Many states within the U.S. have commemorated historic people, places, things or events through means of historic markers, monuments, and plaques. Often, these signs only give you a very small glimpse into a much larger story.
With the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum, you'll be able to learn more of the story as the history of Ontario County, N.Y comes to life. This outdoor “museum” is accessible at your fingertips from dusk to dawn with your cell phone being a tool to tie together “what happened here” as far back as the 1600s. Through QR codes, augmented reality, and multimedia experiences you'll have an interactive experience with historic figures, artifacts, and much more.
Learn more about the themes you can expect to see in the virtual museum.
Trailblazers
These are the innovators: the ambitious, the restless and energetic. Their strong drive for their principles, or the tasks at hand, are what propelled them forward into the history books– for not only our area, but for our nation.
Changemakers
Ontario County has played host to many notable change-agents. These signs are dedicated to relentless advocates in fighting for diversity, equity, women's rights, and temperance.
Pathways
Linking people, ideas, and innovations over time have made Ontario County a mecca for pathways to progress. First the connections were by pathways, then waterways to rail, and then, modern byways.
Land and Lakes
Our Finger Lakes region is a timeless treasure — from its formation by glaciers more than two million years ago, to the beauty of our landscapes, and our notoriety for fresh water and fresh air.
Communities
Formed in 1789, Ontario County was never just "government" and "land speculation." Ontario County thrived as towns, villages, communities, and neighborhoods.
Farm and Table
The Finger Lakes is blessed with terroir—the right mix of land, water, and sun. Passionate, skilled people make the most of that gift: farmers tending orchards and vineyards, and scientists perfecting seeds, soils, and best practices.
Commerce and Craft
Explore the evolving stories of commerce from the hands of masons and local artisans to the development of shopping malls.
Live and Play FLX
Welcome to life— Finger Lakes style! Explore the charming locations that make up Ontario County's unique playground. It's an invitation to stay, play, and explore!
Learning Legacies
Discover a region where the pursuit of knowledge has always been a cornerstone of community, fostering personal growth and collective advancement. Our "legacy places" tell the story of educational evolution and the cultivation of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who Knew?
A collection of fun stories that deserve to be shared! This trail is filled with interesting facts and oddball trivia - and you can bounce from one place to the next and leave joining the "who knew" club.
