10/06/2026
Here is the October/November Madison County Historical Society Newsletter:
On Thursday, October 8th, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will host a Lunch & Learn series starting with “Your Local Area Clock Maker…200 Years Ago.” Local clock expert Russ Oeschsle will speak on local clocks and their makers from the past. This event takes place from Noon-1pm at CCHS at Grace Street, located at 9 Grace Street in Cortland. Bring your own lunch if you wish, and we’ll provide dessert and a beverage. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, October 8th, at 5:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host its annual Historical Hall of Fame Celebration. Honor the 2026 Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends inductees. The celebration will be held at the Irish Cultural Center, Utica, and includes an opening reception with music, a silent auction, cash bar, dinner buffet, Hall of Fame induction video, and speeches from the Living Legends. Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for non-members, and should be purchased before October 1, 2026, on www.oneidacountyhistory.org.
On Thursday, October 8th, at 6:00 p.m. the Madison County Historian’s Office will host a special screening of “The People of the Standing Stone: The Oneida Nation, the War for Independence, and the Making of America” at the Arts at the Palace Theater in Hamilton. The 25-minute film shares the crucial role that the Oneida Indian Nation played in assisting the Colonial Army during the American Revolution. The film, directed by Ric Burns and narrated by Kevin Costner, sheds light on a powerful story that has been overlooked for hundreds of years. Following the screening a Member from the Oneida Indian Nation will be available for a brief question and answer session with Madison County Historian Matt Urtz. There is no charge for this event but advanced registration is required for this event as seating at each site is limited. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/the-people-of-the-standing-stone-hamilton-ny.
On Friday, October 10th and Saturday October 11th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Rippleton School house at the Lorenzo State Historic Site will be open. This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on. Have a lesson in the authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. Follow Lorenzo’s Facebook and Instagram for special activities and scheduling changes. This event is sensory friendly. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-655-3200, ext. 106.
On Friday, October 9th, at 5:00 p.m. Oneida County Freedom Trail will host a walking tour starting at Utica Coffee, 92 Genessee Street. At 5:00 p.m. the Lingo Family singers will perform a half hour concert as the abolitionist Hutchinson Sisters. At 5:30 Oneida County Freedom Trail members Jan DeAmicis and Mary Hayes Gordeon will lead attendees through 10 stops that highlight Abolition History in Utica. The narrated walk begins at the Mechanic Hall sign and ends at the Utica Rescue sign (Starts and ends at Utica Coffee). There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit https://www.abolitionroad.org/.
On Friday, October 9th, at 6:00 p.m. the Morrisville Library will host a special presentation entitled “Lesser Known Technologies That Helped the Allies Win the War. Aviation Historian James Coulthart will tell this tale of a wide variety of relatively obscure innovations and technologies which helped turn the tide toward victory in 1945. Covered in this presentation include: high octane aircraft fuel, variable pitch propellers, Quonset huts, proximity fuses, Marston pierced steel mats, Higgins landing craft, liberty and victory ships, microwave radar, large scale support mechanisms for keep Americans working on the nation’s assembly lines. Additional items will be covered. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-684-9130.
On Friday, October 9th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Chenango County Historical Society opens "Path Through History" weekend with Haunted History: An Exploration with Pride Paranormal NY. Led by seasoned paranormal investigator Kenny Harris, this evening features education and exploration related to the paranormal possibilities at the museum's flagship facility. Participants will not only learn about Chenango County history, but how paranormal investigations are conducted. Admission is a free will-donation left up to each visitor's discretion. All proceeds will be used for long-term preservation and restoration of Ward School No. 2. Guests must be 18 years or older to participate. For more information, please call (607) 334-9227, ext. 2 or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org.
On Friday, October 9th, (rescheduled from April 11th), at 7:00 p.m. the Earlville Opera House will host a special concert with The Lightfoot Band. Presented by The Lightfoot Band - The original band members of the late great Gordon Lightfoot. These are the seasoned musicians who collaborated with Gordon on his world-famous recordings and toured extensively with him here in North America and internationally for many decades. The Lightfoot Band includes these legendary veterans : Rick Haynes on bass, Barry Keane on drums and percussion, Mike Heffernan on keyboards, and Carter Lancaster on the lead guitars, and, in 2024, introducing Andy Mauck on vocals and 6 & 12 string rhythm guitars. Together, they are now keeping Gordon’s music alive - Playing the hits, such as Sundown, If You Could Read My Mind, Carefree Highway, the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Beautiful, Rainy Day People, Early Morning Rain, to name a few as well as some deeper cuts, not heard live for decades. Band members will relate some history and “stories of the road” and will be available to meet the audience after shows in the lobby area. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On Friday, October 9th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host a special “Stargazing Picnic.” Enjoy a picnic at dusk before settling in for a guided tour of the night sky with a local astronomer. Bring your own food, drinks, blankets, chairs and any stargazing tools (although not required to enjoy the event!). There is no charge for the event but a donation of $10 is suggested. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit bit.ly/CLMstargazing.
