Sainte Marie among the Iroquois
What is Sainte Marie?
Sainte Marie among the Iroquois is a re-creation of the French Mission that once stood on the shores of Onondaga Lake from 1656-1658. Browse the museum and learn about the 17th century culture of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), the French and their meeting here. Visit the Interpretive Center and converse with the costumed interpreters about daily life in the 1650's. Demonstrations in carpentry, blacksmithing, cooking and other unique activities are available. Group tours are gladly welcomed by appointment only. Sainte Marie is a volunteer-run organization, if you would like to become a volunteer, please call 453-6768.
On Permanent Display: Charcoal and chalk portraits by the late Nancy Duffy
Features prominent historical local Native Americans as well as founding fathers of the Syarcuse area.
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Mid-Winter Festival
Saturday, February 27 • 12 - 4pm
$5 adults; $2 children; Under free; $15 family rate
Two popular events returning this year are the Snowsnake and dog sled demonstrations. A Snowsnake is a 6 foot long narrow straight stick, skillfully carved into a streamline shape and highly polished. The ancient North American game of Snowsnake, still a popular Native American game, is played by launching a Snowsnake down a frozen snow ramp. The winner is the person with the longest throw. Fred Kennedy, a Seneca and a Snowsnake champion and instructor, will demonstrate his technique and patiently help anyone wishing to test their skill at throwing a Snowsnake.
In the visitor center a variety of tasty traditional Native American foods as well as familiar foods and beverages will be available for purchase. Indoor entertainment includes listening to Native American stories, myths and legends, watching and/or trying Native American bead working techniques and early American wool spinning.
Also visitors will able to buy unique gifts from skilled Native American crafters as well as from Ste Marie’s fully stocked Museum Store, The museum and mission site will staffed by costumed Ste Marie volunteers and open for self-guided tours.

Irish Road Bowling is coming to Central New York. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a whole new way...Visit www.IrishRoadBowling.org to register or for more information. Click here for sponsorship opportunities.
Keep History Alive...Be a Part of The New Onondaga Lake Adventure
In 2004, the Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake (FoHOL) entered into an agreement with Onondaga County Parks to provide assistance in the reopening of Ste. Marie among the Iroquois Living History Center on Onondaga Lake Parkway. Since then, the facility expanded from part-time hours to full-time, allowing school groups, tourists, researchers and residents to utilize this fantastic facility. Offering an array of period-specific programs and special guests such as PBS's Roy Underhill, Ste. Marie continues to draw in visitors and enlighten them as to the story of the brave men who traveled here in the 1650's from Canada. Under a similar agreement, FoHOL operates the gift shop at the Salt Museum and is planning to offer additional programming elated to the salt industry facility, as well as other venues in the area. These opportunities will continue to be cultivated in scope and frequency.
With the continued progress and growth that surrounds Onondaga Lake, FoHOL is poised to be a component of that growth. Looking to the future, we are embarking on a groundbreaking community initiative to transform into a rich interactive destination that will become known as the New Onondaga Lake Adventure. The crystal ball glows with possibilities such as a historic trail, archaeological discovery center, an expanded visitors' center featuring additional catering potential and a gazebo, a family entertainment center reflecting the days when the popular resort industry dotted Onondaga Lake's shores, and greater opportunities for exciting program development highlighting all aspects of the lake's noble past and events that will assist in driving economic development and growth to our community.
We are looking for others to join in this exciting journey. Our first step will be to gauge community input through a feasibility study. With continued financial support from the community, business leaders, governmental entities, tourists and more, FoHOL's growth will ensure that Onondaga Lake will continue to grow as a recreational Mecca for visitors, stimulate economic growth for our community and be a valued gem to the people of our area and their descendents for many years to come. Please consider being a part of this journey.
To make a contribution or for membership opportunities, please contact Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake, PO Box 249, Liverpool, NY 13088 or via email at parks@ongov.net.
Sainte Marie among the Iroquois is now available to reserve for your next special event!
Create your own historical occasion with a contemporary reception in the museum, a wedding at the 17th century chapel or a special event througout the facility.
Capacity: 180 inside/350 in area
Cost: $110-$330
Reservations: (315) 453-6768
| Hours |
Closed for the season Christmas Around the World Hours: November 27 - December 19 Fridays & Saturdays • 5-9pm |
| Admission |
Christmas Around the World Admission: $1 per person or Free with a Lights on the Lake ticket |
| School Tours | Click here |
| Contact | Physical Address: 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway Liverpool, NY 13088 Mailing Address: 106 Lake Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 (315) 453-6768, fax (315) 453-6772 |
| Directions | Click here |
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The Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake is proud to be a member of the Arts & Cultural Leadership Alliance of Central New York. Click here for more information and a list of current members.



























