The Wilder Museum is one of the very best little local types of museums I've ever seen. It has over 3,000 exhibits, most of local interest but others that would score international interest such as the Joseph DeFrees antique gun collection. It's no ordinary collection. The guns of this collection are striking examples of the exceptionally rare and ultimate works of gunsmithing and metal engraving.
Besides the 1963 Mercedes favorite car of National Forge owner Robert Wilder, there are all sorts of examples of the works and products of national forge. Then there are Indian artifacts and histories covering nearly 8,000 years of the county bordering Seneca Indian Nation. There is a good history of Seneca Chief Cornplanter along with the monument dedicated to his memory.
With so many significant things you should at least plan upon a 3 hour visit as the war or military not only takes some time but contains exhibits that are real eye openers as to the history of the many military engagements depicted.
I found the antique medical area, much of which I remember to be downright frightening. It's unbelievable how primitive our medical sciences were only as far back as the 40's and 50's.
Overall it's a great museum, well worth seeing and a Yelp Five Stars with me. read more