Connections With Evan Dawson

This summer, we’re traveling around the Finger Lakes – and today, we’re taking a closer look at a place that means many things to many people: Canandaigua. It’s known for its beautiful lake and outdoor recreation. It’s home to festivals, wineries, and a busy summer tourism season. And it also has a rich and complicated history. Some locals say the city has a “triple identity”: lake life, historical legacy, and a growing cultural and business scene. Our guests tell us the local histories and help us explore the hidden gems: Denise Chaapel, downtown manager of Historic Downtown Canandaigua Ben Falter, director of education at the Ontario County Historical Society Leif HerrGesell, historian for Town of Canandaigua