunch. Space is limited to 10 participants.

Date: September 19

Time: 10am-2pm

Cost: $50

To register and pay for this workshop, visit www.cortlandhistory.org, click on “Shop,” then select “Events.” If you have any questions, please contact us at 607-756-6071.

October 10

The Grace Brown Farm Visits CCHS

We are pleased to announce that we have been in contact with the Seales family, owners of the Grace Brown Farm, and they are bringing their extensive collection of Grace Brown and Chester Gillette memorabilia to CCHS at Grace Street for a one-day display on Saturday, October 10.

The Grace Brown Farm Collection

Located in South Otselic, New York, the Seales family owns and operates the historic 180-acre Grace Brown Farm, home to what is believed to be one of the largest private collections of Grace Brown and Chester Gillette memorabilia in existence. Since purchasing the farm in 2021, the Seales family has become the steward of a growing collection of artifacts related to the Brown family, the history of the farm, and the infamous 1906 Chester Gillette murder trial following the tragic death of Grace Brown at Big Moose Lake. Visitors, local residents, historians, and descendants have generously donated photographs, documents, family heirlooms, and other historical items, recognizing the farm as an appropriate home for preserving Grace Brown’s story.

Preserving Grace Brown’s Legacy

Today, the Seales family proudly serves as the caretaker of this remarkable collection. In memory of their dear friend Paul Heagerty, they continue to preserve, expand, and exhibit these historical artifacts during public events held throughout the year. Their commitment ensures that the story of Grace Brown—and the tragic events that unfolded at Big Moose Lake in 1906—remains an important part of New York’s history for future generations to learn from and remember.

Join us on Saturday, October 10 from 11am to 4pm to view memorabilia from the collection of the Grace Brown Farm and to hear more about this important collection from Edward Seales.

The Trial

The Honorable John Sherman will give a talk focused on the trial of Chester Gillette and the evidence from the case. Judge Sherman is retired from the bench, but early in his law career, he served as the chief assistant district attorney in Herkimer County, which is where the Gillette trial took place.

Additional information will be shared in e-newsletters, on social media, and in local papers as we get closer to the event.

All attendees will receive a free copy of Dr. Joseph Brownell’s Cortland to the Adirondacks!

Historical Skills Workshop for Kids: Simple Weaving

This workshop series will teach simple weaving skills and is best suited for children aged 8-12. We’ll share information about the importance of weaving in the household in the past and share examples of textiles from the museum collection. All materials and instruction will be provided at each session as well as a snack.

Choose from either November 4 or November 18 and register online at https://cortland-county-historical-society-inc.square.site/shop/events/6 or call 607-756-6071. Registration is limited to 10 participants per class.

Dates: November 4 or November 18

Time: 3:30-5:30pm

Cost: $10

Location: CCHS at Grace Street, 9 Grace Street, Cortland

 BOOK CLUB – August 20

The next meeting will be on August 20 at 6 pm

Last night at the book club meeting, we decided that for next month we will read a journal/diary from the time of the American Revolution. There are quite a few available if you go looking online. It should be a fun discussion in August!