Cast a stone. Create a ripple.
IT’S TIME.
UPDATED: 07/08/20
DRAFT
We’re not waiting to be a museum, we are a museum in the making.
CULTURE
NATURE
STEWARDSHIP
The Finger Lakes Museum celebrates one of the most beautiful, ecologically diverse and popular regions of New York State the Finger Lakes.
Each and every story told throughout our 29-acre campus will be interactive, immersive, and educational while interwoven with the three major themes of the Museum’s mission: nature, culture, and stewardship. These exhibits and experiences will show what the Finger Lakes was, is, and can be into the future. The time for the Finger Lakes Museum is now. And now more than ever, we need a place to hope for, dream of, and make a reality for our Region. We would be honored to have you join us on this next momentous step in our journey.
Natalie J. Payne Executive Director
STATEMENT FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Now more than ever, it is imperative that a place exists that inspires and provides experiences that encompass everything Finger Lakes. The Museum serves as this place with a campaign goal dedicated to the creation of one-of-a-kind interpretative indoor and outdoor exhibits and exceptional hands-on experiences for all ages to learn from and enjoy!
WHY
WHY THE MUSEUM MAT TERS The Finger Lakes Museum building and campus will capture the immense appeal of the region and interpret its dramatic glacial beginnings, our eleven unique and magnificent lakes, the engaging stories of its peoples – past and present, and our unique and fascinating ecosystem. The Museum’s inside and outside environments will immerse visitors in discovery experiences that inspire pride, deepen appreciation, and encourage active stewardship for the protection of the region through knowledge and understanding of its cultures, lands, and abundant water resources.
THE WHY
COME INSIDE Engage your senses as you hear past and present cultures tell their stories while uncovering a complex ecology that together create a fascinating interwoven storyline where cultural and natural history are as one. Feel the chill of a melting glacier, see and hear the grinding and gouging of its advance and retreat as it leaves its imprint, forming the eleven Finger Lakes, their steep hillsides, cavernous gorges, and cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself in our most precious and unparalleled natural resource, fresh water, as you follow the flow of a natural creek bed that runs through the Museums main exhibit hall. Peer into the mysteries of smaller aquariums dotting the building, where you will learn of the various species, native and invasive, that compose today’s ecological landscape. Gaze and orient yourself at a topographical wall map featuring the eleven lakes teaching
the similarities and differences of the eleven lakes encompassing the region. Leave your legacy at our story-telling kiosks by sharing what natural feature, historic site or special destination has inspired your time here in the Finger Lakes. Peer through a window of time to see the natural wonders and diverse peoples of the Finger Lakes that once thrived here. Observe how the towering forests of our past have been transformed into the productive farms, vineyards, and places to live, work and play that you see today.
THE EXPERIENCE
*Additional exhibit experiences can be found in the appendix.
WANDER OUTDOORS Experience an outdoor playground that is truly for all ages! See, feel, and discover each of the eleven Finger Lakes in a fashion you never had the opportunity to before! Journey alongside and in the caverns at the start of the outdoor experience. Witness what types of den habitats various animals in our Finger Lakes live in. Climb a rock wall that mimics what one would see as they walk the tributaries leading into one of our many Finger Lakes and take a moment to dig, build, learn and play. Get wet (or watch others that do!) at splash park! Look out onto the entire landscape from the elevated walkway or climb up further to the top of our iconic water tower to see the real Keuka Lake in its splendor. At ground level, make a wish at a reflection pool surrounded by serene gardens.
Discover the eastern lakes while wandering through other elements within the landscape such as: a mist garden, vineyard, a small scale winery/tasting room, sycamore allee, Creekside gathering area with fire pit. Leisurely walk along gardens while observing and learning of the various native plantings that awaken through the season. Continue the garden experience where the canal story of our region will be told. Community gardens (vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits planted and maintained by FLM volunteers and community members) will abound at this point in your journey. Play where additional hands-on immersive footprints include a mirror garden, and two types of sound gardens that will keep adults and children playing a tune for hours!
THE EXPERIENCE
*Additional exhibit experiences can be found in the appendix.
TIMELINE 2008 - 2011
Museum idea conceived by Founder, John Adamski
Charter approved by NYS Board of Regents; Board of Trustees Appointed
Site selection process began; Keuka Lake site chosen
Designated Finger Lakes Regional Council Priority Project and awarded NYS Consolidated grant funding to perform site work and rehab to existing building
2012 - 2015
FLM receives Installation of ADA Construction of New direction 16-acres of wetlands Finger Lakes Foodways Site work begins – donation of kayak compliant launch/dock Creekside Center and new donated titled the program launched in 5 Asbestos abatement, and canoe fleet along Sugar Creek executive director Townsend-Grady school districts new roof, septic Wildlife Preserve
2020 - 2025
Began Partnerships solidified New office space built Work with HBT Capital Campaign programming onwith local and on-site; Timber frame Architects, BJD Planning Phase site; First Paddle national organizations lean-to’s constructed Designs, and Passero Keuka 5K for events and on-site Associates to produce programming architectural and exhibit designs and a site master plan
Secure capital funds for the buildout of the main exhibit hall and outdoor campus experiences. Begin and complete construction.
TIMELINE
2016 -2019
THE NEED The Finger Lakes Museum is needed now. As the place that enables residents and visitors to explore and enjoy all aspects of the past, present and future of the Finger Lakes, it will inspire you. All guests will be instilled with knowledge and emotion that are critical to raising awareness for our Region’s future. Awareness will in turn generate deeper understanding, appreciation, and protection of our natural and cultural resources found in the Region we so fondly believe to be one of the best in our country and world - The Finger Lakes.
THE NEED
C A M PA I G N WORKING GOAL: $20 MILLION
COMMUNITY BENEFIT The presence of the Finger Lakes Museum has a tremendous impact on our immediate community and the region as a whole. We will create jobs, business opportunities, and an improved quality of life for regional residents. Its construction is likely to add over 200 one-time jobs. Over 20 people are projected to work full time and part time with additional opportunities for volunteers and student interns, expanding on our current relationships with local schools and community. The Museum will continue contributing to the economic well-being of the region, attracting visitors by providing an experience that will encourage extended stays.
People Love Museums
Museums Serve the Public
Museums are Community Anchors
Museums Partner with Schools
Museums are for Everyone
Museums are Trusted
Museums Save Species
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Museums are Economic Engines
CALL TO ACTION With your help, we can bring the dream of the Finger Lakes Museum building and site to life.
Your support could be provided in a variety of ways: • Committed and passionate partners; • Capital contributions from private individuals, businesses, and foundations; • Spokespersons, advocates and political supporters; • Federal, state and local government grants and support; • Professional expertise and services, material donations and more. How do you fit into bringing to life the Finger Lakes Museum? Together we can make this happen.
CALL TO ACTION
I t ’s t i m e !
Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of the cultural heritage and ecological evolution of the vast Finger Lakes Region.