On Saturday, October 10th, at 8:00 a.m. the Village of Canastota will host 5th annual Freedom Walk. Walk with us and trace a portion of the footsteps of 104 abolitionists who escaped an angry pro-slavery mob in Utica in October, 1835, embarked on an Erie Canal barge to Canastota, and climbed the hills to Peterboro where they completed the first meeting of the New York State Antislavery Society. Registration will open at 8:00 am at the parking lot located at the southeast corner of the intersection of South Peterboro Street and Canal Street. A brief historical program will start at 9:00 a.m. and the walk will start at 9:30 a.m. The walk is from Canastota to Clockville and back. A bus ride is available to those who want to attend but cannot make the walk. Seating is limited. Ride reservations must be made by September 15. For $40 you can register and receive a t-shirt, or for $25 you can just register for the event. The first 104 students to register can walk or ride for free. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit www.abolitionroad.org.
On Saturday, October 10th, at from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host the “Swamp Snappers Camera Club.” The Swamp Snappers Camera Club is a community-based organization for photography enthusiasts of all levels to connect, share knowledge, and improve skills through workshops, field trips, and critiques. This club fosters a supportive environment for artistic growth, offering regular competitions and opportunities to exhibit work while discussing techniques, gear, and software. Membership to the club is $15 annually. For more information please call 315-697-2950 or email [email protected].
On Saturday, October 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Chenango County Historical Society will host a "Path Through History" celebration. Featuring the reopening of the "Chenango County in Fifty Stories" exhibit - which offers a glimpse into how regional heritage extends beyond county borders - this year's refresh features narratives related to the 25oth anniversary of our nation's founding. Admission is a free will-donation left up to each visitor's discretion. For more information, please call (607) 334-9227, ext. 2 or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org.
On Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will host a special event on the 1906 trial for the murder of Grace Brown. The 1906 trial of Chester Gillette for the murder of Grace Brown has left a lasting mark on Cortland County and other key locations associated with the case. Even after 120 years, this case still ignites intense emotions in people. The Cortland County Historical Society is teaming up with the Grace Brown Farm for a one-day exhibit of memorabilia from the farm’s collection, one of the most extensive known to exist. Details are still being developed, but we’ll hear from Edward Seales, owner of the Grace Brown Farm, as well as the Honorable John Sherman, retired judge and former Chief Assistant District Attorney in Herkimer County, who will discuss the evidence from the case. All attendees will receive a free copy of Dr. Joseph Brownell’s Cortland to the Adirondacks! For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.
On Saturday, October 10th, at 1:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and the Mohawk Valley Latino Association Annual Meeting. Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. The Mohawk Valley Latino Association and invites the entire community to celebrate during their annual meeting and recognize the accomplishments of our Latino residents in the Mohawk Valley. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this event, but a donation is suggested. For more information please email: [email protected].
On Saturday October 10th, at 2:00 p.m. Cazenovia Heritage will present a program entitled” The Architecture of Italianate Houses In Cazenovia” at the Cazenovia Public Library. The free program will kick-off a two-week self-guided driving tour of Italianate houses throughout Cazenovia. For more information please visit https://cazheritage.org/.
On Saturday, October 10th, at 5:00 p.m. the Madison County Historical Society will host a Ghost Walk at Glenwood Cemetery as part of Path through History Weekend. Step into the shadows of the past for an evening guided tour. As the sun sets, wander through the historic grounds of Glenwood Cemetery and hear the chilling, true stories of the legendary figures who shaped our county’s history. Tickets are $20 for non-members and $15 for members. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit www.mchs1900.org or call 315-363-4136.
On Sunday, October 11th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Madison County Historical Society will host pumpkin carving at Cottage Lawn as part of Path through History Weekend. Bring the whole family to our historic headquarters for a festive afternoon of creativity! Come and carve pumpkins on the beautiful grounds of Cottage Lawn, celebrating the season amidst the backdrop of our 19th-century Gothic Revival villa. The food truck Sweet & Twisted will be serving hot cocoa and warm apple c***r during the event. Tickets are $7 for non-members and $5 for members. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit www.mchs1900.org or call 315-363-4136.
On Sunday, October 11th, at 2:00 p.m. the Clinton Historical Society presents "Stunts, Pranks, and Practical Jokes in Clinton and Kirkland." Join Mike Revenaugh, Clinton Town Historian and CHS Vice President, for the second installment of the 2026-2027 Richard L. Williams Speaker Series! He will present on "Stunts, Pranks, and Practical Jokes in Clinton/Kirkland." There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit www.clintonhistory.org.
On Monday, October 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a Kid’s Paint & Juice. The class will use acrylic paint on canvas. Snacks and all materials will be provided. The class is for children aged 5-12. Registration is required and payment must be made in advance of the event. Admission is $18 per child To reserve your spot or for more information please call 315-697-2950 or email [email protected].
