Groups & Guided Tours
Ganondagan group tours provide experiential learning opportunities for all ages. Experience historical and contemporary Seneca and Hodinöhsö:ni’ (Iroquois) culture and values, while learning about the important history of Ganondagan.
Schedule A Group Tour
Contact Kristin Asche
Phone: (585) 924-5848
Email: kristin.asche@parks.ny.gov
Spring School Tour Reservations - begin on January 2
Fall School Tour Reservations - begin on May 1
Booking Information
- Group tours must be made (at least) two weeks in advance
- 10-person group minimum
- All reservations must include a signed NYS Tour Agreement and be accompanied by a 50% deposit or purchase order payable to Ganondagan State Historic Site (to confirm and hold the date).
Group Tour Admission
$6 - Adults
$5 - Seniors
$5 - Students (5 yrs - college)
November-April Group Tour Programs
Two-hour program consisting of:
Creation Story Film- This award-winning film was based off the Iroquois Creation Story as told by Chief John Arthur Gibson. Told through a combination of live action and animation, the film portrays the story of Sky Woman and the creation of Turtle Island. (Film is 16 minutes long)
Gallery Tour- Ganondagan Interpreters will guide your group for a formal tour of the gallery. The Gallery contains important artifacts and reproductions which tell the the history of Ganondagan , a large-scale town model of the 17th century town, historical and contemporary Hodinöhsö:ni’ life, Wampum and the contributions of Hodinöhsö:ni’ women on American society in our newest exhibit, Hodinöhsö:ni’ Women: From the Time of Creation.
And ONE of the following options:
Cornhusk Doll Workshop- Students will hear the story of the cornhusk doll and have the opportunity to make their own doll to take home with them. (Available November 1-April 30)
Indoor Games- Students will get to play a “fireside” game played in the wintertime by Hodinöhsö:ni’ people, Gasgë’ëhse:ta’ (Deer Buttons). This game is played by two or more players and is played by throwing the deer buttons on a table or mat trying to get them to land in specific combinations similar to Yahtzee. Score is kept using dried beans and the team with the most beans wins the game! Students will also have the opportunity to play an indoor version of Hoop & Javelin! In this “Nerf” style game students throw a javelin at a moving hoop, attempting to get their javelin tip through the center of the hoop. (Available November 1-April 30)
Storytelling- Traditional stories with Ganondagan’s talented Native American Interpreters.
May - October Group Tour Program
Two-hour program consisting of three activities:
Creation Story Film- This award-winning film was based off the Iroquois Creation Story as told by Chief John Arthur Gibson. Told through a combination of live action and animation, the film portrays the story of Sky Woman and the creation of Turtle Island. (Film is 16 minutes long)
Gallery Tour- Ganondagan Interpreters will guide your group for a formal tour of the gallery. The Gallery contains important artifacts and reproductions which tell the the history of Ganondagan , a large-scale town model of the 17th century town, historical and contemporary Hodinöhsö:ni’ life, Wampum and the contributions of Hodinöhsö:ni’ women on American society in our newest exhibit, Hodinöhsö:ni’ Women: From the Time of Creation.
Seneca Bark Longhouse - Experience 17th century Seneca lifestyles through interpretation and material culture including, tools, trade objects, utensils, clothing and other objects used by the of the Seneca people. A Native American Interpreter will be with your group for a formal presentation in the Longhouse. (Available May 1- October 31)
Extend Your Ganondagan Experience
For an additional per student fee your Ganondagan experience can be extended. Each additional program option is a 45 minute session. Lunch space is available to break the day up.
Trail of Peace Walk – Walk this grassland trail with a Native American Interpreter and learn the history of the 17th century Seneca village site. (Available May 1- October 31)
Earth is Our Mother – Walk along this wooded trail with a Native American Interpreter and learn from an ethnobotanical perspective the importance and uses of the trees and plants. (Only Available May 1- October 31)
Longball – Break into teams and play a traditional Hodinöhsö:ni’ game that is similar to Baseball and Dodgeball combined. (Available May 1- October 31)
Storytelling- Enjoy a session traditional storytelling as told by our talented Native American Interpreters.
Group Admission
$6 - Adults
$5 - Seniors
$5 - Students (preschool - college)