Schenectady has long been home to peoples of many faiths. The various churches of the Schenectady Stockade stand out for their beauty and storied history. In this tour, we’ll explore these spaces and hear their stories from the people who keep them sacred today. Tickets are $13 or $5 for SCHS Members.

We're kicking off another great season of Stockade adventures with a very special springtime tea! Our good friend Sylvie Briber will be our host, as she shares some of her favorite tales from the neighborhood. Sylvie's heart was taken when she first stepped inside the Stockade while on a childhood school trip, and her dream of living in the Stockade came true in 1995 when she moved to 23 Washington Avenue, across from the Historical Society. Inspired by a mysterious inscription in her front window, Sylvie began a research journey at the SCHS library, uncovering some delightful anecdotes. The result is her book, “The Inscription in the Window.” This program is free, however registration is required as space is very limited. We cannot accept walk-ins for this program.

Join us for Earth Night, an evening celebration of sustainability and living in harmony with the planet. Gather together with friends and neighbors as we present down-to-earth music, art, and workshops that honor Mother Earth and our natural surroundings. The fun starts at 4:30pm, and we’ll be on site until 8pm, finishing the evening with a campfire and stories from the Earth. Free and open to all! These times are subject to change. We’re still finalizing the schedule of events. Signs of Spring on a Dutch Farmstead (4:30-5:30pm): Farmer John Ackner will kick things off right, using hands-on tools and artifacts yo guide us through reading the fields and garden plots for planting. He'll also discuss common farm animals found on a typical farm of the period, and help us understand the role orchards played on a colonial farm. The presentation will be topped off with seeds and peat pods that attendees may wish to take home and plant in their own garden. Farmer John will also introduce the farm animals, talk about compost, and then tour the fields and orchards, pointing out his sustainability tips. Music in the Barn: (5-8pm): Special musical guests Earth’s Children and Mohawk River Harmony will be rocking out in the Barn! Forest Bathing (5:30pm): Walk our trails with Kavanaugh-Black and experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of forest bathing! Awaken your senses and reconnect with nature during this mindful walk. Together, we’ll experience a series of guided, gentle invitations to open the senses, cultivate presence, and invite healing interactions between people and the natural world. Aquatic Life (4:30pm-7pm): Come explore the mysterious organisms living in a pond near you! Educator George Steele will bring various aquatic samples for young biologists to study. Kids Crafts (5-7pm): Explore our educational raised bed garden and help us get it ready for this season. Search around for signs of spring, and meet the herd. Then join us in making a nature-inspired craft to take home! Campfire (7-8pm): Savor the pinks and purples of Mabee’s twilight while enjoying a beverage around the campfire. Our educator will spin stories of the Earth, and participants are encouraged to bring their own tall tales.

The Mabees knew how to brew and you can too! In this program we’ll warm up the tavern and show you how colonial peoples crafted the beverages that sustained their society. Our own Mabee Farm hard apple cider and some classic Mohawk valley moonshine are on the menu!