Finger Lakes Virtual Museum
Community Launch Event

April 25, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

The Finger Lakes Virtual Museum transforms historic sites across Ontario County into interactive experiences using QR codes, augmented reality, and multimedia storytelling. Accessible by mobile device, this “museum without walls” invites users to engage with the people, places, and events that shaped our region. From trailblazers and changemakers to local communities and landscapes, the platform connects stories across time—right where they happened.

We invite you to join the official launch event and help us celebrate this exciting new experience! This is a free, public event happening in Canandaigua during National Historic Marker Weekend. Be among the first to experience this new digital platform, enjoy local history experiences, a scavenger hunt, and more!

• Event Details
• Volunteer for National Historic Marker Weekend
• Scavenger Hunt Contest

Launch Event Details
Saturday, April 25, 2026

The event will be taking place at the Visit Finger Lakes Office (19 Susan B. Anthony Lane, Canandaigua, N.Y. 14424). Free public parking is accessible in the lot on Sly St. adjacent to 

Event features include the official launch of the virtual museum app, volunteer opportunities supported by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and a scavenger hunt with the opportunity to win prizes from local establishments.

10:30-11:00 a.m. - Brief Program of Speakers

• Alicia M. Richie, President and CEO

• Jessica VanDeMar, Partnership Marketing Specialist

• Pamela Helming, New York State Senator

• Steve Fuller, Visit Finger Lakes Board Representative & Sign Location

• Christopher DeBolt, Ontario County Administrator

• Ulana Fuller, Ontario County Historical Society

• Tracey Burkey, VP Destination Development

• Chloe Davis, Administration Coordinator

Following the program, the Visit Finger Lakes team will be available for Q&A before heading over to clean the Susan B. Anthony historic marker as volunteers for National Historic Marker Weekend. We encourage you to participate as a volunteer for this annual weekend sponsored by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

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Volunteer for National Historic Marker Weekend
Friday, April 24-Sunday, April 26

Created by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, National Historic Marker Weekend is an opportunity to give back and celebrate your hometown history. Celebrated nationwide, friends, family, and volunteer groups participate in this weekend by volunteering to clean historic markers in their community. Over time, these markers receive wear and tear from the elements and a little bit of love can go a long way! 

If you would like to volunteer to clean signs along the Virtual Museum, use the registration link below. We have a small supply of microfiber clothes to hand out at our event for volunteers, courtesy of the Pomeroy Foundation.

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Scavenger Hunt Contest
Saturday, April 25 - Monday, August 31, 2026

Take the next step in experiencing Ontario County’s history with the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum Scavenger Hunt. This countywide hunt invites participants to start exploring these sites in person and share their journey along the way. Kicking off at our launch event and running through May 25, the scavenger hunt encourages discovery, creativity, and a bit of friendly competition as you travel to virtual museum sign locations, capture your journey, and enter for a chance to win local prizes.

How to Participate:

• Find historic sign locations on the Virtual Museum by downloading the app.

• Take a photo of yourself with each sign you visit.

• Share your photos and tag us on Instagram (@VisitFLX) or Facebook (@Visit Finger Lakes) and use #VisitFLXHistoryHunt.

  • ​Be sure your post/account is public so we can see it in order to count your entry!

Entries & Prizes:

• Earn one entry for each sign you visit and post a photo of. (e.g., visit 4 signs = 4 entries)

• Earn five entries when you visit the location that matches your trading card.

  • Need more trading cards? Pick them up at our office located at 19 Susan B. Anthony Lane, Canandaigua, N.Y. 14424. 

• All entries must be submitted by Monday, August 31, 2026.

• Entries will be entered into a random drawing to win prizes from local Ontario County businesses

  • General Admission Tickets to Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion

  • (1) Year Membership to Ganondagan State Historic Site and Seneca Art and Culture Museum

  • VIP Tasting Tickets at Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars & Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

  • Tickets to a Choir Show at The Smith

  • Brewery Ardennes Gift Card

  • General Admission Tickets to RMSC Cumming Nature Center

  • Two (2) tickets to Roseland Mini Golf

  • Two (2) tickets to Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures

  • Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum gift basket with Gideon II Membership, NARM membership, Granger tote bag, Granger Homestead mug, and more

  • Wizard of Clay gift bag with 1 Wizard of Clay reusable tote bag, 1 t-shirt, 2 EggelBakers, 2 ceramic plates with the Finger Lakes

  • Admission for 4 to the AWA Communications Technology Museum and a book of the history of broadcast radio, “Radioola"

Thank you to our prize sponsors!

Official sweepstakes guidelines can be found, here.