On Tuesday, October 13th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a Silent Book Club. Unlike your typical book club, Silent Book Club is more about the actual act of reading than the discussion of books. SBC members gather together to read in quiet(ish!) camaraderie. There's no assigned reading or discussion guides—that's the "silent" part—but we do like to share book recommendations and meet like-minded readers! Come for an hour and read without the interruptions. All readers are welcome, including e-readers! Bring your current read, a friend, or come alone! Grab a good seat and settle in for some silent reading for an hour. We’ll announce when the hour is up, and then you have a few options 1.) You can continue reading if you like, or chat with fellow attendees for half an hour about the book you're reading (and hopefully get a great book recommendation and make a new friend!), or, take off without needing to say a word. We won’t judge! Since we’ll be reading in a public space, there may be some background buzz and chatter. Feel free to bring ear plugs or noise canceling headphones if that helps you focus! You may also want to bring a reading light. There is no charge for this event. For more information please email Emily at [email protected].
On Wednesday, October 14th, at 7:00 p.m. the Erieville-Nelson Heritage Society will host a special presentation entitled Family Stories of a Historian. Fay brings decades of knowledge on all of the "first families" of Nelson and is related to most of them. This is a "don't miss" opportunity to hear the best of local stories and people. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-655-3978.
On Wednesday, October 14th, at 6:00 p.m. the Madison County Historian’s Office will host a special screening of “The People of the Standing Stone: The Oneida Nation, the War for Independence, and the Making of America” at the Oneida Community Mansion House. The 25-minute film shares the crucial role that the Oneida Indian Nation played in assisting the Colonial Army during the American Revolution. The film, directed by Ric Burns and narrated by Kevin Costner, sheds light on a powerful story that has been overlooked for hundreds of years. Following the screening a Member from the Oneida Indian Nation will be available for a brief question and answer session with Madison County Historian Matt Urtz. There is no charge for this event but advanced registration is required for this event as seating at each site is limited. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/the-people-of-the-standing-stone-ocmh.
On Wednesday October 14th, at 5:30 p.m., the Canastota Canal Town Museum will host their annual meeting and dinner at Theodore’s Restaurant. Mark Arner will present “The Lois McClure Erie Canal Boat Relocation Project” which explores how a reconstructed Erie Canal schooner was moved from Vermont to the Port Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park. The dinner includes Chicken Fricassee or Roast Park Stuffing. Both choices include salad, dinner rolls, dessert and coffee (vegetarian option available upon request). At 5:30 p.m. the cash bar will open, dinner is served at 6 p.m. Dinner is $28, tax and tip included. Reservations are required by October 7th. To reserve your spot or for more information please email [email protected].
On Thursday, October 15th, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will host continue their Lunch & Learn series with “HistoryForge.” H Sophie Clough, Collections and Research Assistant for CCHS will present on HistoryForge, a unique and interactive online resource being developed for Cortland, as well as other locations. This talk takes place from Noon-1pm at CCHS at Grace Street, located at 9 Grace Street in Cortland. Bring your own lunch if you wish, and we’ll provide dessert and a beverage. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.. Bring your own lunch if you wish, and we’ll provide dessert and a beverage. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, October 15th, at 6:30 p.m. the Marshall Historical Society will host a special presentation by Christian Goodwillie. More information to come. For more information please visit www.marshallhistsoc.org or email [email protected].
On Saturday, October 17th, at 2:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host a special presentation by Susan Goodier entitled “Louisa Jacobs in New York State: Reform and Enterprise.” Explore the fascinating life of Louisa Jacobs, daughter of Harriet Jacobs (author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl) with scholar Susan Goodier. Learn about her connection to Upstate New York, from attending school in Clinton and participating in Underground Railroad activities in Dolgeville, to touring with Susan B. Anthony and serving as a companion to the daughters of famous columnist F***y Fern. There is no charge for this event, but a donation is suggested. For more information, please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email [email protected].
On Saturday, October 17th, at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. the Lorenzo State Historic Site will Victorian Death & Funerary Practices Tours. Join us for a special tour of Lorenzo featuring the death and funerary practices of the Victorians. Mortality rates were high in the 19th century, and death and mourning rituals elaborate. We’ll keep the lights low as we share everything from the mundane to the macabre about death in the Victorian era. There is no charge for this event, but reservations are required due to spacing limitations. To reserve your spot or for more information please call 315-655-3200, ext. 106 or email: jacqueline.roshia@parks.
On Saturday, October 17th, starting at 4:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a special event entitled Mission OCMH: Search, Solve, Support! Mark your calendar for a fun-filled event centered on community, competition, and impact. Bring your team and help us support a great cause! The event will include a Scavenger Hunt Challenge, a silent auction and raffle and food and drinks. Registration is required. For more information please visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/mission-ocmh-search-solve-support-1.
