The Homeville Museum is part of the Central New York Living History Center located at 4386 US Route 11, Cortland, N.Y. 13045. It appeals to people of all ages and engages the community in understanding historical experiences and their relationship to past and contemporary life. Through public activities and events, the museum’s displays are brought to life through educational presentations, reenactments, discussions, and artistic demonstrations. Core collections relate to military history, local business, industry, and railroad history.

Homeville showcases the collection of the late Ken Eaton, a WWII veteran who spent more than 35 years assembling military, railroad, and local history treasures for public display. Many other items of historical and cultural significance are combined with the Eaton collection to create a remarkable experience for visitors of all ages. The perspectives and understandings of area residents are incorporated in exhibits to provide social and cultural context to the museum’s treasures.

We hope you’ll visit us frequently – both in person and through this website. If you’re not already a member, please check out our page on joining through the BECOME A MEMBER link at the bottom of this page.

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Visit the Homeville Museum

Come see the Homeville Museum and the other museums that are part of the CNY Living History Center complex. One admission price gives you access to the Homeville Museum, Brockway Truck Museum, Tractors of Yesteryear, and an Antique Firehouse.

CNY Living History Center Open Hours:  CNY Living History Center Website

Tuesday through Saturday (Last admission at 4 p.m. to ensure visitors have enough time to tour the exhibits). Closed Sundays & Mondays, plus 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Admission Rates: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors, AAA members, veterans with ID; $7 children 6-18; Free for children 5 & under and Active Military (with ID). Group rates also available available for tours and meetings. Call 607-299-4185 or visit https://cnylivinghistory.org/ for more information.

Coming Events – 2025

Saturday, December 13, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Holiday Model Train Day & Sale

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2026 events will be posted soon. Please stay tuned.

Recent Events – 2025

Shellback

On November 15 Karen Hempson presented her book “Shellback: The Story of a WWII Sailor.” Her fictional account is based on interviews with those who served and what she learned from family members who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. She told many stories about the experiences of her father and other soldiers who served in the Navy. Her father left four boxes of photos and documents plus a Navy log that listed Pacific battles. Karen’s research for the book also led her to WWII sailors’ narratives and diaries. Her presentation included many family photos depicting military service and family life during the WWII era.

Attendees also saw WWII artifacts, including a gyroscope used in navigation. Museum volunteer Karen Messersmith added to Karen Hempson’s artifact display with photos from her father’s WWII naval experience crossing the equator. She recounted what she learned from him about becoming a “Shellback.”

To see the presentation and listen to audience comments and questions, go to the Homeville Museum’s YouTube page at the link below. Thanks to Louie Falso for recording the event.

Shellback Video

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Veterans Day Watchfire

We had a full house for our 2025 Veterans Day Watchfire. Our indoor program featured a Flag Line from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 377, singing of The National Anthem (led by Lisa LaDieu), Homer Cub Scout Troop 85 leading the Pledge of Allegiance, an Induction and Benediction by Chaplain Ray Dunphy, a poem reading by Cub Scout Bradon, and a much appreciated rendition of TAPS played by Cub Scout Bruce. 

The keynote address was given by Mike Dexter, a veteran who served in the Navy from 1968-1972 and is well known for his dedicated community service. For many years Mike has worked with other veterans to hang flags on Main St. in Cortland. He also regularly assists with Memorial Day and Veterans Day services. In his heartfelt tribute to veterans Mike mentioned the extraordinary service of the late Francis “Fritz” Mullen (a member of the Homeville Museum’s Cortland County Hall of Fame for his extraordinary service in the WWII Army Air Corps) and the late Joe Sheridan (author of Angel in the Cockpit: Surviving Vietnam and PTSD and keynote speaker for our 2023 Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day event). 

After refreshments participants braved the cold weather to view an outstanding Watchfire.

Thanks to the volunteers who assembled the Watchfire, stacking old and tattered flags for respectful burning. Thanks also to Homeville Museum and Living History Center volunteer Mike Brown for taking many photos to commemorate this year’s Veterans Day event.

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Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

More than 50 attendees celebrated the induction of three distinguished individuals into the Homeville Museum’s Cortland County Hall of Fame.

