What were homes in Rochester like years ago? Many well-known homes have been preserved and are available for you and your family and friends to tour. Dating back to the early 20th Century, these homes depict how people lived—many the most affluent of those early days.
Franklin Hinchey Historical House and Park
Plan a trip to one of the many historical homes that are complemented by beautiful grounds, parks and gardens. Combine a day of fresh air and artistic sculpted grounds with important historical facts of Rochester’s greats. Rochester’s unique landscape heritage and spectacular architecture offers a day of history lessons made fun!
Rochester has eight preservation districts with approximately 1750 properties on the list. Easy access to those open to the public homes makes for a delightful outing. Here are a few we suggest.
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National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House was the home of legendary American civil rights leader who fought for women’s right to vote and equal rights for all. It is the site of her arrest for voting in 1872 and where she died at age 86 in 1906. Take an audio tour through the home, photo gallery and take home a memorabilia from the museum shop.
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George Eastman Museum, Rochester
George Eastman Museum
The combines the largest house on East Avenue with a world-renown photography and film museum. This landmark estate of entrepreneur and philanthropist, George Eastman is open to the public for house browsing and film and photography exhibitions. Eastman is known for his development of motion pictures and early work with popular photography. Splendid preservation of the house and gardens allows you to step back in time to experience how this great man once lived. If you visit during one of the many seasonal delights you are in for an added treat—gingerbread houses, Dutch Connection floral show and live music in the gardens.
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Sonnenberg Gardens, Canandaigua
Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park
Perched atop a hill, this estate called “Sonnenberg” (German for “sunny hill”) is a 40-room, Queen Anne-style mansion.
View the stately rooms including the Great Hall, the Billiard and Trophy Rooms, the Library, Drawing Room, Dining Room and upstairs Master Bedroom and numerous guest rooms.
This 50-acre estate is just a few blocks from downtown Canandaigua. Enjoy a quiet time with the kids relaxing in the gardens and celebrating the onset of spring or lushness of summer. Stroll through flower-filled gardens, bring a picnic lunch for under the trees and visit the exquisite mansion. This is a “must do” day trip!
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Stone Tolan House
Note: Open April-December; Friday and Saturday, 12-3pm
Based on the family life of pioneers Orringh and Elizabeth Stone, the Stone Tolan House is the oldest place in the county. This 2-story frame house includes a wing that dates back to 1792. Depicting the Federal-style architecture, this historic home once served as a frontier tavern, public meeting place and pioneer homestead. Set up as Mr. Stone’s tavern, you will tour through the tavern room, kitchen, parlor-bedroom, summer kitchen, orchard herb and kitchen gardens and smokehouse. See the actual tools he used to cook with and learn about the private and public activities of a household and rural tavern in Brighton, NY. Group tours are available.
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Franklin Hinchey Historical House and Park
Visit this 2 ½-story wood frame cruciform structure constructed in 1870 in the Gothic Revival style with picturesque Italianate elements. The property includes three acres of farmland, a cabbage barn and incubator house (keeping the chicken’s eggs warm with the correct humidity). Enjoy the special Victorian tea offered each spring (May 22, 2016).
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