Growing up, I went on several family vacations to historic places. I remember going to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and trying to imagine the ghosts of Civil War soldiers running through thick smoke across the battlefields, tattered flags trailing behind them and deafening cannons blasting towards the horizon. I have memories of walking around the quaint village of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, munching on tavern rolls, using a quill and ink for the first time, and watching my dad blush as a reenactor dragged him to his feet for a demonstration of period dancing. As a child, I was not particularly interested in history, but visiting these places made an impression on me nevertheless.

Now that I am a parent, I see the worth in bringing kids along. Even if they aren’t excited about war stories, and even though they’re too young to sympathize with the pains of the past, the sensory experiences that museums, artifacts, monuments, and architecture provide will ultimately plant seeds in their growing brains. By learning how the world came to be what it is today, my kids will have a deeper and wider perspective on our evolving world and what drives people to accomplish what they do. I’m hoping to help my kids find that special place where education and personal interests intersect.

Simply put: where passion and knowledge meet, good things happen.

Lucky for me, I don’t have to travel far to find options. We don’t even have to leave New York State! There are dozens of historic towns in New York within driving distance of Buffalo Niagara. It makes sense, too: before I launch my kids out into a world that is far larger than they can imagine, they ought to explore their own backyard first. The way I see it, we can start small and build up from there.

Take East Aurora, for example. I lived there for a few years and I can confidently say that this town has a rich history. Here you’ll find the house that Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States, built for his wife Abigail, where they both lived during the start of his political career. Visitors can tour the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, playroom, library, carriage barn, and surrounding gardens. Within the village there is also the famous Roycroft Campus, founded by Elbert Hubbard- an eccentric and famous fellow known for his writings, publishings, philosophies, speeches, and founding of one of the most successful arts and crafts communities in America. Guests can learn more about his life through a tour of the campus on Main Street as well as the Elbert Hubbard Museum on Oakwood Avenue.

With so much history swimming in those little brains, a stroll through Knox Farm State Park is just what the doctor ordered! This beautiful estate was built by Seymour H. Knox, and its massive size offers a marvelous opportunity to stretch one’s legs. Visitors will enjoy viewing the original buildings, rolling pastures, and paths peppered with bird houses. (And kids- don’t forget to grab a book from the Little Free Library in the Woods while you’re there!)

Most people are aware of the Corning Museum of Glass– but did you know that a significant portion of the collection was created thousands of years ago? Examine jewelry, ornaments, dishware, windows, perfume bottles, and other delicate creations, and watch live demonstrations of glass production. Since you’re already in the mood for viewing art, make the Rockwell Museum your next stop. Nestled in the Old City Hall, this museum features tin ceilings, an iron door to a former jail cell, and a collection of thousands of historical art pieces. When you stop and think about it, art is an amazing way to connect with the people of the past, because sometimes it’s hard to convey feelings in words alone.

Our list would be remiss without Lewiston, the first European settlement in Western New York! Tour the streets of 19th century buildings and imagine the many nuances of colonial life. Walk along the War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail and contemplate how much the region has grown. Visit the Tuscarora Heroes Monument and experience a moment when our Native American neighbors helped villagers escape from invading British-Canadian troops. See the Freedom Crossing Monument, which has seemingly frozen in time a moment of desperation as slaves traveled the Underground Railroad. This area is rich with stories, and the best way to experience those stories is to get up close and personal!

If you stop and think about it, every town or city in New York State has a story to tell. Even so, some places really stand out! Whether you and your family are interested in colonial life, the underground railroad, the evolution of technology, vintage entertainment, precious artifacts, or period architecture, New York State is teeming with opportunities to peek at the past, examine the present with a new lens, and create a fresh vision for the future.

If you and your family are ready to explore, take a look at our definitive list of historic towns in New York State!