12/22/2020
Bravewomenflx.com is part of a tourism campaign that welcomes New York State residents to the Finger Lakes Region to celebrate historic women trailblazers and today’s women business owners.
“Where Brave Women Winter” is the successful campaign launched last winter by a group of counties within the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC) to kick off Women’s History Month. This homage to the region’s historic trailblazers is designed to inform and inspire people to experience the area in a fresh, modern way. As the campaign enters its second season, it expands its focus to highlight innovative and creative women business owners who are blazing new trails.
The tourism initiative and the campaign website, bravewomenflx.com, are the result of an ongoing collaborative effort by Cayuga, Seneca, and Ontario counties, with additional support from Monroe County. Karen Kuhl, executive director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism, is optimistic about the opportunity to attract New York State visitors in the coming months. “While tourism certainly looks different in the current COVID-19 environment, our area hotels, historic attractions, wineries, breweries, and restaurants have worked tirelessly to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors,” she says.
According to Kuhl, the Brave Women FLX campaign connects the past with the present in a unique way by shining a light on women’s accomplishments and progress. Local women-owned marketing agency Three Needs Creative developed the concept, creative, and marketing strategy, and commissioned NY-based artist Kirsten Ulve to develop original artwork for the campaign.
“We’re excited to expand the ‘Brave Women’ story to include the incredible women who are building successful businesses all over the Finger Lakes Region,” says Kuhl. “All of the COVID-19 challenges have required a lot of grit, resilience, and courage from many of these women business owners, and we are honored to support them and lift them up with this campaign at a time they need it most.”
Due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the tourism industry is encouraging New York State residents to explore their own backyards this season. Locals and visitors can go to bravewomenflx.com for curated checklists to help them get inspired to explore the area. They’ll enjoy a firsthand look at local historic women such as Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, while also learning about the women owners behind some of the region’s successful breweries, wineries, attractions, and boutiques.
While you’re here, be sure to check out the region’s growing number of women-owned restaurants, cafes, bakeries, breweries, and wineries.
Sites incorrectly left off this map
Howland Stone Store Museum
2956 Route 34B
Aurora, NY 13026
P: (315) 730-2528
howlandstonestore.org
The museum, formerly a cobblestone store built-in 1837 by the family of Emily Howland, displays Howland’s contributions (1850-1920) to movements for the abolition of slavery, education, and women’s rights, including an original Underground Railroad pass and the largest collection of original women’s suffrage posters. Autumn & Winter 2020 – Open by appointment. Call 315-303-2145 one day in advance and leave message with date/time you wish to visit minimum; we will return call to confirm
Seward House Museum
33 South Street
Auburn, NY 13021
P: (315) 252-1283
sewardhouse.org
Home to the abolitionists and suffragists Seward Family for over 50 years. The house is open to the public for guided tours of this beautifully preserved home that houses one of the largest original collections in the US. Tours on the hour with reservations. Gardens open to the public 24/7. Grounds available to rent. CLOSED JAN & FEB.
Harriet Tubman Home
180 South Street
Auburn, NY 13021
P: (315) 252-2081
nps.gov/hart/index.htm
Known as “The Moses Of Her People,” Tubman settled in Auburn after the Civil War and operated this home for aged and indigent blacks. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad-a network of abolitionists that helped slaves escape to freedom-she made a dozen trips south over a period of 11 years. Tubman died in 1913 at her South Street property, and is buried at Fort Hill Cemetery.
Fort Hill Cemetery
19 Fort Street
Auburn, NY 13021
P: (315) 253-8132
forthillcemetery.net
Set on a hill overlooking Auburn, this site was used for burial mounds by Native Americans as early as 1100 A.D. It includes the burial sites of William Seward, Harriet Tubman, Martha Coffin Wright, Col. Myles Keogh who fought with Gen. Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn, and a monument to Indian orator Chief Logan. Please note: The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. To view a Virtual Tour of Fort Hill Cemetery.
