American values take shape in the objects we make, desire, cherish, and discard. A table laden with ripe fruit, a meal served up at a luncheonette, the inside of a medicine cabinet—ordinary materials around us chronicle our lives. The still life, a genre of art that dates back to the ancient world, captures those objects of everyday life while often conveying deeper meanings and hidden messages.

On view this spring in the museum's community gallery, the Gallery Obscura, are photographs and writings by members of the 2025–2026 Studio 678 Photo Club at the Flower City Arts Center, reflecting the students’ unique visions of the world around them.

In the Project Gallery, the interrelated series Patterns and Fabrications show Baum's recent explorations of the visual and material culture of fashion and craft. In Patterns, the artist activates the lines, forms, patterns, colors, and texts found in the abstract world of mid-century sewing patterns. Fabrications continues from Patterns by opening into a broader visual culture of magazines, catalogs, and books related to fashion and craft, as well as the advertisements and coupons found within. Together, these series reframe the domestic imaginary present in the printed materials Baum recontextualizes. Engaging in textual and visual play, Baum invites us to experience what was once familiar in unexpected new ways.

In his seven-minute video, The Hikers (2019), Rashid Johnson presents a chance encounter between two Black men in an environment where they never expected to see each other. Two masked men—one ascending, the other descending—come upon each other in the mountains in Aspen, Colorado. They dance, and in an exquisite moment of recognition, they remove their masks that manifest anxiety. What unfolds is a narrative of connection, an exchange of platonic love, and independence.

Looking to expand or condense your Trading Card collection? Bring your library of TCG and sports cards to Great Lakes Gaming from 5:00PM to 10:00PM on Friday, May 8th for our Trading Card Show! Buy, sell, and trade with vendors and fellow collectors from around Western New York in Rochester's most unique gaming space.

Take an open-air safari bus tour or self-drive through our 63 acre park for an up close and personal experience to view and feed exotic animals such as camels, zebra, llama, emu, bison, and many more. Leave time to walk among, pet, and feed smaller, friendly animals in our Small Animal Adventure. Fun for the whole family. Tours run 10:30am to 3:30pm. Park grounds are open 10am to 5pm. Order tickets online. Purchase a COMBO (park tour with SAA) for best value. Kids age 2 and under go free. The adventure is closer than you think.

This introductory course covers the basics of cat body language as well as how to have safe and successful interactions with cats of all temperaments. Cats are often misunderstood and at times, their behaviors can be difficult to understand, even for experienced cat owners. This course will explore the many ways in which our feline companions communicate and how we, as humans, can better understand them. This course will also discuss cat socialization and behavior modification.

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Monroe Community College: You and your family & friends are invited to the 2026 Pink & Teal Challenge from the Breast Cancer Coality of Rochester! Includes a 5k Women only run or all-inclusive, family friendly walk. In-Person, or virtual - your choice! Early Bird Registration Special – Save $10! Register Between December 1st – 31st and pay only $20 + processing fee (regularly $30). Walk or Run and Have FUN! Check this off your “To-Do” list and sign up today!

The national phenomenon Listen to Your Mother (LTYM) is coming to Rochester for a one night only performance at The Hochstein School on Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 pm. Founded by National Director Ann Imig in 2010, LTYM has been performed in 50+ cities around the country. The LTYM Rochester show is presented by the Flower City Writers Collective in association with The Center for Teen Empowerment. Co-producers are Christine Green, Terri Lee, Taylor Terrance, and Erin Waller.

Step back in time as you cruise along the historic Erie Canal. Live narration brings to life the bold vision that transformed a hare-brained idea into an engineering marvel that opened the American West. Travel through a working lock, soak in the scenery, and relax as history unfolds around you.

Throughout the 19th Century, many farm families desired to have something to sell each week throughout the year. In addition to crops and livestock, products from the woodlot might create winter time work. Often, other cottage industries would fill the hours and money bag during the winter hours. Broom making was sometimes that craft. Drift into history with us for a few hours as your hands partake in all the processes of making a hand-stitched whisk broom.

For Grades 3+

Seneca Park Zoo is not only home to many animals from all over the globe but also an excellent habitat for our local birds! Unleash your inner birder and view the Zoo in a different way while learning about the different types of birds that call this park and Rochester home. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair. All birding skill levels welcome! The tour goes from 8:00 am to 9:30 am (remember, early bird catches the worm)!

Looking for a special gift for mom?

An ensemble of voices and historical instruments, directed by Stephen Kennedy, performs the 30-minute sung liturgy by candlelight. Organ preludes at 8:50 PM precedes Compline each week.

Savor the lush landscapes of the Genesee River as you cruise south past the University of Rochester, through Genesee Valley Park, and onto the Erie Canal. As you relax on the water, live narration will reveal the stories of how these historic waterways shaped our community. Your journey ends with a spectacular view of Rochester’s skyline as you’ve never seen it. Lunch is optional.

Our Mother’s Day Brunch is a wonderful way to celebrate Mom’s special day! With delectable brunch favorites, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options, a cash bar, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Savor a delicious chef-inspired meal made in-house in the Museum’s Meeting Center dining room, then head out into the Historic Village to explore all of the daily happenings.