Finger Lakes Museum will hold open house

BRANCHPORT--The Finger Lakes Museum (3369 Guyanoga Road, Branchport) is hosting its annual open house on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public with complimentary admission.
During the event, the museum will introduce attendees to the 11 Lakes Traveling Exhibit, created to honor the museum's founder, John Adamski.
This 1,200-square-foot exhibit features information on the culture, history, and stories of the 11 Finger Lakes. It was created by local artisans who worked collaboratively with Keuka College students. The exhibit includes facts about each lake, as well as historical and current photos of events and people that make those lakes special.
"The Finger Lakes region is such a beautiful gem, with its glacial origin, the 11 lakes as a result of those glaciers, the rich agricultural history, the cultural significance, and the booming wine/tourist market," said Natalia Kivimaki, director of museum operations. "It's important that we inspire people to appreciate what we have here so they can continue to preserve the area into the future for a continued legacy and sense of place."
As museum leaders plan for that future, helping children appreciate the region is an important aspect of their work.
"We understand that children are our best stewards moving forward for generations," said Kivimaki. "If we can have them involved in understanding the importance of protecting our freshwaters, loving where they live, and sharing this excitement with others, we can make impactful change for the region well into the future."
To put this philosophy into practice, the museum ensures that guided paddle excursions are open to families. They offer scout merit badge paddles, youth group kayaking trips, and have worked with the local school district for after-school and summer programming.
"Nature is such a grand and important part of the Finger Lakes, and we are eager to share this with children of all ages in ways they can touch, experience, and appreciate," Kivimaki said.
After enjoying the traveling exhibit, guests are invited to take a free self-guided mini paddle, enjoy live music from High Country as part of the Yates Concert series, purchase lunch prepared by Crooked Lake Mercantile, and speak with representatives from various local organizations who will be on-hand sharing information. These special activities are in addition to the usual options at the museum, including the newly installed StoryWalk, which showcases the Native American story Turtle's Race with Beaver, and the natural playscape, which was recently completed with assistance from donors through the FLXGives and ROC the Day fundraising programs, as well as with support from the county.
This year's open house is being held in conjunction with a second event, hosted by Museum Trustee Laurie Broccolo at the Broccolo Garden Center (2755 Penfield Rd, Fairport), with portions of that day's proceeds going to the museum as well. Attendees at the Garden Center will enjoy a book signing by author Jenny Collins, wine and cocktail tastings, and live music.
The museum also embraces the winter season with programs like ice fishing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Throughout the summer, guests enjoy bird walks, yoga, kayak lessons, and workshops. The season winds down with fall paddles that highlight the colorful Finger Lakes autumnal foliage.
Additional information is available at https://www.fingerlakesmuseum.org/.