Onondaga Historical Association

On March 28, 1981, Sugar Ray Leonard stepped into the Carrier Dome in Syracuse and successfully defended his WBC welterweight title against Larry Bonds in front of 21,000 fans. Although Leonard controlled most of the fight, Bonds put up a stronger challenge than many anticipated. But in the 10th round, Leonard delivered a decisive knockdown, leading to a technical knockout victory moments later.

On this day in 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “This Side of Paradise” was published, launching the career of one of America’s most iconic writers. But did you know Fitzgerald had a connection to Syracuse? As a child, he briefly lived in the city from 1901 to 1903 while his father worked for Procter & Gamble. Though his time in Syracuse was short, it was one of many stops in his early life that shaped his perspective and perhaps his later writings.

Final Days: 20% Off All Apparel! March is almost over—less than one week left to save 20% on all apparel at our Gift Gallery! Silk Scarves – Featuring elegant designs from historic Syracuse China plates. Silk Ties – Inspired by the Franklin Automobile, Mayors of Syracuse, and an 1895 map of Syracuse. Socks – Unique styles that showcase our city’s history! Shop online with promo code APPAREL25 or visit us in-store before the month ends! Shop Apparel: https://lnkd.in/gnPgPc_d

Walking & Talking Wednesdays are back! Spanning from spring to summer, our Walking & Talking Wednesdays give you the chance to spend your mid-week lunch hour with Curator of History Robert Searing, listening to some local history as you get in a midday walk around town. Tours leave at 12:00 pm from 321 Montgomery Street and last for 45-60 minutes. Tickets are $20 each, or $15 for OHA Members. 2 Different Tours Available this year! Footsteps in Freedom: April 9, May 7, June 4, July 9, and August 6 Tour covers a wide array of topics including abolition, architecture, and the role of the Erie Canal. The Heart of Syracuse: April 23, May 21, June 18, July 23, and August 20 Take a stroll down memory lane of the past downtown businesses, the railroad that traveled through the downtown streets, and some of the city's lost historical treasures. Reserve your spot at shop.cnyhistory.org/events

It takes the legacy of many hands to build a community. Since 1945, the Onondaga Historical Association Medal Award has recognized distinguished contributions to the cause of preserving and interpreting Onondaga County history. The 2025 OHA Medal honorees are the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, professional sculptor Sharon BuMann, and the partnership between Franklin Properties, MacKnight Architects, and MCK Building Associates. The 2025 OHA Medal Breakfast Ceremony is slated for on May 22 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Syracuse Marriott Downtown. Stay tuned for more event details and ticket sales in the coming weeks! For more information, contact OHA Director of Development Lorna Oppedisano at lorna.oppedisano@cnyhistory.org.

March is Women's History Month! Celebrate the incredible women who shaped New York’s past with "Remarkable Women in New York History" by Marilynn Smiley. From Harriet Tubman’s fight for freedom in Auburn to Linda Tetor’s advocacy for senior citizens, this book uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of women across the state. Find your copy in our Gift Gallery or order online! Order online: https://lnkd.in/grTxJfjx #WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay

On the latest "Repeating History" on WCNY, OHA Curator of History Robert Searing sits down with Dr. Kate Masur, Professor of History at Northwestern University and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, to explore what citizenship meant in Antebellum America for free and enslaved people. From the infamous Dred Scott decision to the groundbreaking Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment, they dive into how race shaped law and politics and why birthright citizenship is still being debated today. Don’t miss this deep dive into America’s past and present. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/g4KH9iT3

On this day in 1998, it was announced that Syracuse University graduate and Elmira native, Colonel Eileen Collins would command the next NASA mission aboard the space shuttle Columbia, becoming the first woman to command a space shuttle in American history. Photo Credit: The White House Historical Association.

The first cases of what would become the historic influenza pandemic of 1918, later known as the Spanish flu, were reported on this day in Fort Riley, Kansas. The pandemic would go on to kill roughly 675,000 Americans and between 20 and 50 million people worldwide. During the outbreak, Onondaga County, particularly Syracuse, became an epicenter in the northeast. The outbreak intensified when troops from Boston brought the virus to Camp Syracuse, a military mobilization site established in 1917 at the New York State Fairgrounds. By mid-September, hundreds of soldiers were infected, and despite a quarantine order on September 28, many were transported to city hospitals using public streetcars, facilitating the virus's spread. In early October, Syracuse Mayor Stone shut down public gatherings, including churches and schools, for three weeks, yet the pandemic still resulted in around 9,000 cases and approximately 1,000 deaths in the county within six weeks. By early November, Syracuse began returning to normal as public spaces like theaters and dance halls reopened. Although the 1918 flu remained highly deadly, it led to improvements in public health data collection and government collaboration, as officials struggled with tracking cases. Pictured: Soldiers at Camp Syracuse.

The March 10th Historic Tasting event with Chef Rich Strub at the Salt City Market Teaching Kitchen is officially SOLD OUT! A huge thank you to everyone who grabbed a ticket—we can't wait to share this incredible evening with you. If you missed out, don’t worry— stay tuned for more events in the future! And remember, Salt City Market is open every day, and you can also visit Eden, which is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5-9 PM. Visit edencny.com to learn more and make a reservation!