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Pitch in with museum staff and volunteers in preparing the grounds for autumn!

Historian Thomas J. Ebert shares the story of a man who was always in the background in meetings between Abraham Lincoln and William Seward: John Nicolay, the President’s personal secretary. Nicolay moves to the foreground in this talk, based on Ebert’s new book, The Man in Lincoln’s Shadow. Nicolay was present for many of the most seminal moments in American history and left a detailed record of all that he witnessed during his service to Lincoln, including a fascinating portrait of Secretary Seward. 

Mr. Seward’s Junior Detective League tour is designed especially for four and five year olds. Led by retired teachers, this unique experience offers children the chance to explore the first floor of the museum following clues that lead to distinctive artifacts.

Although his place in history is often obscured by his father’s outsized legacy, William Henry Seward Jr. also left a deep mark. Unlike his older brothers who left Auburn as young men, Will Jr. planted deep roots in his hometown and contributed much to its late 19th-century growth and character. Learn more about his life and times with SHM Director of Education Jeff Ludwig.

This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Seward House Museum Gardens.

 

Due to the First Friday Community event, the 4pm-5pm tour will not run, and the Museum will be closed during this time. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Join us for a First Friday reception-enjoy complimentary refreshments, "Ahj-nae Collage" artwork by Claudia Lambdin, music by MoonRabbit, and docents interpreting the dining and drawing rooms. Also, the Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY will be bringing a selection of adoptable animals to the grounds of the Seward House in celebration of the Seward Families' love of animals. Pet food and animal care donations are encouraged! 

Brave the heat in the grounds of the Seward House Museum to help museum staff and volunteers in keeping the SHM gardens pristine during their peak season.

SHM Education and Outreach Coordinator Zach Finn retraces how, on April 14th, 1865, Fanny Seward witnessed an assassination attempt on her father. Her first-hand account of that night was kept in her personal journals, which provides historians valuable insight into the infamous attack; however, the attempt on her father’s life was not the first time Fanny witnessed violence against her family. Despite the dangers she and her family faced, Fanny would develop a strong moral and political voice in her writings that challenged the 19th-century status quo.

As part of Auburn’s Pride Month commemoration, SHM Directors of Education and Collections will discuss the Seward family's connections to Charlotte Cushman.  A renowned actress of her time, Cushman was also a Seward family friend and early figure in LGTBQ history. Jeff Ludwig and Matt Mac Vittie will explore these stories as well as sexuality in the 19th-century and the complicated ways Cushman subverted “traditional” roles in a Victorian age often associated with repression.

Join museum staff and volunteers in tending to flower beds, garden spaces, and the majestic grounds!

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