The Seward House Museum (SHM) in Auburn has received a national award for its Rooted in Reform exhibit, which shines a light on the founding and history of Auburn Prison.
SHM staff were in Cincinnati, Ohio, last week to receive the National Award for Leadership in History at the American Association for State and Local History’s (AASLH) annual conference, making them the only New York State museum to be recognized at the event. They were announced as winners in June.
Speaking to FLX Local Media, SHM Executive Director Billye Chabot said it was an incredible honor to be chosen.
“The American Association for State and Local History is this country’s industry standard for American history, so to be honored with a leadership in history award from the organization is incredible; [it’s] so wonderful to receive that kind of honor.”
This is not the first accolade Rooted in Reform has received. Earlier this year, the Museum Association of New York awarded the museum a Board of Directors Special Achievement Award of Distinction for the exhibit. An article on Rooted in Refor was also featured in Exhibition, a premier journal for the museum industry.
Conceived in 2023 and launched in 2024, the exhibit explores the history of the prison and the Seward family’s connection to the prison and the prison system. Rooted in Reform will remain up at the museum until the end of the year.
To view the exhibit, visit sewardhouse.org for operating hours and tour schedules.
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