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The Homeville Museum
49 Clinton Street, Rt. 41 Open May through October
Thursday evenings 7-9 p.m.
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Open year round by appointment
(607) 749-3105 The Homeville Museum takes up more than half of the 18-room
Federal-style home at 49 Clinton Street in Homer. It began as
a small collection, starting with Ken Eaton's first Civil War
carbine at age 12 and a passion for history. Ken's dream of opening
a museum came true on July 4, 1976, our country's bicentennial
birthday. It's hard to say which is more remarkable--the thousands
of artifacts or the man who can tell the story behind each one
of them.
 Out in the yard, you'll find
a 1942 World War II paratrooper's folding bicycle, a 1952 Korean
War army truck, a 1/4 ton Army cannon jeep, and a 1968 M60 A3
Main Battle Tank
Treasures from the Civil War period on through Desert Storm
fill the upstairs. Mannequins sporting Confederate and Union
uniforms from the Civil War. A homemade Valentine sent from a
wounded Union soldier to his sweetheart in 1862. A newspaper
from 1863 printed on wallpaper, when the newspaper ran out of
newsprint. A few remaining bits of the Hindenburg, the German
zeppelin that blew up in New Jersey in 1937, killing 36 people.
 Downstairs, the massive collection
of model trains runs through several rooms as it winds its way
through hills and cities, freightyards, bridges, and tunnels.
Railroad memorabilia abounds-- a Lackawanna engine headlight
and bell...a model replica of Homer's Lackawanna railroad station...
one of the original Homer passenger station signs...rare vintage
radios...currency from the Bank of Homer.
Ken Eaton and the Homeville Museum have been featured on the
Public Broadcasting System as part of a 13-hour documentary on
the Civil War. The museum is listed on both the state and national
register of historical museums.
Hundreds of school children visit the museum each year, as
well as visitors from all over the U.S. and Europe. Ken gives
guided tours of his extensive collection, believing that "the
enjoyment of having something is being able to share it."
 Although admission is free, donations
are appreciated. The Homeville Museum is classified as a private
collection, and does not receive assistance from the county,
village, or state to operate.
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