Onondaga Historical Association: Preserving Syracuse’s Past for Future Generations

At the heart of downtown Syracuse stands a historic institution committed to preserving and telling the stories that have shaped Onondaga County. The Onondaga Historical Association (OHA), located at 321 Montgomery Street, is more than a museum—it is a living archive of culture, innovation, and resilience that dates back over 160 years. Through its exhibits, archives, community programs, and partnerships, OHA offers residents and visitors a rich understanding of the local past and how it continues to shape the region’s future.

Founded with Purpose

The Onondaga Historical Association was founded in 1863, during the American Civil War, by local citizens who recognized the importance of documenting and safeguarding the legacy of Central New York. Initially, the association functioned as a society dedicated to collecting manuscripts, maps, and artifacts of historical value. As Syracuse grew into an industrial hub, OHA expanded its collections and physical footprint to meet the growing interest in historical preservation.

Over the years, OHA became a trusted cultural institution for researchers, educators, students, and families. By the 20th century, it had developed into a full-fledged museum and research center with a permanent home in the heart of the city.

The Museum Experience

The OHA Museum offers a series of rotating and permanent exhibits that cover more than 200 years of regional history. It is not a traditional chronological museum; rather, it presents a curated selection of stories that connect people to place and highlight Syracuse’s historical significance within broader American history.

Core Exhibits Include:

Freedom Bound: Syracuse and the Underground Railroad

  • This powerful exhibition explores Syracuse’s critical role in the abolitionist movement. It honors the bravery of those who escaped slavery and the local citizens who risked everything to help them find freedom.

Syracuse China: Fired Forms of the American Experience

  • An entire gallery is dedicated to Syracuse China, a once-thriving company that produced some of the finest ceramics in the United States. The exhibit captures the artistry, technology, and social history of this locally born brand.

Onondaga County: The Heart of New York

  • From early Native American settlements to the Salt City era and beyond, this exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of how the region developed socially, economically, and culturally.

The Salt Industry and Erie Canal

  • Two transformative forces in Syracuse’s growth, the salt industry and the Erie Canal receive their due attention through models, tools, photographs, and multimedia displays.

These exhibits give visitors a vivid sense of the forces that shaped Syracuse, including immigration, transportation, commerce, and civil rights.

Educational Resources and the Research Center

In addition to public exhibits, OHA operates the Richard and Carolyn Wright Research Center, a facility open to historians, students, genealogists, and anyone interested in local history. This archive includes thousands of original documents, maps, business records, family histories, newspapers, military registers, and photographs.

Appointments are encouraged, especially for detailed genealogical or academic research. Staff members assist in navigating the vast collection, making it accessible even for those unfamiliar with archival methods. For educators, the association also offers curriculum-aligned programming to support local schools.

Outreach Beyond the Museum

Though the Montgomery Street location serves as its primary headquarters, the OHA’s reach extends well beyond its walls. Several satellite and affiliated sites offer additional ways to engage with history:

Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center

  • Located in nearby Liverpool, this cultural heritage site focuses on the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. Exhibits explore the indigenous philosophy of peace, democracy, and environmental balance, bridging ancient traditions with contemporary perspectives.

The Brewseum at Heritage Hill

  • Combining local history with craft beer, this venue celebrates Syracuse’s rich brewing legacy with historical exhibits inside a working brewery.

Historic Marker Program

  • OHA manages many of the region’s historical markers and plaques, providing accessible education in public spaces and neighborhoods.

Mobile Exhibits and Community Installations

  • You may encounter temporary OHA exhibits at libraries, schools, and public events, helping ensure history remains visible and engaging throughout Onondaga County.

Events and Community Engagement

One of the OHA’s defining traits is its deep commitment to public engagement. It regularly hosts:

  • Walking tours of historic neighborhoods, churches, and cemeteries

  • Public lectures by local historians and guest speakers

  • The OHA Medal Ceremony, honoring community leaders and advocates for historical preservation

  • Film screenings that feature locally produced documentaries or historical themes

  • Pop-up exhibits at festivals and public markets

These events foster a stronger connection between citizens and their shared heritage. Whether attending a neighborhood history night or participating in a scavenger hunt, visitors find interactive and meaningful ways to connect with Syracuse’s story.

Supporting the Local Economy and Creative Culture

OHA also partners with local artists, photographers, and designers to develop merchandise, publications, and art exhibits that reflect the region’s creative spirit. The museum shop offers books, prints, gifts, and souvenirs unique to Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Their collaboration with local schools and universities—such as Syracuse University and Le Moyne College—has led to student-led projects, exhibitions, and research initiatives, giving young people a platform to explore local history with academic rigor and creativity.

A Place for Past, Present, and Future

As a trusted historical resource and cultural gathering place, the Onondaga Historical Association continues to play a vital role in shaping Syracuse’s identity. Its strength lies in its ability to connect the past with the present—reminding residents of what came before, and encouraging them to build upon that foundation.

Whether you're a longtime local seeking stories of your ancestors, a student researching regional labor movements, or a tourist interested in the Underground Railroad, the OHA invites you to discover, question, and reflect.

Conclusion

The Onondaga Historical Association is not just about artifacts and dates—it’s about stories, community, and legacy. It teaches that history is not static; it’s alive in the streets, buildings, businesses, and families that make Syracuse what it is today. As it moves forward into the future, OHA remains an invaluable part of the city’s cultural infrastructure, preserving the heart and soul of Onondaga County for generations to come.

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