Genesee Country Village & Museum, located in Mumford, New York, is gearing up to host a unique event in celebration of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8. As the third largest living history museum in the U.S., the museum will transport visitors back to the 19th century for a once-in-a-century experience.
The Solar Spectacle Festival, scheduled from April 5 to April 8, will offer attendees a chance to witness the total solar eclipse with a totality duration of 3 minutes and 32 seconds. This rare astronomical event last occurred at the site in 1925 and won't happen again until 2144.
Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the 19th-century ambiance, with activities such as getting a tin-type photo taken, indulging in historically themed treats, enjoying live music and guest speakers, and experiencing a magic lantern show.
The museum's Senior Director of Interpretation highlighted the historical significance of eclipses in the 19th century, noting the era's emphasis on scientific observation and citizen participation in science. Eclipses during that time were not only experienced and understood by New Yorkers but also recognized internationally.
During the Solar Spectacle Festival, demonstrations will showcase how 19th-century individuals viewed and recorded eclipses as part of scientific data collection efforts by the Navy. Attendees will also receive complimentary eclipse viewing glasses on April 8 to safely observe the partial phases of the eclipse.
Tickets for the event are currently available for $45 per person or $200 per vehicle, with guaranteed parking included. The eclipse viewing areas will be set up on the Great Meadow and in the Vintage Baseball Field, offering exclusive viewing experiences such as renting a Victorian mansion.
For those interested in witnessing the total solar eclipse on April 8 and experiencing a unique blend of history and astronomy, the Solar Spectacle Festival at Genesee Country Village & Museum promises an unforgettable journey back in time under the darkened skies.
