History Tours
& Nature Hikes
With a life-long passion for history, a local family background over four generations deep—and a history degree from SUNY Brockport to boot—there is no better person to introduce you to Brockport’s vibrant past. Whether we’re stripping through the various layers of Main Street’s architecture, peeking into the Victorian elite’s velvet-draped parlors or exploring the seedy underbelly of Brockport’s industrial period, you will leave feeling informed, surprised and entertained. If you’re interested in learning a little about the area’s natural history I’m happy to show you some places I’ve observed in nearby Northampton Park.
Historic Walking Tour of Brockport NY
Take a walking tour through Brockport’s history from 500 million years ago to today, as we visit the landmarks and highlights of this surprisingly important little village on the Erie Canal. Learn about the forces that combined to make Brockport the birthplace of the American Agricultural Revolution and a center of industrial innovation into the 20th Century, and the scandalous series of events that led to its founding. With your expert guide you’ll see Brockport’s charming Victorian Main Street and vital canal waterfront, the 190 year-old campus of SUNY Brockport, and historic homes of the village’s founding families and local celebrities. This tour can also be done as a talk at the Seymour Public Library or Java Junction Coffee Shop.
Spirits of Brockport Walking Tour
Brockport’s quaint storefronts, church steeples and homes hide two centuries of bloody history, from its fractured founding by two bitter rivals to its more subdued modern era. Over this age-appropriate tour which can take place at day or dusk, you’ll learn about the violence of America’s original “Wild West”, a shocking political murder that took place right on Main Street, and a homicide trial in which the defendant was… a dog? You’ll never see Brockport quite the same after you take this tour.
Nature Walk in Northampton Park
There’s no better place to learn about the native flora and fauna of our little spot on the globe than at Northampton Park—it’s relatively easy terrain and multiple hiking loops of various lengths make it the perfect place for people who want to get acquainted with a typical Northeastern temperate forest. On this walk in the woods you’ll learn the names and characteristics of the local trees and other plants in any season, and whatever wildlife surprises us along the way—and hopefully increase your respect for our natural surroundings. This walk can be made in all but the most adverse conditions at your discretion.
If there is a location in Western New York for which you’d like me to develop a personal historic tour or nature hike, please reach out to see if it is something I put together.