Elizabeth Lee Blunt, the author of “When Folks Was Folks” (1910), a book on Cincinnatus and its people, was nominated by Sharon Pesesky on behalf of the Cincinnatus Area Heritage Society. Beth MacRae, co-chairwoman of the CAHS, gave a vivid summary of Blunt’s outstanding life and read a few notable passages from her book.

Spiegle Willcox, Cortland’s famous jazz trombonist who shared the stage with Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey and other well-known musicians, was nominated by Ralph Dudgeon, musician and emeritus faculty member from SUNY Cortland. Virginia (Ginger) Dudgeon, also a musician & emeritus faculty member from SUNY Cortland, gave a delightful summary of Spiegle’s career and recounted humorous moments she shared with him during performances in Cortland. Spiegle’s great-grandaughter, Mary Beth Fantacone, accepted a certificate of induction on behalf of the Willcox family.

Michael Joseph was an unparalleled statewide advocate for rural schools. Positions he held included Marathon Chief School Officer, New York State Rural Education Advisory Committee member, and Executive Director of the New York State Rural Schools Program at Cornell. Carl Hayden, who nominated Michael for the Hall of Fame, summarized his outstanding contributions to advancing the education of all children in our state.  Michael’s son, Jim Joseph, accepted the certificate of induction on behalf of his family and spoke of his father’s deep commitment to his family and community.

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The Early Years of Baseball in Cortland & Tompkins Counties

Historian/author Charles DeMotte took us out to the ballgame on September 6 with a presentation on baseball in Cortland and Tompkins Counties from its beginnings to the World War I period. With vivid pictures he presented early teams from area cities and towns, businesses, and fraternal organizations. Charles is the author of serveral books on baseball and American Culture, including American History and Baseball, James T. Farrell and Baseball Dreams, and Bat, Ball, and Bible: Baseball and Sunday Observance in New York. The event included tours of the Homeville Museum’s John J. McGraw exhibit and visitors had the opportunity to speak to Bill Swisher, who dedicated many years to collecting McGraw memorabilia and learning about Truxton’s famous member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bill recently donated is collection to the museum.

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Women Veterans Recognition Day

New York State and many other states have designated June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day. On June 7 we commemorated all women who serve in the military in the Homeville Museum’s second annual event to recognize this day, which commemorates the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (signed into law on June 12, 1948). Alice Anderson, Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, facilitated a conversation about women’s experiences in the military. Veterans who participated had much to say and sparked an inspiring conversation about shared experiences, including challenges and achievements. Those in attendance served in various branches of the armed services.

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Stagecoach and Tavern Days Around Cortland

Author Richard F. Palmer addressed close to 40 attendees on May 31st about his latest book, Stagecoach and Tavern Days Around Cortland. The audience appreciated his slide show of photographs and illustrations, which brought life to his explanations of our area’s early transportation system. The discussion covered details about the experiences of stagecoach travel, the development of roadways to accommodate expanding travel, and the taverns and hotels that served as stopping points on long journeys.

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Bean Pickers: American Immigrant Portraits

Some of Cortland’s senior residents who were bean pickers in Cortland joined author Karen Foresti Hempson in a presentation and discussion sponsored by the Homeville Museum on April 26, 2025. They shared stories about the family life, struggles, hard work, friendships, and good times experienced by Cortland’s Italian-American workers who labored in area bean fields. From the early 20th century through the Depression and WWII, they worked hard during the summer to help their families escape poverty and build their lives in our community.

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In the group picture above, seated is Millie Petrella Kriever (age 99). Standing  L-R are Sam Ferro (93), Louie Falso (88) , Nick Carbona (90), Lorraine Sepe Fox (80+) , Bea Stevens (De Stefano) O’ Mara (100) , Josephine Alteri Mironti (92), Jim “Scooch” Ferro (93) , Joe Testa (88) . Four people who attended missed the photo: Christine Berardi Colongeli, Margaret Condie Fragnoli, Philomina Tucci Corsi, Roslyn “Buzzi” Tucci Reale. 

