This year, the popular Mohawk river paddling tours return to both Schenectady and Waterford. For centuries, Schenectady’s history has revolved around the mighty Mohawk River. Our Schenectady kayak tour takes you from the modern Mohawk Harbor to the site of our city’s ancient port. In nearby Waterford, history lives at the meeting of New York's two great waterways! The town of Waterford has long been a vital crossroads for the people of this area. Our Waterford tour takes you between picturesque islands and through the grand locks of the Erie Canal.  Along both routes, our expert guide will regale you with the history of the area. Guests will be provided with a kayak, life vest, and paddle. Guests should be prepared to paddle for about two hours. There are no bathrooms at either site. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wed, June 15 @ 6pm Sat, June 18 @ 10am Wed, June 29 @ 6pm Sat, July 2 @ 10am Wed, July 13  @ 6pm Sat, July 16 @ 10am Wed, Aug 31 @ 6pm Sept TBD Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Wed, June 22 @ 6pm Sat, June 25 @ 10am Wed, July 6 @ 6pm Wed, Aug 10 @ 6pm Sat, Aug 13 @ 10am Sept TBD

This year, the popular Mohawk river paddling tours return to both Schenectady and Waterford. For centuries, Schenectady’s history has revolved around the mighty Mohawk River. Our Schenectady kayak tour takes you from the modern Mohawk Harbor to the site of our city’s ancient port. In nearby Waterford, history lives at the meeting of New York's two great waterways! The town of Waterford has long been a vital crossroads for the people of this area. Our Waterford tour takes you between picturesque islands and through the grand locks of the Erie Canal.  Along both routes, our expert guide will regale you with the history of the area. Guests will be provided with a kayak, life vest, and paddle. Guests should be prepared to paddle for about two hours. There are no bathrooms at either site. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wed, June 15 @ 6pm Sat, June 18 @ 10am Wed, June 29 @ 6pm Sat, July 2 @ 10am Wed, July 13  @ 6pm Sat, July 16 @ 10am Wed, Aug 31 @ 6pm Sept TBD Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Wed, June 22 @ 6pm Sat, June 25 @ 10am Wed, July 6 @ 6pm Wed, Aug 10 @ 6pm Sat, Aug 13 @ 10am Sept TBD

The Schenectady County Legislature is proud to announce the 2022 Schenectady County Independence Day Celebration at the Historic Mabee Farm in Rotterdam Junction. This FREE family festival will feature live music and fireworks! The celebration begins at 5pm with family friendly activities, musical performances, and craft vendors. A Fireworks Spectacular will begin at dark (approximately 9:15pm). Food and Beverage will be available for purchase. Please no glass bottles or containers and outside alcohol is not permitted. This is a rain or shine event, but as with most outdoor musical concerts the event may be canceled due to extreme weather or heavy rain. Rain updates will be posted on the Schenectady County website and Facebook page and tweeted to all of our followers. The celebration would not be possible without the support of our partners at the Schenectady County Historical Society and the Mabee Farm Historic Site as well as the Town of Rotterdam.

The Stockade and its secrets come to life on this behind-the-scenes journey through the neighborhood. Though a national historic district, the Stockade is alive with the smells and sounds of a vibrant, ever-changing neighborhood. Walk its storied streets, meet local characters, and learn its legends and lore with us this year. Tickets are $35, include exclusive access to Stockade homes and gardens, and lunch at Arthur's Market, which specializes in great coffee and house-made sandwiches and salads. This tour lasts approximately three hours, and is offered -- by reservation-- on the first Wednesday of the month in warm months.

This year, the popular Mohawk river paddling tours return to both Schenectady and Waterford. For centuries, Schenectady’s history has revolved around the mighty Mohawk River. Our Schenectady kayak tour takes you from the modern Mohawk Harbor to the site of our city’s ancient port. In nearby Waterford, history lives at the meeting of New York's two great waterways! The town of Waterford has long been a vital crossroads for the people of this area. Our Waterford tour takes you between picturesque islands and through the grand locks of the Erie Canal.  Along both routes, our expert guide will regale you with the history of the area. Guests will be provided with a kayak, life vest, and paddle. Guests should be prepared to paddle for about two hours. There are no bathrooms at either site. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wed, June 15 @ 6pm Sat, June 18 @ 10am Wed, June 29 @ 6pm Sat, July 2 @ 10am Wed, July 13  @ 6pm Sat, July 16 @ 10am Wed, Aug 31 @ 6pm Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Wed, June 22 @ 6pm Sat, June 25 @ 10am Wed, July 6 @ 6pm Wed, Aug 10 @ 6pm Sat, Aug 13 @ 10am

Drink the Seasons is back for an evening of madeira and more at Brouwer House Creative. Led by historian John Gearing, we’ll make — and sample — a variety of historic libations, made with seasonal ingredients. Relax on the patio of Schenectady's oldest home this summer, as we mix up a few rounds of madeira-based cocktails. The most popular wine of 18th century America,  George Washington typically enjoyed a few glasses after dinner.  Rare Wine Co. has recently recreated the dominant colonial styles, and we'll sample some bottles from their Historic Series. $30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID.

