CORTLAND GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Inside the 1890 House: A Guided Walk Through Chester F. Wickwire’s Home
Guided tours of the 15,000-square-foot 1890 House Museum run 60–90 minutes and trace two generations of the Wickwire family—this guide explains what to expect, accessibility limits, and booking essentials.
Inside the 1890 House: A Guided Walk Through Chester F. Wickwire’s Home.
Set in Cortland, New York, the 1890 House Museum preserves the late-19th-century residence of inventor and industrialist Chester F. Wickwire. A guided visit moves through the sprawling 15,000-square-foot home, presenting the domestic life and material culture of the Wickwire family across two generations and offering an intimate look at a bygone era.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An Inventor’s House, Intact
Built for Chester F. Wickwire, the home stands as a sizeable example of late-19th-century domestic architecture and industrial-era prosperity, with interiors that reflect the household life of its original owner.
Two Generations on Display
Tours trace the Wickwire family story from the pre-1890 period through 1973, letting visitors follow changes in taste, technology, and daily life across generations.
Active Restoration, Active Learning
The museum is an active preservation site; restoration projects are ongoing and occasionally affect normal operations, which is why docent availability and scheduling can vary.
What the day feels like
What the Guided Visit Feels Like
A docent-led tour guides a small group through the house’s multiple floors and rooms, placing furniture, finishes, and household objects in the context of the Wickwire family’s life. The pace is explanatory rather than hurried—the recommended way to absorb the scale of the residence and the layered family narrative preserved in its rooms.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits—and who should plan around limitations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guided tours typically run between 60 and 90 minutes—plan at least an hour for a full visit.
Bring valid photo ID if seeking military or student pricing; supervise young children at all times to protect artifacts and ensure safety.
Tours are subject to docent availability and the museum’s ongoing restoration work; if you are traveling from afar call 607-756-7551 to confirm hours, availability, or to arrange a group visit.
Adults $15; Seniors (65+) $12; Military and Students (with ID) $10; Children 6–18 $5; children 5 and under free—note supervision requirements for young children.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the guided tour last?
Guided tours are 60–90 minutes long.
What are the admission rates and discounts?
Adults $15; Seniors (65+) $12; Military and Students (with valid ID) $10; Children 6–18 $5; children 5 and under are admitted free.
Are children allowed to visit?
Yes—children 5 and under are free; children must be supervised by an adult and may not wander the museum unaccompanied.
Are upper floors accessible to visitors with mobility challenges?
No—tours visit upstairs floors that are not accessible to those who are mobility-challenged; contact the museum in advance for accessibility information.
Do I need to book in advance?
Because tours are subject to docent availability and the museum undertakes restoration projects that can affect hours, it’s recommended to call 607-756-7551 to confirm your visit and/or book in advance.
Can I arrange a group tour?
Yes—group tours are available for 10 or more guests; contact the museum for special group pricing and scheduling.