Henrietta Highlights
New York Museum of Transportation
Learn about the transportation history of upstate New York at the New York Museum of Transportation. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and operating artifacts and information about early transportation in the state. You’ll find New York’s only trolley ride, complete with restored cars initially designed in the 1920s for the Philadelphia and Western Railroad. Don’t miss the 14 full-size trolley cars, horse-drawn vehicles, and a steam locomotive and caboose.
Eastman Theatre
The Eastman Theatre’s Kodak Hall opened its doors in 1922, showcasing the extravagant decor popular in the 1920s. It was the place for live performances, dance, and screening of silent films. Today, visitors flock to Kodak Hall for orchestra concerts, jazz ensembles, and chorale. If you visit in the spring, you'll find elaborate full-fledged operatic productions on the calendar.
High Falls
Discover one of Rochester’s most stunning natural sights right in town. High Falls is situated along the Genesee River, standing almost 100 feet in height with a massive gorge at the base of the falls. Explore the falls on a scenic tour and capture some stunning photographs. The gushing waters once fed local flour mills and factories. Today, the water helps generate hydroelectric power for the city and surrounding suburbs. There’s a visitor center and museum where you can learn more about High Falls and its importance to the greater Rochester area.
The History of Henrietta
Henrietta became a town in 1818, but its history started earlier with the Phelps and Gorham Purchase land sale. That sale opened up the western part of New York for new development following the Revolutionary War. Henrietta was initially referred to as "The Woods of Pittsford” and "West-town.” Its name was changed to Henrietta to honor Henrietta Laura Pulteney, Countess of Bath. Sir William Johnstone Pulteney was her father and a significant investor in The Purchase. Early interest in the area included land speculation and possession of natural resources.
