The Cayuga Museum of History and Art continues to evolve as a cultural cornerstone of Auburn, expanding its reach through new exhibits, events, and the completion of the West End Arts Campus. Geoffrey Starks, the museum’s Director of Development & Outreach, shared updates on the museum’s growth, community involvement, and upcoming programming in a recent interview on Beyond the Front Page with Guy Cosentino.
A Museum Rooted in Local History
Founded in 1936, the Cayuga Museum serves as the primary historical repository for Auburn and Cayuga County. The museum complex includes three main structures: the Willard-Case Mansion, the Case Research Laboratory, and the Carriage House Theater. While the mansion serves as the main exhibition space, the Case Lab highlights Auburn’s contributions to sound film history, and the Carriage House provides a venue for performances, lectures, and community events.
The museum recently relocated its main entrance to the west side of the property, improving accessibility and creating additional exhibition space. This change is part of the museum’s efforts to modernize while preserving its historical significance.
Current and Upcoming Exhibits
The museum’s latest major exhibit, Making History, explores Auburn’s industrial past and contemporary economic landscape. The exhibit highlights major local businesses, including multi-billion-dollar companies such as Nucor, and showcases how industry continues to shape the region. This exhibit runs through the end of May.
Other scheduled exhibits include:
- Cayuga County and the Korean War (opening May 30) – A retrospective on the region’s involvement in the Korean War, marking its 75th anniversary.
- 1825: A Defining Year (opening September 20) – A deep dive into the pivotal year that saw the opening of the Erie Canal and a visit from the Marquis de Lafayette, among other historical milestones.
In addition to these major exhibits, the museum continues to support local artists through its Emerging Artists Project, which returns this spring after a brief hiatus due to campus construction. The first artist showcase of the year will feature multimedia collages by Warner Sun, an Ithaca-based artist whose work blends scientific concepts with visual art.
West End Arts Campus and Facility Upgrades
A major milestone for the museum is the near completion of the West End Arts Campus, a collaborative initiative with the Schweinfurth Art Center. The six-year, $1.35 million project aimed to enhance accessibility, improve pedestrian connectivity, and create a unified cultural district in Auburn.
Upgrades include:
- New pathways linking the museum and Schweinfurth Art Center
- Expanded sidewalks and improved lighting
- Renovated parking areas and landscape enhancements
- Structural repairs, including HVAC expansion and restoration of the museum’s iconic columns and front doors
While the museum and Schweinfurth remain separate entities, the improvements foster greater collaboration, enabling joint events and larger community gatherings.
Engaging Events: Fashion Show, Author Talks, and More
The museum actively engages the community through a variety of public events. One of the most anticipated is the Spring Fashion Show on March 30, featuring collaborations between local designers and boutiques. The event, held in the Carriage House Theater, includes a runway show followed by an afterparty with live music and refreshments.
Other upcoming events include:
- Vanished but Not Forgotten (April 27) – A lecture by historian Austin Reid examining the history and decline of Auburn’s Jewish community.
- Fires in Auburn’s Industrial History (April 25) – A talk by firefighter Brian Jess exploring major fires that shaped the city’s economy.
- What Were You Wearing? (April 5-7) – A traveling exhibit in partnership with local advocacy groups highlighting survivor stories of sexual assault through clothing displays.
A Cultural Hub for Auburn
With nearly 8,000 annual visitors, the Cayuga Museum remains a vital resource for historical preservation, education, and artistic expression. Its recent expansions and dynamic programming underscore a commitment to making Auburn’s rich history accessible to all.
“The museum isn’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding how history informs our present and future,” Starks said. “We want to be a place where the community can come together to learn, engage, and celebrate our shared story.”
For more information on exhibits, events, and membership, visit cayugamuseum.org.
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