Farmers' Museum facts for kids
The Farmers' Museum is a popular place to visit in Cooperstown, New York. It's just north of Cooperstown, overlooking Otsego Lake. The museum helps you experience what rural life was like in the 1800s. You can see many exhibits and join in fun, hands-on activities.
The museum has over two dozen real, old buildings. These include a tavern, a farm, a printing office, and a general store. There's also a blacksmith's shop and a doctor's office. You can even find exhibits of 19th-century games and a children's barnyard. The famous Cardiff Giant is also here!
The Farmers' Museum is also home to the Empire State Carousel. This is a special, hand-made merry-go-round. It celebrates the history, culture, and nature of New York State. The carousel was built on an old 1947 carousel machine. Over 1,000 volunteers helped create it over more than 20 years. Its artwork includes 25 hand-carved animals. These animals show the farms and natural resources of New York State.
History of the Museum Site
The land where The Farmers' Museum stands has been a working farm since 1813. It was first owned by James Fenimore Cooper. He was the famous author of The Last of the Mohicans. Later, in 1829, Judge Samuel Nelson bought the farm. His old office is now part of the museum village. He raised sheep on the farm, which became known as Fenimore Farm.
In the 1870s, the Clark family bought Fenimore Farm. In 1918, Edward Severin Clark built a modern farm complex there. It was for his award-winning cattle. The barn, creamery, and herdsman's cottage are still standing. They are now part of the museum. These buildings were designed by Frank Whiting. They were built from local stone. Today, they hold museum offices and exhibits. These historic buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Farmers' Museum first opened to the public in 1944 . Back then, the museum had about 5,000 tools and items. These included collections from the Otsego County Historical Society. Today, the museum has more than 23,000 items. These artifacts show what life was like in the 1800s.
The Farmers' Museum is a private, educational group. It works closely with its sister organization, the Fenimore Art Museum.
What You Can See and Do
The museum has over 23,000 items. They show farm life in central New York during the 1800s. These items are displayed in more than two dozen buildings.
You can also see people working at the museum. Skilled workers print real documents at the print shop. They might print things like the old rules of baseball. Weavers make cloth using looms. The blacksmith makes hinges, tools, and other items. At the pharmacy, you might see insect repellent being made. These skilled craftspeople are happy to answer your questions. They can tell you all about their trades.
Images for kids
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Entrance to The Farmers' Museum
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Bump Tavern and Crossroads Café, seen from the village green
