What is the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum?
The Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum is a museum of agricultural history and country living located in Emerson Park on the north shore of Owasco Lake in Auburn, New York. It features the farm and home implements, tools, and antiques that revolutionized the American way of life. Admission is free, with donations appreciated, and as of January 1, 2026, the museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
What the Museum Offers
The museum focuses on two connected themes: agriculture and country living. Its exhibits center on the tools and objects that shaped how Americans farmed, worked, and lived at home.
- Farm and home implements — equipment used in agricultural work and household life
- Tools — hand tools and related implements from earlier eras
- Antiques — historical objects tied to rural and domestic life
The collection is framed around how these items "revolutionized the American way of life," so visitors can expect an interpretive look at everyday history rather than fine art or industrial machinery alone.
Location and Setting
The museum sits inside Emerson Park, on the north shore of Owasco Lake. That setting makes it easy to combine a museum visit with other outdoor activities:
- Picnicking in the park
- Swimming at the public beach
If you are planning a trip around the museum, the park location means you can treat the visit as part of a longer outing rather than a standalone stop.
Hours and Admission
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hours (effective January 1, 2026) | Monday through Sunday, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. |
| Admission | Free |
| Donations | Appreciated |
| Special hours | Adjusted hours apply during the Festival of Trees event |
The key practical points: there is no admission fee, donations are welcomed, and the daily schedule runs seven days a week. If you plan to visit during the Festival of Trees, check for special hours for that event, since the standard schedule may not apply.
Getting Involved
The museum invites volunteers and states that all skill levels and talents are needed. If you are interested in supporting the museum beyond a visit, volunteering is the pathway the site highlights.
Who This Is For
This museum suits visitors interested in:
- Agricultural history and rural life
- Historical tools, implements, and antiques
- A free, family-friendly stop in the Auburn, New York area
- Combining a museum visit with time at Owasco Lake and Emerson Park
If you are looking for a low-cost historical outing in the Finger Lakes region, the combination of free admission, daily hours, and a lakeside park setting is the main draw.