Foster Cottage Museum

About this museum

The Foster Cottage Museum in Clifton Springs, New York, is a hidden gem that offers free admission and a wonderfully preserved window into 19th - century life in the Finger Lakes region. Located at 9 East Main Street, this charming house museum invites visitors to step back in time and explore the domestic artifacts, period rooms, and community stories that define this small but storied village.Inside the museum, carefully curated exhibits showcase the daily life, culture, and achievements of Clifton Springs residents through the centuries. The collection spans a wide range of topics, from local industry and healthcare to military service and community organizations. Visitors interested in the history of occupational therapy will find particularly relevant materials here, as the museum preserves important connections to the field's early development. The museum staff is consistently praised for being exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable, going above and beyond to assist visitors with specific research interests.The Foster Cottage itself is a beautifully maintained historic home, and walking through its rooms feels like visiting a relative's house from another era. Exhibits throughout the building honor the individuals who shaped the Clifton Springs community, including those who made significant sacrifices for their neighbors and country. Local history enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate in the thoughtfully arranged displays that fill every room.Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the museum offers convenient weekday visiting hours for those exploring the Finger Lakes. The facility provides accessible parking, an accessible entrance, and accessible restrooms, making it welcoming to all visitors. With a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating, this free museum in Clifton Springs has earned the enthusiastic admiration of everyone who walks through its doors.If you are looking for authentic things to do in Clifton Springs or the broader Ontario County area, the Foster Cottage Museum delivers a personal, informative, and thoroughly delightful experience. Visit fostercottage.org to learn more and plan your trip.