named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Case Research Laboratory Tours
Guided tours of the birthplace of sound film, highlighting the work of Theodore Case, Earl Sponable, and early innovations in sound-on-film technology
Creative Explorers Family Day
Family-friendly event with hands-on science and art activities, scavenger hunts, and free admission to engage children and caregivers with museum exhibits
Crossroads of History
Permanent exhibit in development exploring the comprehensive history of Cayuga County, led by the museum’s curator
Hands-On History and C.A.S.E. Summer Camps
Educational summer programs for students focusing on history, science, and creative exploration through interactive learning experiences
activities · 8 groups
What they do
-
Local History Museum Operations 2 activities
- Operate museum, research laboratory, and theater facilitiesOperates the Cayuga Museum of History and Art, the Case Research Laboratory, and the Carriage House Theater to engage the community in local history, the arts, and the history of sound-on-film technology. Facilities include the Willard-Case Mansion and support multi-arts programming, exhibitions, and public access.
- Present changing and permanent exhibitionsPresents changing and permanent exhibitions on local history, art, and technological innovation, including exhibits on Harriet Tubman, the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ people, 19th-century medicine, Auburn Prison, stained glass, local inventors, and the Willard-Case Mansion. Also hosts multi-site exhibitions and anniversary showcases such as "Through the Decades: 90 Years of Collecting."
-
-
Educational Field Trips and Experiential Outings 1 activity
- Administer youth and student programsOversees educational programming for students including school field trips, Hands-On History, C.A.S.E. summer camps, and a week-long youth camp for ages 12–14 focused on culture, art, science, and environment, often in partnership with other organizations.
-
-
Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Deliver public programs and community eventsHosts live music events, STEAM programming, art shows featuring local talent, and community events such as Creative Explorers Family Day with hands-on science and art activities, including bubble-making workshops and scavenger hunts.
-
-
Membership Program Administration 1 activity
- Manage membership and donor engagementOffers membership benefits including unlimited admission, digital newsletters, event discounts, free research services, guest passes, and exclusive social events; also conducts grant writing, donor solicitation, sponsor acquisition, and fundraising event planning to support operations.
-
-
Local History Archival Access 1 activity
- Preserve historical collections and archivesMaintains and preserves over 150,000 artifacts, artworks, and memorabilia related to Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes region, including the complete historical archive of the Case Research Laboratory—such as technical documents, patents, correspondence, and materials from Earl Sponable—with ongoing efforts to inventory and make documents accessible via nyheritage.org.
-
-
Archival Digitization and Preservation 1 activity
- Produce digital and commemorative programmingDeveloped digital programming in 2022 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of sound film technology developed at the Case Research Laboratory and continues to expand digital access to exhibits and collections.
-
-
Guided Historic Site Tours 1 activity
- Provide public access and educational toursOffers self-guided audio tours and guided tours of the Case Research Laboratory and museum spaces, including digital guides available via iPads at the front desk and online, covering the history of the Willard-Case Mansion, its residents, and sound-film technology.
-
-
Accessibility Services for Cultural Programs 1 activity
- Support accessibility and visitor servicesProvides elevator access to all three levels of the museum, reserves four parking spots for individuals with accessible needs, and offers free visitor parking on Genesee Street and in designated lots behind the museum and Schweinfurth Art Center.
-
financials · form 990 · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$451K
Contributions & grants$308K68%
Program service revenue$14K3%
Investment income$85K19%
Other revenue$44K
expenses
Total expenses$418K
Program expenses72%
Admin / overhead22%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$271K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$3.77M
Cash$103K
Investments$2.08M
Liabilities$39K
Net assets$3.73M
Liquid reserves62.6 mo
6 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue -66.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIRSTEN GOSCH | EXECUTIVE DI | 40 | $70K |
board members · 12
- ALLY COLVIN — VICE PRESIDE
- ANNA BORSODY — TRUSTEE
- DAVID NYTCH — TRUSTEE
- EMILY HILIMIRE — TREASURER
- LEIGH SCHAFER — TRUSTEE
- MICHAEL DIGEORGE — TRUSTEE
- MICHAEL NUNNO — TRUSTEE
- MIKE MCNABB — TRUSTEE
- PATRICK A'HEARN — TRUSTEE
- RHONDA MILLER — SECRETARY
- SAM GIANNETTINO — TRUSTEE
- VICTORIA FITZGERALD — PRESIDENT
relationships · 24
Who they work with
- Equal Rights Heritage Center Partner — Co-hosts the exhibition _Harriet: A Taste of Freedom_ as part of a multi-site collaboration in Auburn.
