In appreciation of the transformational support of Finger Lakes resident and well-known philanthropist E. Philip Saunders and his family foundation, the Finger Lakes Museum in Branchport became the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum as of July 1.
The gift from the Saunders Foundation will assist with the ongoing capital project to build out the exhibition hall of the museum. An updated logo accompanies the name change, with the iconic eagle of the museum’s original logo refreshed and segmented into 11 as a symbolic nod to the 11 lakes of the region. While the updated name and logo are tremendous changes, the museum’s mission remains steadfast and will continue celebrating the cultural and natural history stories of the region.
Located on a 30-acre campus in Branchport along the shores of Keuka Lake, the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum campus is in development. While the museum building is currently under construction and does not have open hours for visitors, there is still much to explore. Today, guests to the site can experience: a 16-acre wetland with walking trails, boardwalk, lake views and interpretative signage; a robust paddling program along Sugar Creek located at a restored timber frame barn known as the Creekside Center; a children’s natural playscape; and an outdoor exhibit titled “The 11 Lakes” which shares culture and natural history stories of all the Finger Lakes.
Construction of the new main exhibition building will begin after demolition and site prep which is planned for this fall.
For information, visit http://fingerlakesmuseum.org.
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