The Seward House Museum, home to the progressive Miller/Seward family, with its almost completely original collection of artifacts, strives to tell the story of the socio-political legacy of William H. Seward and Frances Miller Seward. After a decade of steady institutional modification and newly discovered research, the Seward House decided to embark on a difficult exhibition journey– one that discussed the family’s involvement in nineteenth century prison reform. By inviting the local Auburn audience to share their story while exploring national themes and partnerships, Rooted in Reform attempts to make a wide-reaching social impact by focusing on the story of Auburn Prison, now known as Auburn Correctional Facility. Through sensitive research, building new partnerships, and the desire to push traditional museum boundaries, a seemingly local and niche historic house can have the power to approach a national story and engage a national audience.