How to Visit the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum
The Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum is a free-admission museum of agricultural history and country living, located in Emerson Park on the north shore of Owasco Lake. As of January 1, 2026, it is open Monday through Sunday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., with special hours during the Festival of Trees event. Admission is free and donations are appreciated. It suits anyone interested in the farm and home implements, tools, and antiques that shaped the American way of life, and it pairs well with a park visit since you can picnic or swim at the public beach afterward.
What you'll see
The museum features the farm and home implements, tools, and antiques that revolutionized the American way of life. Its focus is agricultural history and country living rather than a single collection, so expect a broad look at the equipment and household objects behind everyday rural life.
Hours and admission
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard hours | Monday–Sunday, 10 A.M.–4 P.M. (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Festival of Trees | Special museum hours apply for that event |
| Admission | Free |
| Donations | Appreciated |
Two things are worth checking before you go. First, the posted daily hours take effect January 1, 2026, so if you are planning a visit before that date, confirm the current schedule rather than assuming the same times. Second, the Festival of Trees runs on its own special hours, so check those separately if your visit coincides with the event.
Getting there and around
The museum is located in Emerson Park on the north shore of Owasco Lake. Because it sits inside a public park, you can build the visit into a longer outing:
- Picnic — after visiting the museum, enjoy a picnic in the park.
- Swim — the public beach is available if you want to swim.
This makes the museum easy to combine with a half-day or full-day trip rather than a quick stop.
Volunteering
The museum welcomes volunteers and states that all skill levels and talents are needed. If you are interested, the site directs you to learn more through its volunteer page. This is a reasonable option if you want ongoing involvement rather than a one-time visit.
Quick planning checklist
- Confirm the date-specific hours — standard 10 A.M.–4 P.M. daily from January 1, 2026, or Festival of Trees hours during that event.
- Plan for free admission, and bring a donation if you wish to support the museum.
- Set aside time for Emerson Park — picnic areas and the public beach are right there.
- Check the volunteer page if you'd like to get involved beyond a single visit.