named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Antique Boat Collection
Preserves and displays historic boats from Skaneateles Lake, including the Sarah Kuse and Lightning #1 sailboat
Boating Hall of Fame
Annual event recognizing individuals and families who have contributed to boating culture on Skaneateles Lake
Forgotten History Series
Exhibits and educational content on lesser-known aspects of local history, such as the Packwood Carriage Works and historic homes
Historical Walking Tour
Guided and self-guided walking tour highlighting historic architecture in Skaneateles, including homes designed by Stanford White and Alexander Jackson Davis
Historical Wing Exhibits
Museum exhibits on local history, including the development of Skaneateles, its industries, and notable residents
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Historic Site Designation Advocacy 1 activity
- Advocates for national historic landmark designationIdentifies and promotes significant historical sites, including the Harriet Tubman Residence, Harriet Tubman Home for the Elderly, and the AME Zion Church, for recognition as National Historic Landmarks.
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Local History Archival Access 1 activity
- Conducts and supports historical research on SkaneatelesEngages in and promotes historical research related to Skaneateles, including the town's incorporation, land grants to Revolutionary War veterans, Irish immigration, the teasel industry, transportation development, and the region's role as a vacation destination. Maintains an extensive archive of books, ledgers, photos, newspapers, articles, and genealogical records, and provides research assistance through staff and volunteer researchers by appointment.
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Arts and Cultural Workforce Training 1 activity
- Offers historical research internshipsProvides internship programs that offer immersive experiences in historical research and the social sciences, focused on Skaneateles township and the surrounding Finger Lakes region, for students and youth interested in history.
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Local History Museum Operations 1 activity
- Operates a public historical museum and exhibitsOperates a historical museum in the former Creamery building, featuring antique boats, local art, historical books, and curated exhibits on Skaneateles history. Includes a newly renovated historical wing open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 1–4 PM, with redesigned exhibits to enhance public understanding of local history.
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Railroad and Canal Heritage Preservation 1 activity
- Preserves and interprets local transportation historyDocuments and preserves the history of the Skaneateles railroad, initiated in 1836 and reconstructed in 1866, which served 17 industries until 1981. Also maintains the legacy of the Skaneateles Steamboat & Transportation Company (1831–1901), and continues to operate a weekly dinner cruise on Skaneateles Lake as a living history program.
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Indigenous and Diaspora Cultural Preservation 1 activity
- Provides public education on Indigenous and environmental historyOffers educational programming on Haudenosaunee history and culture and participates in regional environmental restoration efforts as part of its public history mission.
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Historic Site Public Programming 1 activity
- Provides public historical education and toursOffers historical walking tours of architectural sites in Skaneateles, including Victorian-era buildings repurposed as bed and breakfasts, with additional sites accessible by car or bicycle. Also provides public lectures on historical and community topics, such as a presentation on grief and loss by an external speaker.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Hosts community events and recognition programsOrganizes public events including the Festival of Wreaths in conjunction with the Holiday Shops, which features wreath donations from local businesses and volunteers. Hosts an annual gala with a plated meal, music, guest speaker, and awards to recognize individuals and families for their contributions to boating and boat travel on Skaneateles Lake. The museum also honors seafarers through traditions such as hanging a boat from the ceiling, established in 1990.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$108K
Contributions & grants$23K22%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$20%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$91K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$45K
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$124K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$106K
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +142.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 1
- LINDA MCKINNON — DIRECTOR
relationships · 16
Who they work with
- Antique and Classic Boat Society Partner — Collaborates on the annual Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show and supported bringing the ACBS International Boat Show to Skaneateles in 2015.
- British Women's Temperance Association Partner — Appointed as fraternal delegate to the British Women's Temperance Association's annual meeting in London in 1890.
- Hope for the Bereaved Partner — Co-presents public lectures on topics such as loss and grief.
- John Waller Thorne Partner — Donated a carriage to the Skaneateles Historical Society.
- National Park Service Government — Recognizes Harriet Tubman sites as National Historic Landmarks through the National Park Service.
- New York Central Partner — Provided personnel support during the reconstruction of the Skaneateles Short Line Railroad in 1866.
- New York State Electric & Gas Partner — Acquired two GE-Erie 44-tonner locomotives from the Skaneateles Short Line Railroad in 1981.
- Onondaga Nation Partner — Collaborates with the Onondaga Nation to share Haudenosaunee history and culture.
- Russia Government — Entered into a treaty with Russia for the purchase of Alaska.
- Skaneateles Country Club Partner — Hosts the annual Boating Hall of Fame gala event.
- Skaneateles Historical Society Partner — Collaborates with town and village historians to support research and historical preservation.
- Skaneateles Sailing Club Partner — Partner organization founded and promoted by Dick and Janet Besse, supported through historical recognition.
- St. James Episcopal Church Partner — Featured as a historic site within the Skaneateles Historic District with architectural significance.
- State legislature Government — Recognized the creation of the Town of Skaneateles in 1830 and the incorporation of the Village in 1833.
- Stauffer Chemical Partner — Purchased and rehabilitated the Skaneateles Short Line Railroad in 1974 to maintain rail service for its operations.
- WSYR-TV Partner — Local media outlet covering events hosted by the Skaneateles Historical Society.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Cultural Heritage Activation Through Community Participationmethodology: cultural_heritage_preservationBy integrating historical preservation with community events, seasonal celebrations, and recognition of cultural contributions (e.g., boating heritage), the organization strengthens local identity and engagement, because linking heritage to lived, participatory traditions fosters stewardship and intergenerational continuity.
- Historical Research as a Framework for Public Understandingmethodology: historical-researchBy using historical research—on topics like land grants, immigration patterns, and moral activism—as an interpretive framework, the organization advances public knowledge of settlement and social development, because structured historical analysis helps communities understand the root causes and narratives behind demographic and cultural change.
- Immersive Experiential Learning for Historical Engagementmethodology: experiential-educationBy engaging participants—especially children and emerging researchers—in hands-on, immersive research and curated tours, the organization fosters deeper understanding and meaningful connection to local history, because experiential formats increase retention, emotional resonance, and long-term interest in historical and social sciences.