It was during the tenure of the Jesuit priests at the Sainte Marie mission that the Native Americans, under the tutelage of the Jesuits, learned how to produce and use salt. During the late 1700s, Revolutionary War veterans settled in the area and, assisted by the people of the Onondaga, began commercial production of salt. In 1788 the Salt Springs Reservation, on land surrounding Onondaga Lake, was set aside by the state of New York for the people of New York. In 1856 Stephen Van Alstine built Salt Block 56, later lost to Sampson Jaqueth via a default on the mortgage, and it is around the remaining chimney of Salt Block 56 that the Salt Museum has been constructed. The Salt Museum is one of several Onondaga County Parks found in Central New York.
Admission is free.
Since this is a county park, letterboxers are asked to be discreet by not disturbing other visitors to the park or revealing the nature of their activity. It is also requested that when you have completed your quest you return the letterbox to its hidden site to the best of your ability. Prior to your search you must notify the attendant that you are a letterboxer, and to show your appreciation to the county park system it is suggested you stipulate letterboxer after your name when you sign the guest book. I wish to express my appreciation to Valerie Jackson Bell, Museum Curator, for her assistance. Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer .