The 1890 House Museum

The 1890 House Museum Built for late 19th-century inventor & industrialist Chester Wickwire, we invite you to explore the Welcome to the 1890 House Museum's official page.
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This grand limestone mansion, built by successful industrialist Chester F. Wickwire, is a symbol of the grandeur of the Victorian and Gilded ages. The lavish interiors of the 30-room mansion feature parquet floors, jewel-like stained-glass windows, ornate decorative stenciling, and oak and cherry woodwork. All proceeds go to the preservation and restoration of the 1890 House Museum. The 1890 House

is not for profit, registered charity 501 (c)(3) and is on the national list of historic sites. Street parking available in front of The Museum. Due to limited driveway space, the driveway is for Staff and Volunteer parking.

09/03/2026

Join the 1890 House Museum and Cornell Cooperative Extension for an exciting Murder Mystery – “Death at the Wickwire Speakeasy” from 7:00pm to 10:00pm on Friday evening, November 13th.

Buffet includes Flapper Fare and Libations. Passphrase required: “Chester sent me!”

Guests are limited to 65 people. Cost is $80 per person. Visit the 1890 House Events page for tickets - hurry before they sell out (like they did the last time)!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Tickets not purchased online from the 1890 House Museum site will NOT be valid for admission.

09/01/2026

👻🖤 MACABRE & MACRAMÉ! 🖤👻

It’s time to get a little spooky and a LOT creative! Join us for a Macabre Macramé Evening on Friday, October 16th at 6 PM at the amazing, iconic 1890 House in Cortland! 🏚️🎃

Just in time for Halloween, we’ll be creating a spooktacular black macramé plant hanger 🖤🪴—and your ticket includes a plant to put in it!

And what better place to get your Macabre on than the 1890 House, with all of its incredible history and even a little paranormal activity to add to the atmosphere? 👻

🎃 $40 per person
🖤 Normally $45!
🪴 Black macramé plant hanger + plant included
🏚️ Hosted at the beautiful 1890 House
💰 Suggested donation of $5–$10 that evening goes directly to the 1890 House

Come spend your Friday night tying, knotting, creating and getting your Macabre on! Grab your favorite people, put on your spooky spirit, and come make something fabulous.

🎟️ Space is limited, so grab your ticket soon!

Macabre + Macramé + Halloween = the perfect Friday night! 👻🖤🪴

No refunds

https://maslins-guarden.square.site/

08/26/2026
Not one, but THREE chances (Friday, 9/11, Saturday, 9/12, and/or Friday, 10/30) to join us as Lost Souls Paranormal host...
08/26/2026

Not one, but THREE chances (Friday, 9/11, Saturday, 9/12, and/or Friday, 10/30) to join us as Lost Souls Paranormal hosts a paranormal investigation at the 1890 House Museum! What spirits will make an appearance? Which date will YOU choose? 👻🏰😬

For each date, the price is $50 per person, and only 30 spaces will be available. Doors will open at 6:30pm, and the investigation will take place from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. Tickets may sell out quickly. (Note: If tickets are not sold out online as of the evening of the investigation, they may also be available for purchase at the door - but, no guarantees!)

Book online now! https://the1890house.org/events/

Lost Souls Paranormal Investigations

08/05/2026

Come to the 1890 House Museum on a Thursday between late May and October, and you likely will find our volunteer, Lee Higginbotham, in period dress. Lee summers in the area and has been volunteering for a little over a year, mainly working at the front desk. He enjoys dressing in period garb and has multiple outfits, some components of which he has made himself. He always looks fantastic! Why not come in for a tour and meet Lee? 🏰

We are so excited to be included in this coloring book! Thank you Finger Lakes Travel, NYCopies available at the Museum.
07/25/2026

We are so excited to be included in this coloring book! Thank you Finger Lakes Travel, NY
Copies available at the Museum.

Address

37 Tompkins Street
Cortland, NY
13045

Opening Hours

Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16077567551

Website

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