Cortland Curiosities

06/17/2026

The revolutionary history of New York Central College in McGraw, New York was nearly lost to time...until it was rediscovered six feet under.

Long before the Civil War, New York Central College was changing America. It welcomed women and African American students, employed Black professors, and challenged the status quo from a hilltop in rural Cortland County. Today, little remains of the groundbreaking institution itself, but the stories of those who studied there still linger beneath the soil.

In Part I of this journey into one of Cortland County's most remarkable forgotten places, explore the rise of New York Central College and the legacy it left behind.

Then follow the trail to the college cemetery, where history refuses to stay buried.

Visit cortlandcuriosities.com/trails/ to explore the New York Central College Cemetery and uncover one of New York's most fascinating forgotten stories.

06/15/2026

This looks like a spooky good time!

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06/15/2026

Love wasn't always a swipe away.

Step inside the 1890 House Museum on June 20 & 21 and discover how young Victorians navigated romance, courtship, and the rules of love at the dawn of a new century.

From secret meanings hidden in flowers and fans to the changing idea of marrying for love, this special tour explores the customs that inspired everything from Bridgerton to The Gilded Age.

For more info visit the1890house.org

06/13/2026

What did the ghost parent say to their kids before the road trip?

"Fasten your sheet belts." 👻

Ready for a few strange detours of your own? Discover haunted tales, forgotten legends, and curious places hiding across Cortland County at cortlandcuriosities.com.

Your next misadventure is waiting.

06/10/2026

In today's tales from the vault, we venture into part II of the haunting of the Glen Haven Hotel. 👻

A Cortland County hotel so beloved guest refuse to leave, even when they are the dearly departed.

Have you ever visited the Glen Heaven on Skaneateles Lake?

06/08/2026

Long before Cortland County had roads, railroads, or village greens, this ground was part of a much larger story.

On June 17, join Jake Haiwhagai’i Edwards of the Onondaga Eel Clan at the Cortland County Historical Society for The Divided Ground: Indigenous Sovereignty and the Agony of the American Revolution.

History is rarely as simple as the version found in schoolbooks. Come explore the complicated story beneath our feet.

06/06/2026

Who did the ghost invite to the party?
Any old friend he could dig up. 👻⚰️

Ready to dig up your next misadventure? Wander through haunted history, strange legends, and forgotten places across Cortland County at https://cortlandcuriosities.com/trails/

06/04/2026

In today's tales from the vault, we visit a hotel so beloved guest refuse to leave, even when they are the dearly departed. 👻

Have you ever braved at stay at the haunted Glen Heaven Hotel on the shores of Skaneateles Lake?

06/01/2026

Step into SUNY Cortland’s legendary concert history during the Musical Legacy Sculpture and Memorabilia Display on Friday, June 5 as part of Cortland Arts Connect First Friday. 🎶

Explore rare memorabilia from iconic campus performances between 1960–1990, discover the interactive “Unlimited Improv” sculpture by artist Scott Oldfield, and see the historic Steinway piano played by Billy Joel during his 1972 and 1974 SUNY Cortland performances.

📍 Corey Union | SUNY Cortland
📅 Friday, June 5
🕔 Free community event

From Ronnie James Dio to Earth, Wind & Fire, uncover the music history that once made Cortland one of New York’s loudest stages.

05/29/2026

This weekend, treasure hunters have two chances to uncover something curious in Cortland County. 🖤Spend May 29–30 searching for potentially haunted artifacts at these 2 unique sales:

Timeless Treasures Sale
📍 9 Grace Street, Cortland
🗓️ May 29 & 30 | 9 AM–3

Spring Rummage Sale
📍 4386 US Route 11, Cortland
🗓️ May 29 | 9 AM–4 PM
🗓️ May 30 | 9 AM–3 PM

Whether you’re chasing antiques, forgotten relics, unusual finds, or a piece of local history, you never know what stories are waiting to be uncovered.

Happy hunting, curious souls.👻

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