The internationally acclaimed Center for Mark Twain Studies was established in 1983 and hosts “The Trouble Begins at Eight” lecture series each spring and fall in the Barn at Quarry Farm—the author’s summer home. The lectures are provided by Twain scholars from across the country and are open to the public. The Center also provides free tours of the Mark Twain Study, where the author penned many of his greatest classics, and the nearby Mark Twain Exhibit.

Newtown Battlefield State Park sits high on a forested hilltop with a commanding view of the Chemung River Valley below. It is located in the beautiful Southern Tier area of New York State, near Elmira. Full of pristine, quiet, natural beauty, and rich with history going back hundreds of years, the park is an excellent location for anyone searching for any of these things. In 1779, General George Washington ordered General John Sullivan to gather an army and form an offensive against the Iroquois Nations and their allies. Because of repeated attacks against the white settlers, his orders were ...

The Board of Trustees of the John W. Jones Museum is committed to restoring John W. Jones' house as an interactive museum commemorating the life and work of the former slave, who as an Underground Railroad Station Master, safely assisted nearly 800 slaves' flight to Canada and was responsible for the dignified burial of nearly 3000 Confederate soldiers. The museum will highlight the history of African Americans who settled in the Southern Tier of New York and the activity of local abolitionists. The museum will emphasize Elmira's role as the only regular agency and published station on the ...

Take a walk through time and discover treasures from the past. The Chemung Valley History Museum strives to present history in unique and dynamic ways. At its museum, the Society offers resources on the history of the Chemung River Valley region through collections focusing on the Southern Tier of New York State and neighboring Northern Pennsylvania. We "bring history alive" through interpretive exhibitions, education programs, and publications. The Society provides a setting for life-long learning. It's worth a visit!

We are pragmatic preservationists with a clear understanding that historic preservation is directly linked to enhancing economic well being in Elmira. Through community education, advocacy, collaboration and facilitation, we seek to strengthen the efforts of individuals and other organizations in our community that share our vision. Historic Elmira operates on a voluntary basis, without paid staff. Expenses and the work done to support its mission are the responsibility of the members of its board of trustees and other volunteers. Historic Elmira is not a funding agency. However, we will help ...

Over 25 years of providing historic tours in downtown Elmira.

Eldridge Park is a fun placefor everyone in the community to spend their day. Whether you're here to walkyour dog, fish in the lake, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy one of our manyattractions, Eldridge Park has something for you! In 2006, the Eldridge ParkCarousel Preservation Society restored the historic Eldridge Park carousel. Installed in the park in 1924, it is well known as the fastest traditional carousel in the United States.Since then, the preservation society has worked to add the Dance Hall, JasperII motorized boat, paddle boats, Mark Twain Miniature Golf Course, 9-Hole Disc Golf ...

The purpose of the Society is to: Promote an appreciation of our heritage by developing knowledge and understanding of Big Flats history in the minds of all of its inhabitants.  Relate the present to the past so that Big Flats citizens may more fully realize the changes taking place about them.  Cooperate enthusiastically with other groups and institutions in projects which contribute toward a higher quality community life.  Collect and preserve information, documents, and objects of historical significance.

Historical Society & Gift Shop OPEN Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 12 - 3 pm. and by appointment. Zim House: Tours by appointment