Foster Cottage Museum

The Foster Cottage Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the early history of Clifton Springs and the legacy of Dr. Henry Foster, founder of the Clifton Springs Water Cure, the health movement that eventually evolved into today’s Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic.

Built in 1854, the cottage once served as Dr. Foster’s residence. Carefully renovated and reopened as a museum in July 2000, the historic building now preserves stories from the village’s past and highlights the people and institutions that shaped the community.

Located along Main Street, the Foster Cottage helps paint a vivid picture of what Clifton Springs looked like at the turn of the 19th century, when the village became known as a destination for health and wellness seekers.

Inside the museum, visitors will find a variety of exhibits exploring Dr. Foster’s life and work, along with displays dedicated to the local nursing school that operated from 1894 to 1934. Artifacts from past local businesses, historic photographs, and memorabilia illustrate how the community evolved over time.

One room honors local residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, while a pictorial timeline documents the transformation of the village from 1850 through 2000, the year Clifton Springs Hospital celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Today, the Foster Cottage Museum continues to preserve this history thanks to the efforts of the Clifton Springs Historical Society, which maintains the building and its collections.

Highlights

• Exhibits on Dr. Foster’s life and early health movements
• Displays featuring the Clifton Springs nursing school (1894–1934)
• Local artifacts and memorabilia from historic village businesses
• Tribute room honoring local military service members

This location is also a part of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum!

Nearby Attractions

• Clifton Springs Library – unique library housed in a historic train station with community programs and resources
• Clifton Springs Family YMCA – long-standing community hub offering fitness, recreation, and family programming
• Finger Lakes Welcome Center – regional visitor center showcasing Finger Lakes food and travel information
• Brothers II Still and Grill – local favorite offering wings, sandwiches, fish fry, and more