Join us for an archaeology walking tour of the Stockade, with stops at significant archaeological dig sites in the neighborhood. Dan Bradt, a trained local archaeologist will lead us through the streets, discussing and discovering the unique and little know tidbits hidden beneath Schenectady's surface. We'll even peek into the rear of a few properties for special access to former and current excavation sites. History, mystery long, forgotten graves, and unearthed relics are the stars of this 1-2 hour tour of Schenectady's oldest neighborhood!

This year, the popular Mohawk river paddling tours return to both Schenectady and Waterford. For centuries, Schenectady’s history has revolved around the mighty Mohawk River. Our Schenectady kayak tour takes you from the modern Mohawk Harbor to the site of our city’s ancient port. In nearby Waterford, history lives at the meeting of New York's two great waterways! The town of Waterford has long been a vital crossroads for the people of this area. Our Waterford tour takes you between picturesque islands and through the grand locks of the Erie Canal.  Along both routes, our expert guide will regale you with the history of the area. Guests will be provided with a kayak, life vest, and paddle. Guests should be prepared to paddle for about two hours. There are no bathrooms at either site. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wed, June 15 @ 6pm Sat, June 18 @ 10am Wed, June 29 @ 6pm Sat, July 2 @ 10am Wed, July 13  @ 6pm Sat, July 16 @ 10am Wed, Aug 31 @ 6pm Sept TBD Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Wed, June 22 @ 6pm Sat, June 25 @ 10am Wed, July 6 @ 6pm Wed, Aug 10 @ 6pm Sat, Aug 13 @ 10am Sept TBD

On these special dates, the Mabee Farm will be open just for kids! Tour the entirety of our farm with special demonstrations of colonial crafts. Butter making, barn-building, blacksmithing and meeting the farm animals are just some of the activities available. Fridays June 24, July 15, and August 5 at 10am @ Mabee Farm Historic Site $10/child, members free

This year, the popular Mohawk river paddling tours return to both Schenectady and Waterford. For centuries, Schenectady’s history has revolved around the mighty Mohawk River. Our Schenectady kayak tour takes you from the modern Mohawk Harbor to the site of our city’s ancient port. In nearby Waterford, history lives at the meeting of New York's two great waterways! The town of Waterford has long been a vital crossroads for the people of this area. Our Waterford tour takes you between picturesque islands and through the grand locks of the Erie Canal.  Along both routes, our expert guide will regale you with the history of the area. Guests will be provided with a kayak, life vest, and paddle. Guests should be prepared to paddle for about two hours. There are no bathrooms at either site. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wed, June 15 @ 6pm Sat, June 18 @ 10am Wed, June 29 @ 6pm Sat, July 2 @ 10am Wed, July 13  @ 6pm Sat, July 16 @ 10am Wed, Aug 31 @ 6pm Sept TBD Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Wed, June 22 @ 6pm Sat, June 25 @ 10am Wed, July 6 @ 6pm Wed, Aug 10 @ 6pm Sat, Aug 13 @ 10am Sept TBD

In Colonial America, punched tin was a favorite artform in rural homes used on lanterns, pie tins, cupboards, and more. In this workshop, we'll do it just as they did in the old days, using geometric patterns to update rustic designs & creating a modern piece worthy of display. This workshop will require a bit of elbow grease, but we promise the end result will be worth it!

]Schenectady County Historical Society is partnering with the Erie Canal Museum for this hourlong cycling tour through Schenectady looking at the city’s Erie Canal and brewing history, as you ride along the historic Mohawk River. The ride begins and ends at Druthers Brewing Company, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride as well as a brief history of the brewery itself. Register at eriecanalmuseum.org.

Join us for an archaeology walking tour of the Stockade, with stops at significant archaeological dig sites in the neighborhood. Dan Bradt, a trained local archaeologist will lead us through the streets, discussing and discovering the unique and little know tidbits hidden beneath Schenectady's surface. We'll even peek into the rear of a few properties for special access to former and current excavation sites. History, mystery long, forgotten graves, and unearthed relics are the stars of this 1-2 hour tour of Schenectady's oldest neighborhood!

Schenectady Art Society is a very diverse and interesting group with many artistic talents. They shine in our varied artistic expressions of how they “see” things. From bold acrylics to softer watercolors, you can observe the talents of their membership.   Join us for a reception celebrating the opening of this exhibition. Light refreshments served. Free and open to all.

The Stockade and its secrets come to life on this behind-the-scenes journey through the neighborhood. Though a national historic district, the Stockade is alive with the smells and sounds of a vibrant, ever-changing neighborhood. Walk its storied streets, meet local characters, and learn its legends and lore with us this year. Tickets are $35, include exclusive access to Stockade homes and gardens, and lunch at Arthur's Market, which specializes in great coffee and house-made sandwiches and salads. This tour lasts approximately three hours, and is offered -- by reservation-- on the first Wednesday of the month in warm months.

The Mabee Farm has nearly 300 years of stories to tell. This tour is about the last of the stories. Steve and Cathryn Larkin lived and maintained the Mabee House property from 1987 to 1993, having two of their children born on site. They are still fascinated by the history and evolution of this historical landmark, and are excited to share their memories with you.