The Farmers’ Museum, across the street from the Fenimore, is a place where a family can easily spend a full afternoon immersed in the life of a 19th-century working farm and historical village, complete with a County Fair and the glorious Empire State Carousel. Demonstrations, livestock and a treasure trove of historical objects help make the rural life real.
The Farmers’ Museum
Check out The Farmers’ Museum, filled with knowledge about the rural heritage that has shaped American life and agriculture! Going into its 75th season, this museum has brought many families and visitors since 1944. Learn about the life of a 19th-century farm and historical village, along with a County Fair and the Empire State Carousel. Come with the whole family for a fun and interesting experience!
History of the Farmers’ Museum
The land that eventually became the museum was a working farm since the early 1800s, owned by James Fenimore Cooper. Fenimore Farm, ran smoothly for many years and changed owners to Edward Severin Clark. Clark made a showcase complex for his sheep. That showcase along with the barn and other aspects of the farm are still a part of the museum today.
The Farmers’ Museum is considered on the National Register of Historic Places, and is closely affiliated with the Fenimore Art Museum. The museums are right across from each other and provide rich history and artifacts from facets of Fenimore’s life, as well as other pieces of art and history.
Seasonal Events at the Farmers’ Museum
During the fall and holiday season, check out the many events that the museum puts on for visitors!
- Things That Go Bump in the Night Ghost Tours
- Experience a Lantern-Lit Tour of the Museum during the spooky season! Join the museum guides as they take you through the museum and recount many stories of ghosts in the village.
- Sleepy Hollow Trick or Treat in the Historic Village
- Bring the family to the museum to trick-or-treat a few days early! Children can visit the buildings in the historic village to receive candy from historical interpreters dressed in costumes!
- Thanksgiving at The Farm
- This is a perfect event for after the huge meal on Thursday! Walk off the meal at the Farmer’s Museum village!
- Come and see the heritage-breed turkeys, farm animals, and watch the staff bake holiday treats at the Lippitt Farmhouse!
- Check out The Farmer’s Museum Store for some holiday shopping as well!
- Candlelight Evening
- Come see the museum and the village lit by candle luminaries while around a huge bonfire!
- “Twas the Night Before Christmas” is read to children and the carousel will be active for them to ride on!
- Music and live performances from local choirs and musicians! Also, there will be caroling in the midst of the event as well.
- Warm up with food and hot drinks at both the Louis C. Jones Center and The Crossroads Cafe at the museum! Do not miss this holiday spirit-filled event!
For more information about these events (times, dates, prices), go to their website!
Take Amtrak to The Farmers’ Museum
Enjoy a great experience via Amtrak to Utica Station. Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
Get picked up from Utica Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car! Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at: 315-736-0002.
