Ganondagan State Historic Site

Ganondagan State Historic Site 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, Ganondagan is a National Historic Landmark, the only New York State Historic Site dedicated to a Native American theme (1987), and the only Seneca town developed and interpreted in the United States. It is a destination where visitors can explore five centuries of art, culture, and history through interactive and multi-media exhibits at the Seneca Art & Culture Center, tour a full-sized replica of a 17th-century bark longhouse, enjoy self-guided tours through marked trails on the Site’s 500+ acres, and peruse the one-of-a-kind artisan items at its Gift Shop. The culture, art, agriculture, and government of the Seneca people influenced our modern understanding of equality, democratic government, women's rights, ecology, and natural foods. The annual events calendar showcases unique programming and hosts workshops, lectures, and performances reflecting the vibrancy of the living culture and promoting a sustainable future. The Friends of Ganondagan also oversee the Iroquois White Corn Project that grows, processes, and sells the traditional heirloom corn, and creates programs for nutrition, community, and education. Exhibits Not to Miss Ganondagan's full-size Seneca Bark Longhouse is fully furnished to reflect a typical Seneca family from the late 1600s, complete with reproductions of 17th century Seneca objects and colonial-era trade goods. The Bark Longhouse is open May - October, Wednesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; weather permitting. The Seneca Art & Culture Center is a 17,300-square-foot center that tells the story of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) contributions to art, culture, and society. Designed to fit into the natural landscape, the center features an interactive, multi-media Exhibit Gallery, including a changing exhibit space, Orientation Theater (featuring the Iroquois Creation Story film), auditorium, and gift shop. The Center is open Wednesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; closed on major holidays and for winter maintenance mid-January through mid-February. The grounds surrounding the center include two signed interpretive trails that educate visitors about the significance of plant life, Haudenosaunee culture, and history. A third trail just a mile away from the center, interprets the history and the importance of Fort Hill, a large palisaded granary. Trails open year-round; dawn to dusk, weather permitting. Major Events Native American Dance & Music Festival , July Living History event , September Annual Canandaigua Treaty Day , November Group Tours Ganondagan also acts as a resource for students and educators about the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and its message of peace. Ganondagan group tours provide experiential learning opportunities for all ages. Experience historical and contemporary Seneca and Hodinöhsö:ni’ (Iroquois) culture and values, while learning about the important history of Ganondagan. Group tours must be made (at least) two weeks in advance using the Tour Request Form. This location is also a part of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum! Nearby Attractions 1794 Canandaigua Treaty – important peace agreement between the U.S. and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Haudenosaunee Family Statue – memorial honoring the Indigenous nations who first inhabited the region Victor Municipal Park – playground, fishing pond and two miles of trails Cobblestone Arts Center – community classes in art, theater, music, dance, and more

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