Artifacts, Exhibits, and Apparitions: Six Must-See Museums

Hidden among the historical artifacts in exhibits across New York are the spirits of lives long past. At the Saratoga Springs History Museum, these spirits resemble the elite upper class that once resided in the town. At the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, NY, these are the orphaned and immigrant children, many of whom died through tragic boating accidents or by drowning in the waters of the canal. And at the Dr. Best House & Medical Museum, you'll find a time capsule from the earliest form of medicine, with medical apparatuses that will turn your blood cold... 

Six spooky locations along the Haunted History Trail contain these treasured memories. Curious to learn more? The spirits are happy to help you explore their living history.

Historic Palmyra WM. Phelps General Store and Historic Palmyra Museum

Lovingly dubbed “the most haunted place in the Finger Lakes,” over 190 years of activity have been recorded at the Historic Palmyra WM. Phelps General Store and Historic Palmyra Museum. But it should come as no surprise – the stories that come out of this location are tragic, devastating, and downright shocking. One story tells of a fire that ravaged the building just before Christmas, claiming the lives of seven family members, including a mother and her children ages two to eight years old. Another involves a murder, a man stabbed to death – though the details regarding who and why are still unknown.

If you want to learn more, you need only ask. The museum isn’t shy about letting visitors seek out its spirits and offers ghost hunts seven days a week with a minimum of four people. The old General Store is sure to intrigue and fascinate, but it’s only the beginning. Whispers fill the air, guests have been known to feel a touch or poke, and the young family who passed still comes out to play from time to time…

Museum of Wayne County History

Also found in the Finger Lakes is a museum whose reputation proceeds it. William Fee was the only man ever hanged in Wayne County, but to say was laid to rest in 1860 is simply not true. The jail operates today, not as a penitentiary, but as the Museum of Wayne County History. All 24 cells remain, and so does William Fee – his ghost is known to walk the cellblock to this day.

Ghost hunts and paranormal investigations are available by appointment, and guided historical tours are offered daily. See the 13 rooms of exhibition space and immerse yourself in the past, visit a seasonal Carriage House, see the original inmate artwork that still decorates the walls of the jail, and set foot in the very spot where Fee took his last, living breath.

Erie Canal Museum

In Syracuse, NY, things get eerie on the Erie Canal. Listen closely and you might hear a pair of arguing men who never seem to settle their ongoing debate, tromping through the 150-year-old hallways of the Erie Canal Museum. Or catch a glimpse of a woman, killed where the model canal boat now sits. Or see a group of see-through children playing in the courtyard – perhaps happier now in death than they ever were in life.

Docent-led history tours include the recounting of paranormal activity that occurs, or the facility can be rented for private events. Erie Canal history tours are available daily. Whichever way you choose to experience this stop, you’ll be sure to have a tale to tell about this monumental waterway.  

Starr Clark Tin Shop & Underground Railroad Museum

The Underground Railroad is engrained in one of America’s darker moments in history – and its significance comes to life at Starr Clark Tin Shop & Underground Railroad Museum. Abolitionist and tinsmith Starr Clark hosted meetings and gave refuge to African-American slaves in the building where the museum now stands. Many artifacts remain from that era and might just be the cause of the unusual activity that mysteriously happens there. Paranormal investigators have found the site to be “very interesting,” and others have reported shadows, voices, and the feeling of being touched.

The museum is now open by appointments only. Please call 315-963-7853 to book a guided tour or paranormal investigation. 

Saratoga Springs History Museum and Historic Canfield Casino

At the Saratoga Springs History Museum and Historic Canfield Casino, unusual events were once sporadic and infrequent. But after the opening of an antique clothing exhibit featuring garments from Saratoga Springs’ most influential families (now all deceased), activity increased – exponentially. The Walworth family in particular had a tumultuous history and could be the cause of it all – from an abusive marriage, to a scandalous divorce, and eventually, a murder.

Guests visiting the museum have seen full body apparitions of a woman in Victorian-era clothing, objects moving on their own, the smell of cigars, carpets pushed against doors in locked rooms, and a hostile presence on the third floor. Just come and see for yourself. The museum offers pre-scheduled ghost tours from June through October and is open year-round for self-guided tours and exploration.

Dr Best House & Medical Museum

This Victorian house and office has witnessed many a death in its lifetime, including that of Dr. Best, his beloved son, and young wife. It should come as no surprise that investigators have captured recordings of distant voices, those souls still lingering from the beyond. Visit, and hear the tales of deaths and misfortune in this small, rural community with original obituaries, photos and death certificates.

Guided historical haunted tours as well as professional investigations are available by reservation. Special events are often held throughout the year, sharing the ghostly happenings at this haunted home with guests. 

Explore our website for information on guided tours, ghost hunts, and public and private investigations. Or call these must-see museums directly for tour times or questions about haunted happenings.