1890 House Museum

The 1890 House Museum is a mansion built in the châteauesque style with three stories, elaborate stonework, and stained glass windows. The rooms are furnished with pieces and objects from the 19th century that show how the former residents lived.

A wealthy businessman commissioned a prominent architect in 1890 to design this house following the style of another famous mansion. The building stands today and reflects the architectural tastes of wealthy families from that period.

The name refers to when the house was built and completed. The rooms show how wealthy families and their servants lived and worked under one roof, reflecting the social divisions of that era.

Visitors can explore the house on their own or join guided tours available on multiple days during the week. The rooms are open to the public during stated hours, so checking ahead for current times is wise.

An Irish household servant left written accounts from the early 1900s through the 1910s showing what daily work was like in service to a wealthy family. These personal records offer a rare window into the world of hired help, who usually remain unseen in historical records.

Location: Cortland

Inception: 1890

Architects: Samuel B. Reed

Architectural style: châteauesque

Part of: Tompkins Street–Main Street Historic District

Address: 37 Tompkins Street

Website: http://the1890house.org

GPS coordinates: 42.59614,-76.18222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00