Thanks to Louie Falso for filming this memorable event. Louie’s video is posted on the Homeville Museum’s YouTube page at the link below:

Bean Pickers Event

Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day

Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day on March 29, 2025 brought close to 80 people together to commemorate those who served during the Vietnam Era. Many thanks to all attendees, service providers who shared information with veterans, and volunteers who helped in many ways.

The day’s program started with a Welcome Ceremony in the auditorium. Special thanks to Greg Harvey (Vietnam Veterans of America & Homeville Museum Board member) for serving as the master of ceremonies, Retired Brigadier General Phil Tennant for his keynote address, Chaplain Ray Dunphy for giving the invocation, and Lisa LaDieu (Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 377) who led us in song with a beautiful rendition of The National Anthem.

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The ceremony was followed by a hot lunch and much conversation. Special thanks to Eileen Bentley, Linda Cooper, Krissy Westendorf, and Judi Houppert (all from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 489) for setting up, serving, and cleaning up after a hot lunch enjoyed by all.

Special thanks also to Charlie Harrington (Chapter 377 of the Vietnam Veterans of America) for taking photos of the day’s activities.

Vicki House – The Loomis Gang of Nine Mile Swamp

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On March 15 Vicky House, Oxford Town/Village Historian, presented on The Loomis Gang of Nine Mile Swamp. The audience was captivated by stories about the gang that dominated upstate New York for decades. From counterfeiting, horse stealing, witness intimidation, rape and even murder, this family reigned over the countryside and left their mark in our history.

Mike Brown – The History of Scouting in Central New York

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On February 8 Mike Brown, a 55-year veteran Scouter, presented a photographic overview of 115 years of Boy Scouting in Central New York. Visitors celebrated the birthday of Boy Scouting in America, which was founded on Feb. 8, 1910. They learned about Scouting America for boys and girls from kindergarten to age 20. Mike covered Cub Scout Packs, Scout Troops, Sea Scout Ships, Explorer Posts, and Venture Crews across the present Baden-Powell Council.

2024 Events

Holiday Model Train Day

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s annual Model Train Day & Sale a success. Visitors enjoyed a special interactive train display set up by the National Model Railroad Association’s CNY Division as well as Homeville’s model trains. Kids of all ages enjoyed holiday crafts. Model train enthusiasts were able to buy trains and accessories from the Homeville Museum and guest vendors.

Veterans Day Watchfire

The rain held off just long enough for an outstanding watchfire on Veterans Day. Thanks to all who came to honor veterans and commemorate the important role of watchfires in our military history. Special thanks to Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Alice Anderson for delivering a heartfelt keynote address that inspired all during our welcome ceremony. Thanks also to Chaplain Ray Dunphy (US Navy retiree and member of the Homer American Legion) for the convocation, Lisa LaDieu for leading us in singing The Star Spangled Banner, Vietnam Veterans Chapter 377 for their Honor Guard, and the volunteers who provided refreshments, helped collect flags, and set up the palates for the fire. A special thank-you to the members of the Cortlandville Fire Department who attend every year to make sure the fire burns safely.

Marty Mack – Alton B. Parker Presentation

On November 2 Marty Mack (former Cortland Mayor, County Assistant District Attorney, County Attorney, and senior staff member for three NYS Governors) presented on the family origins and career of Cortland County Hall of Fame member Alton B. Parker. Marty explained how the Parker family became part of Cortland County in the context of its transformation from being part of Onondaga Nation lands to part of lands ceded by France to Great Britain, and then part of New York State and the United States.

Alton B. Parker (1852-1926) attended Cortland Academy and Cortland Normal School. He was one of the most respected lawyers in the U.S. and Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. He ran for U.S. President against Theodore Roosevelt in the 1904 election.

Marty’s presentation included a slide show of photographs, newspaper articles, and other documents that revealed Cortland County’s history and the Parker family’s purchase of its farm in 1813. The availability of the Parker homestead traces back to land grants made to soldiers and officers who served during the Revolutionary War.

Parker’s education and career path were made possible by Cortland County’s commitment to developing Common Schools, Academies, and the Cortland Normal School (which opened in 1869 to professionalize and educate teachers). Parker’s professional life began at age 16 with a teaching job at the Virgil Common School, followed by his law studies at Albany Law School and a distinguished career in law and politics.

