Indigenous and Christian Religious Sites of the Finger Lakes Preview

1

Ganandagon

Ganandagon is a state park in upstate New York, in a town near Victor. It is closest to Candaigua Lake. It is a museum and historical site where the Seneca people used to live. There are many hiking trails and statues that discuss oral and religious traditions. There is also a modern-made long house to resemble Seneca living habits and culture. The museum displays the culture and living patterns of the Iroquois nation. The goal of this museum is to remember and celebrate the origins of this town near Canadaigua lake.

2

Sacred Grove

This religious site is the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This site was the home and farmland of Joseph Smith's family, the leader of this religion. Smith at 14 recieved a vision from God and Jesus Christ in which he was inspired to start the congregatins of the LDS people. Today, it is considered a historical site in which there are many tours to choose from of this forested area, that tell the story of this momentous point in history.

3

Letchworth

This park is a beautiful part of upstate New York, with many scenic overlooks and hiking trails to admire. The founder of the park. William Letchworth started a park museum with Native artifacts of the Seneca people's religious traditions and culture, who originally inhibited Letchworth. The entire history of Letchworth State Park and the reason it was founded started with the mission to preserve Indigenous culture and honor the people of the Seneca nation who inhabited this land before us.

4

Tompkin's County

Tompkins County is located in the Ithaca area below the finger lakes in upstate New York. This area is home to the traditional and ancestral land of the Gayogohó:nǫˀ nation which is more commonly known as the Cayuga Nation; one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. The History Center in Tompkins County is a museum that recognizes and continually supports the sovereignty of the native nations who originally lived on this territory, and celebrates their culture and religious traditions

5

St. Mary's Church

St. Mary’s Church is a Catholic church. They began to build the structure in 1870. This church has beautiful Gothic architecure, and is very well kept up. This church prides itself in providing architecure as a way to gain a meaningful religious experience.

6

Willard Chapel

The site is located off of Oswego Lake in Auburn, New York. This is an educational facility that prepared thousands of pastors and missionaries to travel near and far to spread the word of God. This chapel includes beautiful architecture and history to be shared of this chapel. It is now a community center of social and cultural activity.

7

St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetry

St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, in Geneva, NY is home to many important people in history as well as an important place for Catholics. Catholic cemeteries are a place for prayer and deep respect for the deceased. In many Catholic cemeteries including the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cemetery statues and memorials remind people of their faith during times of grief. They also remind people of the life that was made possible by Christ’s life, death and resurrection.

8

Barehill Unique Area

One place we planned on including in our driving tour is Bare Hill Unique Area, Council Rock in Rushville, NY. Bare Hill Unique Area and Council Rock in Rushville is a trail by Canandaigua Lake which was the home of the Seneca Nation. Each Labor Day at Council Rock, which is at the end of one of the trails, there is a ceremonial lighting of a bonfire to start off the Festival of Lights. The Festival of Lights is celebrated by people all around Canandaigua Lake in celebration of peace and a bountiful harvest.