On Saturday, October 17th, at 7:00 p.m. the Earlville Opera House will host a special concert with The Weight Band, featuring former members of The Band & The Levon Helm Band. Performing the classic songs of The Band (“The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek”) alongside selections from their acclaimed current album Shines Like Gold, The Weight Band carries on the timeless spirit and sound of one of rock’s most beloved groups. Led by Jim Weider, guitarist and vocalist from Woodstock, NY, who replaced Robbie Robertson in The Band and later performed with Levon Helm in the Levon Helm Band, The Weight Band was formed in 2013 inside Levon Helm’s legendary Woodstock barn. Inspired by Helm to continue the musical legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, Weider and his bandmates deliver a dynamic set that blends classic Americana with roadhouse rock, funky swamp pop, blues, country soul, and folk. Their performances feature a mix of The Weight Band’s original material and fan favorites from The Band’s catalog, as well as songs by The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, and more. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On Sunday, October 18th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a “Creepy Creatures” event. With Halloween around the corner, join the Great Swamp Conservancy on October 18th, Sunday, from 11:00- 3:00 PM for a pre-Halloween event with some live creepy creatures. Kids’ Halloween-themed crafts and games will be available ($0.75/ticket or 8 tickets/$5). The Lady Bug Café will be open for some creepy but delicious creations. Admission is $5/child 12 and under, parents or adults are free! For more information, call 315-697-2950.
On Sunday, October 18th, at 1:00 p.m. the Madison County Historical Society will host their Annual Members meeting at the Madison Hop. Come and celebrate the new chapter unfolding at MCHS. With new staff, new programs and renewed energy, this year’s meeting honors resilience, community and the stories that rise from the ashes. Madison County Historian Matt Urtz will present dramatic accounts from historic fires and how these events transformed local towns, families and landmarks. Tickets to the meeting are $35 and include dinner. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.mchs1900.org or call 315-363-4136.
On Tuesday, October 20th, at 6:00 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host a special presentation entitled The Life of Mickey Mantle with Vince Doty. Celebrate Mickey Mantle's birthday with local baseball enthusiast Vince Doty. Doty, a retired teacher, Canastota resident, and baseball enthusiast, will share his passion, stories, and collections of baseball memorabilia with attention to New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-697-7030.
On Tuesday, October 20th, at 6:00 p.m. the Madison County Historian’s Office will host a special screening of “The People of the Standing Stone: The Oneida Nation, the War for Independence, and the Making of America” at the Arts at the Catherine Cummings Theater in Cazenovia. The 25-minute film shares the crucial role that the Oneida Indian Nation played in assisting the Colonial Army during the American Revolution. The film, directed by Ric Burns and narrated by Kevin Costner, sheds light on a powerful story that has been overlooked for hundreds of years. Following the screening a Member from the Oneida Indian Nation will be available for a brief question and answer session with Madison County Historian Matt Urtz. There is no charge for this event but advanced registration is required for this event as seating at each site is limited. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/the-people-of-the-standing-stone-ocmh-cazenovia.
On Thursday, October 22nd, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will host continue their Lunch & Learn series with “Elocution: The Forgotten Discipline.” Valerie Ross, President of the Virgil Historical Society, will present the lecture. This talk takes place from Noon-1pm at CCHS at Grace Street, located at 9 Grace Street in Cortland. Bring your own lunch if you wish, and we’ll provide dessert and a beverage. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.. Bring your own lunch if you wish, and we’ll provide dessert and a beverage. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, October 22nd, starting at 6:30 p.m. the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation will host the 12th annual “Walk Among the Spirits.” This year, the spirits are stirring along Chittenango Creek! Join CPF for a mysterious journey through Cazenovia’s former industrial heart, beginning at the Cazenovia Public Library and winding north along the Gorge Trail to Clark Street. Along the way, you’ll meet characters from Cazenovia’s past and hear tales of the first mills along the creek, the local distillery’s production of “the devil’s poison” and the temperance movement, the devastating “Freshet” Flood of 1865—and a scandalous story (or two) of thievery and duplicitous business dealings. Come walk in the footsteps of Cazenovia’s past—right where the history happened. You never know what secrets the spirits might reveal. Parking and check-in are located behind Cazenovia Public Library. Tours will leave every 15 minutes starting at 6:30. This year’s adventure will be a roundtrip walk of about 1.5 miles. Please bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes. Admission to the event is $17 for adults, $10 for Seniors (62 and up) & Students are $10. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org/events.