Dio Day 2024 – Ronnie James Dio Exhibit

The Homeville Museum had an exhibit on Ronnie’s life and career at the September 15 Dio Day concert at Rose Hall. It covered his childhood and high school years in Cortland, his early bands with area musicians, and his national and international impact through Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven & Hell.

Stop by the museum to see our Cortland County Musicians display. See artifacts and interactive touchscreens with music videos, photos, and interviews. Musicians featured so far include Ronnie James Dio, Mickey Lee Soule, David Feinstein and The Rods, Charlie Bertini, Danny D’Imperio, Spiegle Willcox, Tex Roe, Arnald Gabriel, and Paul Albro. More to come….

The Transformational Power of Education: Mike Joseph’s Rural Schools Programs & Cortland County’s History of Educating & Supporting Teachers

In a panel discussion on May 4 visitors commemorated the outstanding contributions Mike Joseph made to New York State’s rural education initiatives and learned about the history of SUNY Cortland and its programs in teacher education and many other areas. Panelists were Erik Bitterbaum (President of SUNY Cortland), Jim Joseph (VP Advancement & Innovation and Dean of Madden College of Business & Economics at Le Moyne College) and Carl Hayden (Chancellor Emeritus of the NYS Board of Regents & former chair of the SUNY Board of Trustees).

Mike Joseph, who passed away in 2023, began his career as a teacher and department chair at the Homer Central Junior/Senior High School. In 1966 he became Marathon’s High School Principal and subsequently spent 24 years as Marathon’s Chief School Officer. He was appointed to the NYS Rural Education Advisory Committee and spent the latter part of his career as Executive Director of Cornell University’s Rural Schools Program. Jim Joseph and Carl Hayden shared many stories that illustrated Mr. Joseph’s creative initiatives and ability to advance new approaches and policies to aid rural schools. An exhibit of his many service awards revealed the broad range of his contributions to area organizations and educational institutions.

President Bitterbaum provided highlights of more than a century of SUNY Cortland’s history. Through an interesting slide show he traced the college’s development from the Cortland Normal School to Cortland State Teachers College to SUNY Cortland – a comprehensive college of arts and sciences. Teacher education remains a key focus to this day.

Rebel Women of the 19th Century

On April 13 Andrea Rankin presented a unique quiz show to spark audience participation as she discussed 19th century women who made their mark challenging prevailing gender norms and institutional barriers. As curator for the Elsie Gutchess Great Women of the USA collection at the Opendore Museum in Sherwood, N.Y., Andrea explained the extensive nature of that collection and ongoing efforts to restore the historic home that houses the museum. Andrea highlighted many women whose work is preserved at Opendore, including Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for U.S. President, and Edmonia Lewis, a famous sculptor who attended the New York Central College in McGrawville.

Trailblazing Women of Cortland County: Makers of Regional, National, and International History

On March 9, we celebrated the eight women in the Homeville Museum’s Cortland County Hall of Fame. Special thanks to Catherine Bertini, a Hall of Fame member, who attended and participated in the presentation. Cathy spoke about the many ways growing up in Cortland prepared her for national and international public service. Her examples of formative experiences in Cortland and the people who were part of those experiences were heartwarming and reminded us of the special place Cortland is. For more on Hall of Fame members, visit the CNY Local History page on this website:

https://homevillemuseum.com/homeville-collection/cny-local-history/

The Kid from Freeville: Growing Up on the Railroad

On February 24, Danny Armitage informed and amused an audience of close to 50 people with his presentation and slide show, “The Kid from Freeville: Growing Up on the Railroad.” Danny rode locomotives & cabooses more than 400 times from 1963 through the mid-1980s. He was accepted by railroad crews as “one of their own.” Danny’s home was close to the station where two branches of the Lehigh Valley Railroad crossed. He entertained the audience by sharing his unique perspective on the people and operations of the railroad.

A quick shout out to several organizations that have helped Homeville immensely:

• Homer Center for the Arts
• The Glass Smith
• Bob’s Barbecue Catering
• Coffee Mania

Find links to their websites on our Useful Links page, accessed from the bottom menu.

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