Join us for a full day of festivities in the Stockade that commemorates General Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Schenectady. This is one of hundreds of nation-wide events planned by the American Friends of Lafayette that trace our French ally’s footsteps on the exact dates and in the exact order he took them 200 years ago. From August 1824 - September 1825, Lafayette was “The Guest of the Nation,” invited by President James Monroe to visit the United States. It was intended to be a quiet visit, but turned into a thirteen-month celebratory tour throughout all 24 states. Activities will include a morning horse-drawn carriage procession in Riverside Park, an afternoon authors’ panel at Schenectady Civic Playhouse, musical performances, the unveiling of a historic marker, and a dinner that recreates Lafayette's famous Schenectady dinner, including the 20-plus toasts he received. One of five nationally recognized official Lafayette reenactors will be on hand. Activities are FREE and open to the public, unless otherwise stated. For more information, please see the official website at https://www.kierstenmarcil.com/lafayette-200. 10:00 am -- Grand Arrival of Lafayette 11:00 am -- Walking Tour of the Historic Stockade 12:00 pm -- Lunch with Presentation 1:30 pm -- Unveiling of Historic Marker 2:30 pm -- Lafayette and Erie Canal Ticket to Ride at miSci 4:00 pm -- Author Panel at Schenectady Civic Playhouse 5:00 pm -- Meet the Authors 6:00 pm -- Celebration at the Glen Sanders Mansion with music This event is possible thanks to the efforts of the Schenectady Lafayette 200 Anniversary Committee, co-chaired by City Historian Chris Leonard and author and SCHS board member Kiersten Marcil.

Our popular Mohawk River paddling tours return to Schenectady and Waterford! For centuries, local 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. Due to safety restrictions, you may not bring your own kayak. Full schedule: Schenectady Dates: meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers Wednesday, June 11 at 6pm Wednesday, June 18 at 6pm Wednesday, June 25 at 6pm Wednesday, July 16 at 6pm Wednesday, July 23 at 6pm Wednesday, July 30 at 6pm Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street Saturday, June 21 at 10am Saturday, June 21 at 2pm Saturday, July 12 at 10am Saturday, July 12 at 2pm **All ticket sales are final. In the event of thunderstorms or severe rain and/or wind, and we cancel, you will receive a full refund**