Ganondagan State Historic Site | Beyond the Nest (Rochester)

Ganondagan State Historic Site

Ganondagan is the only New York State Historic Site dedicated to Native Americans, in particular the Seneca and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people, and the only Seneca town developed and interpreted in the United States. Ganondagan is the internationally recognized resource for Haudenosaunee history, culture, and living traditions that express universal ideals of peace, cooperation, and respect for each other, and the natural world. Spanning 569 acres, the Ganondagan experience includes interpreted trails, a full-size Seneca Bark Longhouse, the Seneca Art & Culture Center featuring interactive exhibits, contemporary art, the Iroquois Creation Story film, and gift shop.

Ganondagan State Historic Site (www.ganondagan.org) in Victor, NY stands at the location of what was one of the largest, most vital 17th-century Seneca towns until its destruction in 1687. Today, it is a tourism destination for Native and non-Native people from all over the world. At the new Seneca Art & Culture Center, 15 permanent and rotating exhibits feature 300 historical through contemporary pieces showcasing five centuries of Seneca history, artistic and cultural contributions.

At the Orientation Theater, visitors can view the the first-ever live action and animated film of the "Iroquois Creation Story.” Two classrooms, a multi-purpose auditorium and a gift shop will help make this a destination of the first order for a global community, from which visitors will come away understanding the Seneca people from a complete cultural, historical, and environmental perspective.

Every summer, Friends of Ganondagan hosts its signature Native American Dance & Music Festival, attended by more than 4,000 people. Friends also sponsors the annual Canandaigua Treaty Day and presents dozens of lectures, workshops, and programs throughout the year reflecting the vibrancy of a living culture and promoting a sustainable future. 

 

Open hours: 
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm