No doubt you’ve heard of the total solar eclipse taking place on Monday, April 8 of this year. In Western NY it begins at 2:07 pm, with totality anticipated at 3:20 pm, concluding at 4:27 pm. It’s been reported that because our location lies in the direct path to view this rare event, an estimated 375,000 – 500,000 visitors will come to our area to experience this historical occurrence.

The Cobblestone Museum is hopeful that friends of the Museum and visitors from near and far will consider joining us for some planned events from April 5 – 8, between 10 am and 3pm on Friday – Sunday, and 10 am until the “main event” concludes late Monday afternoon. Plans will be fine-tuned in the weeks ahead, so visit our website’s Events page regularly to watch as full details emerge. Here are some preliminary details.

Our S.O.L.A.R. weekend is an acronym to remind you of what’s expected. “S” is for shopping. Our Museum’s gift shop, Holiday Shoppe and Used Books building will be open for browsing and making purchases. “O” stands for the Olde Tyme Photo opportunity that will be available. Put on some provided bygone era accessories and create a souvenir photo. Children can visit our Cobble the Mouse photo booth, too! “L” is for Learning. Listen to our docents share the history of select campus buildings and hear storytellers share eclipse-related historical accounts from the past. Our exhibit rooms will be open as well so guests can learn about 19th century coverlets of Orleans County and Victorian Mourning Art & Sundries. Blacksmithing demonstrations will take place in the Blacksmith Shop at designated times throughout the weekend. “A” means an auto show will be held on Saturday and/or Sunday afternoon. A variety of classic, antique and sports cars will be parked on our grounds for you to see up close and talk about with their owners. “R” is for refreshments, which will be sold on Monday, Solar Eclipse Day. Pizza by the slice, popcorn, cobblestone candy, and beverages will be sold individually or as part of our S.O.L.A.R. admission package rate for $25 per person. Regular admission is $9 per adult guest, $6 for teens and students with a valid college ID, and children 12 and under enter FREE with an accompanying adult.

All Tours include the eclipse viewing space on our spacious campus lawns.

Also, don’t miss the chance to register for our February virtual lecture event to hear guest speaker Debra Ross talk about what will happen in our area on April 8, address viewing safety, and more. Debra has been the chair of Rochester’s Eclipse Task Force for the past six years and serves as co-chair of the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Eclipse Task Force for the country. See full details of her scheduled program in the related article published in this newsletter.

We are very pleased to welcome Marissa & Pat Olles representing Pat’s Auto Repair as the major sponsor of all of our S.O.L.A.R. Weekend activities!