- Equal Rights Heritage Center Partner — Hosts the "Harriet: A Taste of Freedom" exhibition as part of a multi-site collaboration in Auburn, NY.
- Gertrude Case Partner — Codonated the estate with Theodore Case for use as a museum.
- Harriet Tubman Freedom Center Partner — Originating venue for the exhibition _Harriet: A Taste of Freedom_, which was curated by Larry Poncho Brown and later brought to Auburn.
- Members Partner — Individual members provide foundational support for the museum's operations and programming.
- Midstate Mutual Insurance Company Partner — Exhibitor and History Walk sponsor at the Innovator Level.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Provides support for the organization with funding from the Governor's Office and the New York State Legislature.
- North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association Network — Member of the NARM network, enabling free access to other cultural institutions across the US for enhanced members.
- Nucor Partner — Case Research Lab sponsor at the Cayuga Museum.
- Schweinfurth Art Center Partner — Co-hosts the exhibition _Harriet: A Taste of Freedom_ as part of a multi-site collaboration in Auburn.
- Schweinfurth Art Center Partner — Co-presents exhibitions and joint public programs, shares grounds as part of the West End Arts Campus, and offers joint admission.
- Schweinfurth Art Center Partner — Collaborates on family day programming to offer joint activities for children and families.
- Schweinfurth Art Center Partner — Located adjacent to the Cayuga Museum, sharing proximity and visitor access points.
- Seward House Museum Partner — Co-hosts the exhibition _Harriet: A Taste of Freedom_ as part of a multi-site collaboration in Auburn.
- Seward House Museum Partner — Hosts the "Harriet: A Taste of Freedom" exhibition as part of a multi-site collaboration in Auburn, NY.
- Technical Association of the Northern Tier of New York (TACNY) Partner — Case Research Lab sponsor at the Cayuga Museum.
- Technology Alliance of Central New York Partner — Provides sponsorship support for science programming at the Cayuga Museum through its affiliation with the Case Research Lab.
- Theodore Case Partner — Donated the estate to establish the museum and invented the first commercially successful sound-on-film system at the Case Research Lab.
- Tompkins Bank Partner — Event and program sponsor at the Cayuga Museum.
- Walter Long Partner — Received the estate donation and was instrumental in founding the museum.
- Willard Memorial Chapel Partner — Co-hosts the exhibition _Harriet: A Taste of Freedom_ as part of a multi-site collaboration in Auburn.
- Willard Memorial Chapel Partner — Hosts the "Harriet: A Taste of Freedom" exhibition as part of a multi-site collaboration in Auburn, NY.
- Xylem Inc. Partner — Exhibitor and History Walk sponsor at the Innovator Level.
- nyheritage.org Partner — Collaborates to make historic documents from the museum's collection available to the public online.
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.
- Centering Underrepresented Narratives through Multi-Modal Storytellingmethodology: indigenous_narrative_centeringBy using art, audio, video, and archival materials to center Indigenous narratives of displacement and return, the museum deepens historical accuracy and community relevance because inclusive storytelling fosters empathy, reconciliation, and broader public understanding.
- Experiential and Interdisciplinary Learning for Youthmethodology: experiential-educationBy engaging students through hands-on programs, summer camps, and themed interdisciplinary curricula that connect local history, art, science, and environment, the museum increases youth learning and community connection because experiential methods foster meaningful, lasting engagement.
- Integrated Cultural and Historical Educationmethodology: cultural-education-integrationBy combining museum exhibitions, research facilities, and theater programming within a multi-site campus, the organization fosters deeper community engagement with local history, art, and scientific innovation because integrated, interdisciplinary experiences strengthen public understanding and connection.