Museum History & Mission
Museum History
Marian Wickwire O’Connor, the last Wickwire to live at 37 Tompkins Street, passed away in 1973. The Wickwire Residence and its contents were then sold at auction. A group of Cortland County leaders, including the Landmark Society and members of the Wickwire family, successfully campaigned to preserve the house, and it became a museum in 1975.
The 1890 House Museum was the anchor of the Historic Tompkins Street District’s entry on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 1984, the 1890 House Museum received its official NYS Charter to operate as a 501(c)(3) historic house museum.
Mission
The 1890 House Museum aims to promote and interpret the historical and cultural significance of this property to the public. The 1890 House seeks to collect, preserve, research, display, and interpret objects that promote local and national history of America’s cultural heritage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Support Cortland's Landmark Building
The impressive collections found throughout the 1890 House Museum offer visitors the opportunity to step back in time to 19th century Cortland. The unique history within the walls tells the stories of the Wickwire family, their servants, and the factory workers who toiled in Wickwire Wire Mills Factory.
The museum strives to educate and inspire every visitor through diverse programming and exhibitions. With your help, this Cortland County landmark will be preserved for present and future generations.
OPEN HOURS
Thursdays - Saturdays
11 am – 4 pm
Sundays
12 pm - 4 pm
(C) THE 1890 HOUSE MUSEUM
SUPPORT CORTLAND'S HISTORIC BUILDING
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
What does the 1890 House mean to you?
Some say it is a jewel in our crown city, showcasing Victorian culture, as well as the Wickwire family’s legacy in our community. We agree, but as with any jewel, it needs great care and polishing. And for The 1890 House, that means upkeep and repairs to an ever-aging house.
Because of this, the current Board of Trustees has embarked on a $250,000 Capital Campaign.
We have identified three long-overdue projects and repairs that need attention:
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- "Carriage House" (Barn) including a new roof, window repairs, and painting;
- The 1890 House Exterior including stonework repairs and painting; and
- The 1890 House Interior including restoration, plaster work and painting.
Please consider donating in one of these categories or make your own suggestion and help to preserve this local treasure and much-loved Cortland landmark for many generations to come.
$25: Can of paint
$50: Various restoration supplies
$100: Stone Repair (a la “Buy a Brick”)
$250: 10 hours of labor
$500: Equipment Rental
$1,000: Restore a window
$1,500: Restore a stained-glass window
$2,000: Restore a wood floor
$2,500: Paint a small room
$25,000: Adopt a large room
SUPPORT OUR FRAMING THE PAST PHOTO PROJECT
Founded in 1975, and receiving its NYS Charter as a historic house museum in 1984, the 1890 House Museum boasts an impressive collection of photographs. These photographs document the lives of the Wickwire family and their friends from the late 19th century through the 20th century. When inventor & industrialist Chester F. Wickwire moved into his home on June 1, 1890, he photographed each room as it was. These photographs have now been digitally preserved by Roger Theise from Roger Williams Photography. Some of these interior photos had never been on view to the public before.