On Friday, October 23rd, starting at 6:30 p.m. the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation will host the 12th annual “Walk Among the Spirits.” This year, the spirits are stirring along Chittenango Creek! Join CPF for a mysterious journey through Cazenovia’s former industrial heart, beginning at the Cazenovia Public Library and winding north along the Gorge Trail to Clark Street. Along the way, you’ll meet characters from Cazenovia’s past and hear tales of the first mills along the creek, the local distillery’s production of “the devil’s poison” and the temperance movement, the devastating “Freshet” Flood of 1865—and a scandalous story (or two) of thievery and duplicitous business dealings. Come walk in the footsteps of Cazenovia’s past—right where the history happened. You never know what secrets the spirits might reveal. Parking and check-in are located behind Cazenovia Public Library. Tours will leave every 15 minutes starting at 6:30. This year’s adventure will be a roundtrip walk of about 1.5 miles. Please bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes. Admission to the event is $17 for adults, $10 for Seniors (62 and up) & Students are $10. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org/events.
On Friday, October 23rd, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. the Earlville Opera House will host a pride paranormal tour with Kenny Harris.. Tours are led by seasoned Paranormal Investigator Kenny Harris who will provide a night of fun, education, and exploration of the paranormal possibilities at the Earlville Opera House. Space is limited so reserve now! Tickets are $25 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On October 24th, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a “Nature’s Arts Series: Watercolor Workshop.” Join artist, Helga Gilbert, as she teaches how to mix colors and value techniques. Enjoy hands on instruction and create an original watercolor painting. Registration is required for this workshop, as there are limited spots, but it is free to attend. To reserve your spot or for more information please call 315-697-2950 or email [email protected]. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.
On Saturday, October 24th, starting at 10:00 a.m. the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum will have its 2026 induction ceremony. Starting at 10:00 a.m. a guided tour of the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark will be offered by Norman Dann. Following the tour the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum will open at 11:00 a.m. The inductee symposia will start at 1:15 p.m. at the Peterboro Methodist Church with an introduction by Alden Max Smith, Interim President of NAHOF. At 1:30 p.m. Patrick Ryan, Cultural Curator at the Richardson Olmstead Campus/Lipsey Architecture Center in Buffalo, will present on inductee William Wells Brown, an abolitionist, novelist, playwright and historian. At 2:30 p.m. David N. Gellman, Professor of History at DePauw University and author of Liberty’s Chain: Slavery, Abolition, and the Jay Family of New York, will present on inductees William Jay and John Jay II. William Jay was a judge in New York, but was removed due to his outspoken antislavery positions. John Jay II was a lawyer, diplomat strong abolitionist and one of the organizers of the republican party. At 3:30 p.m. Lori Schmidt, Town of Butler, NY Historian, will present on Samuel Ringgold Ward. Ward escaped enslavement and went on to be a staunch abolitionist, a newspaper editor and a Congregational Minister. He was also the author of Autobiography of a Fugitive Negro. Following the symposia, at 5:00 p.m. a special upstate dinner will be offered (separate fee) at the Smithfield Community Center. At 7:00 p.m. the formal induction ceremony will take place at the Peterboro Methodist Church. Admission tot eh tour, symposia and induction ceremony is $50. Admission to all those and the dinner is $110. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit https://www.nationalabolitionhalloffameandmuseum.org/induction-2026.html.
On Saturday, October 24th, at 12:00 p.m. the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host a special event entitled “Autumn at the Landing.” Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of live music, food trucks, lawn games, and fun for the whole family. Try your hand at pumpkin carving and painting or a corn husk craft, watch blacksmithing and woodworking demonstrations, and check out the delicious creations in our pie baking contest. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 14. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit bit.ly/AutumnattheLanding.
On Saturday, October 24th, at 2:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host DRUMS at 90 Walter Edmonds Book Reading. In recognition of our country’s 250th anniversary, special guests Dave Dudajek, Elizabeth Nassar, Alecia Pendasulo, Jim P**a, and Frank Bergmann will read selections from Walter D. Edmonds’s celebrated Upstate novel Drums Along the Mohawk, first published in 1936. There is no charge for this event, but a donation is suggested. For more information, please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email [email protected].
On Saturday, October 24th, starting at 6:30 p.m. the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation will host the 12th annual “Walk Among the Spirits.” This year, the spirits are stirring along Chittenango Creek! Join CPF for a mysterious journey through Cazenovia’s former industrial heart, beginning at the Cazenovia Public Library and winding north along the Gorge Trail to Clark Street. Along the way, you’ll meet characters from Cazenovia’s past and hear tales of the first mills along the creek, the local distillery’s production of “the devil’s poison” and the temperance movement, the devastating “Freshet” Flood of 1865—and a scandalous story (or two) of thievery and duplicitous business dealings. Come walk in the footsteps of Cazenovia’s past—right where the history happened. You never know what secrets the spirits might reveal. Parking and check-in are located behind Cazenovia Public Library. Tours will leave every 15 minutes starting at 6:30. This year’s adventure will be a roundtrip walk of about 1.5 miles. Please bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes. Admission to the event is $17 for adults, $10 for Seniors (62 and up) & Students are $10. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org/events.
