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Discovering other cultures, their lifestyle, their beliefs can be a rewarding experience. It is rare to find an opportunity to be able to look at a culture in their native setting. When you Discover Southwest NY you can do just that. Whether the culture is Amish, Native American, or country farmer, there’s plenty to discover.
The area is home to some rare cultures and can offer a glimpse into a different lifestyle. The Amish community is well established in western New York, and has been for several generations. Today they live in much the same way they did a hundred years ago. They are craftsmen and artisans, working without modern amenities like electricity or pneumatic tires. Instead working with their hands and their animals to produce products that cannot be found in today’s society. When is the last time you saw a blacksmith, tinsmith, canvas shop, cheese factory, harness maker, furniture maker, and wagon builder all in the same community. Here you can.
The same can be said for the Native American population. Natives inhabited this area long before Christopher Columbus ever dreamed of sailing around the world. Today their descendants are still here, and they are still members of the Seneca Nation tribe, part of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Seneca Nation holds a strong presence in the region, having their own governing body. They sponsor events regularly to display and teach their cultural heritage. The Seneca-Iroquois National Museum is located in Salamanca and is an excellent facility dedicated to the heritage of the Seneca and their Iroquois friends.
Other cultures are prevalent here as well. The rural setting offers a cultural break from the drone of city life. Country farms are common and some offer tours or host markets. The largest Spiritualist community in the world can be found in Lilly Dale on the Cassadaga Lakes. These unique cultural experiences can only be found if you Discover Southwest NY.
Some additional information on the local Amish community can be found by visiting the Enchanted Mountains website.
We also encourage you to visit the official Seneca Nation of Indians website.
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