About the Museum
Slocum Howland, son of pioneer Benjamin Howland, built his cobblestone store in 1837 to serve local and regional commerce. The sturdy stone building in Sherwood, New York, suggested permanence and foresight. Sherwood became a center to exercise his Quaker belief in the equality of all. We know Howland participated in the Underground Railroad, using his extensive commercial connections to shelter freedom seekers and help them on their way.
Howland could hardly have imagined how the country would be torn by the Civil War in just 25 years or how his daughter Emily would continue the fight for equality well into the next century. Blessed with a long life, Emily worked tirelessly for African Americans’ and women’s rights until her death at nearly 102. From her home in Sherwood she became a nationally known leader in the women’s suffrage movement, a philanthropist, and an educator of women and African Americans.
Slocum’s granddaughter, Isabel, also a philanthropist, teacher and suffragist, rebuilt a house down the road and named it “Opendore,” reflecting her desire to open her home to the community. Together, Howland Stone Store and Opendore comprise the Howland Stone Store Museum. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sherwood itself, touched with Quaker history, a nerve center for equal rights with state and national connections, has been designated as the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District. All twenty-eight designated properties tell stories of courageous and principled work in support of the basic American belief that all are created equal.
We invite you to Sherwood to hear them speak.
ADDRESS
Stone Store Museum: 2956 State Route 34B, Sherwood, New York
Opendore: 2978 State Route 34B, Sherwood, New York
Mailing Address: PO Box 124, Aurora, NY 13026
Hours
2024-2025 Winter Season
The museum’s regular hours have ceased for the winter season. For visits during the off-season, call or email for information or to arrange tours with 5 days notice. Opendore is open for visitors one hour before any scheduled programs.
Call: 315-303-2145
Write: Box 124, Aurora, NY13026
Email: hssmsherwood@gmail.com
Our Mission:
Approved by the Board of Trustees, June 10, 2020
The Howland Stone Store Museum tells the story of the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District, a crucible for reform in the century following 1830. The Howlands and other area residents, inspired by Quaker values, were pioneers in pursuing abolition of slavery, voting rights for women, and education for all.
The Museum is housed in the 1837 Slocum Howland Cobblestone Store and in Opendore, the 1910 Isabel Howland estate. The Museum preserves historic sites and makes archival material available for study. Exhibits and programming for all ages, often in partnership with schools and other institutions, connect the cultural heritage of Southern Cayuga County to the world of today. Its collections feature nationally significant women's suffrage campaign materials and the Gutchess women’s history archive.
By sharing knowledge, building community, and preserving a valued past, the volunteers who power the Howland Stone Store Museum strive to inform and delight the public. The Museum inspires all who seek, as did Emily Howland, to realize themselves and to serve.
“I am glad to have lived 100 years. My life has been full of interest and still is. Since I reached the age of 70, I have had time to study as I wanted to. I intend to keep on studying, working and enjoying life.”