On Saturday, October 24th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. the Earlville Opera House will host a pride paranormal tour with Kenny Harris.. Tours are led by seasoned Paranormal Investigator Kenny Harris who will provide a night of fun, education, and exploration of the paranormal possibilities at the Earlville Opera House. Space is limited so reserve now! Tickets are $25 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On Sunday, October 25th, at 3:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a special concert Martin S*xton. With his tenth studio album out and headline shows spanning from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, Martin S*xton has influenced a generation of artists. His songs have been featured in TV series like Scrubs, Parenthood, and Masters of S*x, but it’s his incendiary live shows, honest lyrics, and vocal prowess that keep fans returning. Through it all, his mission remains constant: bringing unity, peace, and harmony through song. Tickets are $45. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/martin-s*xton-concert.
On Tuesday, October 27th, at 6:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host the second of a special series of seven programs entitled “Communal History IS American History: A Communities in Conversation Program.” This month’s program is presented by Christian Goodwillie, Burke Library Director & Curator of Special Collections, is entitled "Perverted Spiritualistic Forces": John Humphrey Noyes versus William Hepworth Dixon in the Victorian Press. Beginning in the 1830s, Oneida Community founder John Humphrey Noyes successfully used the press to spread word of his religious and social innovations, and OC serial publications shaped the community's public image well into the 1860s. However, when English journalist William Hepworth Dixon published a scathing, demeaning account of the OC, it marked a turning point for Noyes. The result? A very public print war, conducted in newspapers and pamphlets, that troubled Noyes for years to come. This illustrated lecture recounts the fascinating story of media manipulation, reputation management, and a transatlantic scandal which titillated the Victorian imagination on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. General Admission to all seven events is $50 for members, $80 for non-members. Admission to an individual event is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information please visit www.oneidacommunity.org.
On Tuesday, October 27th, at 6:30 p.m. the Georgetown Historical Society will be hosting a special presentation “Historic Fires of Madison County” at the Georgetown Town Hall, 995 State Route 26, Georgetown, NY. Madison County Historian Matt Urtz will speak on the history of fires throughout Madison County and how they impacted the development of the communities. There is no charge for this event but the historical society is encouraging attendees to join the historical society at a special rate of just $5 for the year! For more information please contact Heather Vendetti at 315-750-0440 or email [email protected].
On Thursday, October 29th, at 12:00 p.m. the Erie Canal Museum, in Syracuse, will host a special presentation of “Fires along the canals of CNY.” Come and hear stories of fires that took place along the canals of Central New York, including one of the earliest photos to be credited as “photo journalism” in the U.S. Fires are covered from across the counties of Chenango, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego. Here stories of destruction, mayhem, and how communities responded. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-687-3801.
On Thursday, October 29th, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will host continue their Lunch & Learn series with “The National Register of Historic Places Program, Process & Incentives.” Tamara Pilson, Historic Preservation Specialist from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, will present the lecture. This talk takes place from Noon-1pm at CCHS at Grace Street, located at 9 Grace Street in Cortland. Bring your own lunch if you wish, and we’ll provide dessert and a beverage. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.. Bring your own lunch if you wish, and we’ll provide dessert and a beverage. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host Utica Boo: A Haunted ‘Who Done it.” Utica Boo! is a fun way to learn about our area's history. This play includes historical ghosts of Utica's past, including Chester Gillette, Roscoe Conkling, Mary Runkle, Roxy Druse, and more. Directed by Debbie Martin and written by Dennis Webster. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. All proceeds from the performances will support programs and services at the History Center. For more information, please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email [email protected].
On Friday, October 30th, at 7:00 p.m. the Earlville Opera House will host their 4th Annual Halloween FUNdraiser with Grateful Upstate Toodeloo. Grateful Upstate Toodeloo brings together some of the finest musicians from across Central New York and beyond to perform the music of The Grateful Dead. Join them here at EOH for "nothing but a good time"! Don't forget it's Halloween Season!!! COME IN COSTUME! To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On Saturday, October 31st at 2:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host Utica Boo: A Haunted ‘Who Done it.” Utica Boo! is a fun way to learn about our area's history. This play includes historical ghosts of Utica's past, including Chester Gillette, Roscoe Conkling, Mary Runkle, Roxy Druse, and more. Directed by Debbie Martin and written by Dennis Webster. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. All proceeds from the performances will support programs and services at the History Center. For more information, please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email [email protected].
On Sunday, November 1st, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) is hosting "National Author's Day" in collaboration with C.S. Miller Books. Visit Chenango County's premier independent bookstore for an afternoon featuring Randy Glasbergen, this season's featured CCHS artist. Members of the Glasbergen family will share anecdotes of his writing process, and light snacks will be provided. For more information, please call (607) 334-9227, ext. 2 or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org.
