Our Hours

Researchers can access our historical collections Wednesday through Friday between 10 am and 4 pm. Please note, the History Discovery Center will be closed on 10/18, 10/31 thru 11/1, 11/6, 12/5, and 12/6.

Appointments are recommended for research visits to ensure the availability of materials and staff. Please call 315-252-2571, then dial 414 or email to make an appointment.

Drop-ins are welcome during operating hours of the Mary Van Sickle Wait History Discovery Center. However, an appointment will streamline your visit and enhance your research journey.

Our Collections

Our collections include maps, pamphlets, images, books and other documents for discovering local and state history and genealogy. We also have an extensive collection of Auburn newspapers on microfilm and print.

We also offer access to special equipment to aid with research and preservation. This equipment includes a slide and negative converter and a Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner, both available for checkout. A Canon Selphy 4×6 photo printer and a Scan Snap contactless scanner are available for in-library use.

For Research

The History Discovery Center offers in-person assistance with local history and genealogy research.
For out-of-room research assistance, contact us or complete the Research Request Form and mail it to:

Seymour Library
c/o History Discovery Center
176 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021

Please note: a limited amount of staff research can be conducted for requests via phone, email, or mail. For more extensive research requests, a $15/hour research fee will apply.

Exhibits, Workshops, and Lectures

Our changing exhibits discuss local objects and events within their broader historical context. Visitors are encouraged to discover more through experiential and hands-on activities.

Workshops on genealogical and house history research and image and document preservation are offered throughout the year.

Lectures by local historians will be presented at various times throughout the year and open to the community.