Museum

On Charlotte Street in Canandaigua, the Finger Lakes Wine Center is a unique aspect of the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, a 50-acre public garden and historic home site. This historic park preserves the living collection of nine historic gardens and interprets the life and legacy of the Thompson family estate. The wine center itself is housed in the historic Bay House near the conservatory and offers a selection of wines from local wineries around the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes Wine Center features private labeled wines, including varieties such as Summer House, Belvedere, Abundance, Glorietta, Garden Rosé, and Mary Red, each bottled by different local wineries like Hosmer Winery, Castel Grisch Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars, and Swedish Hill Winery. As part of the Sonnenberg Gardens, the wine center contributes to the park's mission and is supported by the nonprofit organization that oversees the estate, welcoming over 35,000 visitors annually to the gardens and historic mansion.

On North Main Street in Canandaigua, the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum is a historic federal-style mansion that showcases an extensive collection of antique carriages. The museum's main purpose is to preserve and interpret local history, offering tours of the mansion and its grounds to the public. These tours, led by knowledgeable docents, provide insight into the lives of the Granger family, who lived on the property for four generations. The museum's grounds, spanning over 12 acres, are also home to Western New York's largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles. The Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum extends its reach into the community through educational programs and events, including Homestead Days and Summer Fun Days, which cater to elementary-age students. The museum also hosts various events, such as weddings and receptions, leveraging its historic setting to create memorable experiences. With its commitment to preserving local history, the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum plays a significant role in the cultural landscape of the Finger Lakes region, inviting visitors to explore its historic property and learn about the region's rich heritage.

On North Main Street in downtown Canandaigua, the Ontario County Historical Society has served as a regional research center and repository for local history and genealogical research since 1902. As a membership-based non-profit organization, it preserves and promotes the early history of western New York, with a focus on the stories of those who have called the region home since 1789. The society's museum is open year-round, offering educational programs and rotating exhibits on topics such as the origins of western New York. The museum's collections and exhibits provide a unique window into the region's past, making it a valuable resource for researchers and history enthusiasts alike. The Ontario County Historical Society's museum features a range of exhibits and programs, including educational events and rotating displays on subjects related to local history. With its extensive resources and knowledgeable staff, the society plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the history of Ontario County, making it an important part of the community's cultural landscape. The society's commitment to education and preservation has made it a trusted institution in the region, providing a deep understanding of the area's rich history and heritage.

On Ontario Street in Canandaigua, the Ontario County Information Services serves as a hub for historical records and government operations. Established in 1789, Ontario County originally encompassed a vast area of western New York State, and its early history is retained in the county's records. The county's boundaries have since changed, with fourteen separate counties now existing in the area. The Ontario County Information Services also houses a museum, preserving the history of the region. The Information Technology Department within Ontario County Information Services plays a supporting role to all county departments and programs, providing essential services such as computer, printing, and telecommunications. The department is also responsible for the county's GIS systems, including aerial photography and associated applications. Additionally, the department offers custom mapping services and provides support for the online OnCor property mapping system, serving the needs of the local community and government agencies in the Finger Lakes region.