On Wednesday, November 4th, at 6:00 p.m. the Oneida Public Library will host a special presentation entitled “An Interview with a 9/11 responder.” Madison County Historian will sit down with Joe Monfiletto, of Munnsville, who responded, as an EMT, to NYC in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Monfiletto was part of a team from the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Ambulance that spent 10 days tending to first responders searching the wreckage at ground zero starting September 14. He would return in October of 2001 to assist the NYS Parole seeking individuals that were not complying with parole. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Wednesday, November 4th, at 6:00 p.m. the Morrisville Public Library will have a special screening of “The Loomis Gang.” Brian Peter Falk's 80-minute film about one of Central New York's most fascinating criminal stories. We'll provide the popcorn. Just bring your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy the show! This program is open to teens and adults. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about local lore, this is a great opportunity to learn more about a remarkable chapter in our region's past. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-684-9130.
On Thursday, November 5th, at 5:00 p.m. Meier’s Creek Cazenovia Farm Brewery will host Dr. David Gellman as part of the “Revisit the Revolution: Lorenzo’s America 250th Speaker Series.” In commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary Lorenzo State Historic Site is sponsoring a free Speaker Series featuring highly regarded historians, archaeologists, and authors specializing in the Revolutionary War era. Gellman will present From Independence to Emancipation: The Jay Family and the End of Slavery in New York. Gellman, the 2026-27 A. Lindsay O’Connor Chair of American Institutions in the History Department at Colgate University, will discuss that as America’s 250th gives way to the 2027 bicentennial of the final abolition of slavery in New York, the moment is ideal to contemplate the relationship between independence and emancipation in the Empire State. John Jay, diplomat, US Supreme Court Chief Justice, governor, slaveholder, and antislavery society president, provides a powerful prism for making sense of an uneven but profound transformation. The relationship between Caesar, Clarinda, Zilpah, and members of the Jay family who enslaved and later freed them entwines with the ways that this influential political family navigated the fulfillment of their antislavery beliefs. The talk thus merges public and private lives to contemplate the limits and the potential of the American Revolution. Gellman is the author of Liberty’s Chain: Slavery, Abolition, and the Jay Family of New York, winner of the Herbert H. Lehman Prize. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-655-3200 or follow the Lorenzo State Historic Site on Facebook or Instagram.
On Thursday, November 5th, from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m., the Chenango County Historical Society will host their annual meeting at the Horace O. Moss House, known as The Preferred Manor. This year's event will celebrate the building's 195th birthday and the 80th anniversary of stewardship by Preferred Mutual. To register or for more information, please call (607) 334-9227, ext. 2 or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org.
On Friday, November 6th, at 6:00 p.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host “Lights Out: Making CNY Safer for Birds.” Meredith Barges, a bird-friendly building policy advocate and educator will speak about her work helping people appreciate the complex lives of birds and how our decisions about buildings, lighting, and landscaping affect bird populations. She is the co-author of Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy. Admission is $5 per person, or $4 for members. Registration is not required but is appreciated. To reserve your spot or for more information please call the Great Swamp Conservancy at 315-697-3950 or email [email protected].
$5 per person, $4 for members
On Saturday, November 7th, at 7:00 p.m. the Earlville Opera House will host a special Songwriters Showcase. Join us for a special evening of original songs and the stories behind them from the talented songwriters who participated in our Songwriting Workshop Series facilitated by Reyna Stagnaro. The showcase reflects the artistic growth inspired and achieved in the workshops, group collaboration, and diverse musical styles. Enjoy an outstanding show on the main stage of our historic theater and experience the magic of the songwriter/listener connection. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On Tuesday, November 10th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a Silent Book Club. Unlike your typical book club, Silent Book Club is more about the actual act of reading than the discussion of books. SBC members gather together to read in quiet(ish!) camaraderie. There's no assigned reading or discussion guides—that's the "silent" part—but we do like to share book recommendations and meet like-minded readers! Come for an hour and read without the interruptions. All readers are welcome, including e-readers! Bring your current read, a friend, or come alone! Grab a good seat and settle in for some silent reading for an hour. We’ll announce when the hour is up, and then you have a few options 1.) You can continue reading if you like, or chat with fellow attendees for half an hour about the book you're reading (and hopefully get a great book recommendation and make a new friend!), or, take off without needing to say a word. We won’t judge! Since we’ll be reading in a public space, there may be some background buzz and chatter. Feel free to bring ear plugs or noise canceling headphones if that helps you focus! You may also want to bring a reading light. There is no charge for this event. For more information please email Emily at [email protected].
On Monday, November 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a Kid’s Paint & Juice. The class will use acrylic paint on canvas. Snacks and all materials will be provided. The class is for children aged 5-12. Registration is required and payment must be made in advance of the event. Admission is $18 per child. To reserve your spot or for more information please call 315-697-2950 or email [email protected].
On Wednesday, November 11th, at 7:00 p.m. the Erieville-Nelson Heritage Society will host a will host their annual Citizen of the Year Award Dinner at the Erieville Firehouse. More information to come. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-655-3978.
