Back To Arts and CultureIn the late 1700s, when a revolution launched the great American experiment, Cooperstown and Otsego County marked the western frontier of a young nation. Today, our museums share that unique historical perspective—and preserve art produced by cultures that shaped this region.
Two prominent Cooperstown museums sit above Ostego Lake's western shore, on land once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper. For 70 years, the Fenimore Art Museum has collected boundary-breaking American and Native American artwork. Permanent exhibits include landscape paintings from the Hudson River School era, plus Native American artifacts such as embroidered buffalo hide clothing, woven baskets, and objects carved from wood, bone, and horn. Nearby, The Farmers' Museum honors Otsego County's rural heritage as one of the oldest living history museums. This unique family attraction takes visitors back in time and allows them to participate in craft demonstrations and hands-on activities. Visit a working farm to see how hops were harvested and sheep were sheared in the 19th century, then stroll a historic village to witness daily chores and social life from the time period.
More of Cooperstown and Otsego County's history finds expression in the home of a Revolutionary War soldier, a former schoolhouse, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Whether you prefer art, sports, or simply learning about days gone by, there are plenty of historical exhibits in Cooperstown and Otsego County to discover.
Look below for a museum that offers you a deeper connection to the American past and present.
