Skaneateles Historical Society at the Creamery

An official Path Through History Site! The Skaneateles Historical Society, formed on March 22, 1961 interprets the agricultural, manufacturing, recreation, transportation, artistic, architectural and commercial history of the town of Skaneateles. Housed within the 1899 former Skaneateles Creamery Co. building at 28 Hannum Street the museum’s collection features hundreds of items related to farming, manufacturing, recreation, transportation, art, architecture, the press, and commerce. Of special interest are the locally manufactured boats, carriages, wooden toys, medical instruments, a sleigh, and chairs. There is also a display of the raising and marketing of the fuller’s teasels. This was an industry limited to very few places in the U.S. Exhibits devoted to transportation cover the Skaneateles Short Line RR, the interurban trolley that ran through the village, and the large excursion boats that plied the lake. As can be expected the lake played a significant role in the history of the community. One can learn about the immense water power that was available along the outlet and about how Skaneateles became the source of water for the City of Syracuse. The boat displays include early Skaneateles-made rowboats, canoes and historic sailboats, including Lightning No. 1.