Welcome to the Seward and Mapes Homestead
A National Treasure in Florida, NY
The purpose of the Seward/Mapes Homestead and the The Florida Historical Society is to mark and preserve historic places, acquire items with antique or historical value, to preserve them in or near original form as possible and make these items available for the benefit and education of the public. This is especially true of the Seward/Mapes Homestead which is always in a state of progress. SEE OUR BROCHURE
Celebrating the lives and accomplishments of two quintessential Americans
The Seward and Mapes Homestead presents a rare opportunity in historic preservation to focus on the lives and accomplishments of two men deeply engaged in the American Civil War on different levels – one as Secretary of State in the Lincoln Administration and the other as a Union soldier in the illustrious 124th New York State volunteer regiment that fought in many horrific battles from Manassas Gap to Appomattox.
Honoring the family that made the Mapes House an historic landmark
Our Mission
The mission of The Seward Homestead is to collect, preserve and exhibit historical works and items related to the early life of William Henry Seward and William E. Mapes through restoration and preservation of this historic site. We also will conduct educational programming which will strive to cultivate and stimulate curiosity about the life of a vitally important figure of American History as well as the life of an “ordinary” Civil War soldier who was anything but ordinary, like so many men and women of his generation.