On Friday, November 13th, at 6:00 p.m. the Morrisville Public Library will have a special presentation entitled “the Sylvan Beach Loop. .” During the late 19th Century, and for the first 20 years of the 20th Century, Sylvan Beach was the premier vacation oasis in Central New York. Picnicking, swimming, frolicking were all a part of the scene at "The Beach" and everyone desired to rest, relax, and enjoy themselves there. Both the Ontario & Western and Lehigh Valley railroads made travel to the area possible, but it was the O&W that was the premier passenger carrier for people going to The Beach. And, the reason for this was due to its Sylvan Beach Loop being built in 1886, which allowed the O&W's trains to being people nearly to the shady shoreline of eastern Oneida Lake. Over time, the Loop was improved, and many thousands of people rode over it to enjoy their vacation at the Beach, even if it was for only a day. This program examines this important part of the O&W Railway; its need, its use, its improvements, and its demise. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-684-9130.
On Saturday, November 14th, at from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host the “Swamp Snappers Camera Club.” The Swamp Snappers Camera Club is a community-based organization for photography enthusiasts of all levels to connect, share knowledge, and improve skills through workshops, field trips, and critiques. This club fosters a supportive environment for artistic growth, offering regular competitions and opportunities to exhibit work while discussing techniques, gear, and software. Membership to the club is $15 annually. For more information please call 315-697-2950 or email [email protected].
On Sunday, November 15th, at 2:00 p.m. the Clinton Historical Society presents "Wampum: Validating the Spoken Message." Join the Shako:wi Cultural Center for the third installment of the 2026-2027 Richard L. Williams Speaker Series! A representative will present on Oneida treaties and wampum. There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit www.clintonhistory.org.
On Tuesday, November 17th, at 6:30 p.m. the Beauchamp Historical Club will host a special presentation entitled “Beneath our Feet: Archaeology & What it Can Tell Us” at the Van Buren Town Hall, 7575 Van Buren Road in Baldwinsville. Jordan Village Historian, Elaine Peters, will share what she has learned and the artifacts that she has found while leading archaeological digs throughout Central New York, including one on the Erie Canal in Memphis. Note: Due to election day, November’s presentation will happen on the third Tuesday night, not the first. There is no charge for this event, but attendees are encouraged to join the club for an annual membership fee of $10. For more information please email Town of Van Buren Historian Steve McMahon at [email protected].
On Thursday, November 19th, at 11:00 a.m. the Earlville Opera House will host a special DownBeat Percussion Performance by the Buffalo Bills Drumline. The members of DownBeat Percussion are all active in the field of education and have dedicated a large portion of their lives to spreading the art of percussion and all of the opportunities it has to offer. We are dedicated to helping students become the best musicians they can be and also provide educators with the tools and information they need to create an exceptional percussion curriculum. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On Tuesday, November 24th, at 6:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host the third of a special series of seven programs entitled “Communal History IS American History: A Communities in Conversation Program.” This month’s program is presented by Cheryl Coulthard, author of Communal Societies and New Religious Movements, is entitled "S*x, Communalism, and Utopia: How a 70’s Commune Took Oneida into the Future.” From the beginning of the American experiment, communalism and challenges to the status quo have formed a significant movement within American society. The Oneida Community receives more attention than many of those groups, partly because of its business success and longevity, but also because of the dramatic ways it rethought marriage, s*x, and the family. In the late twentieth century the Kerista Commune looked back to Oneida and incorporated some of its ideas into their community, updating them for the countercultural shift that began in the 1960s. Join us for this insightful lecture that will examine the similarities and differences between these two radical communities—both notorious in their times—and consider the lessons they offer for modern America. General Admission to all seven events is $50 for members, $80 for non-members. Admission to an individual event is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information please visit www.oneidacommunity.org.
On Friday, November 27th, at TBD the Clinton Historical Society will be a stop on the Village Clinton’s “Shopper’s Stroll.” The day after Thanksgiving kicks off the annual Clinton Shoppers Stroll sponsored by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Stop in for an open house at Clinton Historical Society, where it’s beautifully decorated for the holidays and visitors can enjoy seasonal refreshments while viewing exhibits and enjoying discounts on books, notecards, and ornaments. For more information please visit www.clintonhistory.org.
On Saturday, November 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a wreath workshop. Get into the Holiday spirit at the GSC! Join us at GSC as we inspire your creativity by demonstrating how to create a lush, natural evergreen wreath. It will be sure to make your home beautiful for the holidays! Please bring a wire coat hanger and garden clippers. All other materials will be provided. You are welcome to bring additional materials to decorate your wreath. Pine cones and ribbons will be provided. Admission to the program is $25 per person. To allow for more people to enjoy this event, we will have three sessions: 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday(11/28) and 5:30 pm on Wednesday (12/2). Let us know which session you would like to join. Seating is limited! To reserve your spot or for more information please call 315-697-2950 or email [email protected].
Preserving the rich heritage of Oneida County and the greater Mohawk Valley since 1876.
