About Us
The Schenectady County Historical Society brings to life the region’s dynamic history through interactive exhibits, talks, workshops, concerts, programs and community events for all audiences at the Mabee Farm Historic Site, the Grems-Doolittle Library, the Schenectady History Museum, and the historic Brouwer House.
The Schenectady County Historical Society is more active than ever in presenting vibrant programming. Please visit our events calendar to find information about upcoming events.
Mission
The Schenectady County Historical Society shares stories, inspires dialogue, and encourages understanding of the history, people, and cultures of Schenectady County.
Vision
The Schenectady County Historical Society strengthens our community as an increasingly vital destination and resource for exploring history.
You may view an abridged version of our 2019 Strategic Plan here as well as our Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, and the 2021-2022 Annual Report.
Financial Support
The Schenectady County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization. We are wholly supported by the dues of our members, interest and dividends earned on bequests willed to us, fees for admission and service, and sales in our two gift shops. Please consider supporting our mission in preserving and promoting Schenectady County’s history by making a gift below, becoming a member ,or sponsoring us through your business.
Staff
John Ackner, Facilities Manager, 518-374-0263 x5
Caroline Brown, Director of Development, 518-374-0263 x7
Marietta Carr, Librarian/Archivist, 518-374-0263 x3
Michael Diana, Historian and Director of Education, 518-374-0263 x6
Mary Treanor, Administrative Officer, 518-374-0263 x5
Mary Zawacki, Executive Director and Curator, 518-374-0263 x4
Board of Trustees
Halstead, John: Treasurer, 2012-2024
Vermilyea, Mark: President 2019-2025
Sullivan, Robert: Secretary, 2005-2023
Miller, Hannah: Vice president, 2021-2024
Blanchard, Marianne: 2008-2023
Carney, Bob 2022-2025
Chance, Tracey: 2022-2025
Dunn, Thomas: 2017-2023
Fields, Philip: 2019-2025
Kirby, Sarah: 2018-2024
LeBlanc, David: 2020-2023
Leonard, Chris: 2018-2024
Lullo, Sheri: 2021-2024
Richard-Morrow, Kevin: 2015-2024
Trestick, David: 2020-2023
Wade-Kezsey, Dale: 2014-2023
Woodward, John: 2017-2023
Collections
The Schenectady County Historical Society has vast collections of objects and archival materials that tell the story of Schenectady.
The Library is home to over 6,000 books and periodicals, 30,000 photographic prints, 750 maps, 65 linear feet of newspaper clippings and surname files, and approximately 2,000 linear feet of archival records, legal documents, maps, and photographs pertaining to Schenectady County’s history.
The Museum collects objects of artistic, cultural, and historical significance to Schenectady County and the surrounding region. Throughout a century of collecting, SCHS has amassed a large and diverse collection containing over 12,500 objects across a broad range of categories: art and decorative art, toys, clothing and textiles, farm equipment and tools, archaeological artifacts, as well as objects related to Schenectady industry and trade, local clubs and civic organizations, and general daily life.
We recently updated our Collections Development Plan, and our collecting goals for the 2020s.
Should you be interested in donating artifacts or archival materials to the SCHS, please read our Artifact Donation Guidelines, and then fill out our Donation Questionnaire. We do not collect commemorative plates, coins, pins, or plaques, or packaging (i.e. bags and boxes branded with a business name). We rarely collect mass-produced goods. Our areas of collecting interest include:
- Artifacts and documents that tell the story of the colonial and early Republic periods in Schenectady, c. 1660-1850.
- Artifacts and documents that tell the story of the Black community and experience in Schenectady.
- Artifacts or documents that tell the story of Schenectady’s marginalized or underrepresented peoples
- Artifacts or documents that are related to contemporary issues in the region
- Historic or contemporary artifacts that pertain to locally manufactured goods (e.g., handmade items by local crafters, and items produced locally).
NYSCA
Archives Partnership Trust
LogicalNet
Discover Schenectady
E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy
Villa Italia