Schenectady County Historical Society

Workshop: Watercolor Collage
2023-03-11 10:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
This class is for never-ever painters, those with experience looking to try a new style, or anyone in between. After learning different watercolor painting techniques, we will create a free-flowing, abstract 9×12 painting. After tearing your painting into strips/shapes and attaching them to fresh base, you’ll have created a unique art piece ready for framing, or multiple smaller pieces used for greeting cards — your choice! Our instructor will be Rebecca Cigal of Cigal Studio.
$45 fee includes materials.

Christ Church Duanesburg Restoration Project
2023-03-11 14:00 - 15:30
Christ Church Episcopal in Duanesburg, founded in 1793, is the oldest active and unaltered Episcopal Church in NYS, if not also in the United States. The church has a rich history, including housing the final resting places of James Duane, Mary Livingston, William North, and Mary Duane North. The congregation is committed to preserving the historic nature of the building and the records that tell the story of this vital landmark. Rev. Alistair Morrison, current rector, and Steve Schrade, church historian, will share details of the church’s history and the historic preservation work currently underway.

This is an in-person program hosted at 32 Washington Ave. Admission is free for members, otherwise $8 the day of the program. No advanced tickets.

Drink the Seasons: Spring Equinox
2023-03-16 17:30 - 19:00
Drink the Seasons is ready for spring; are you? In celebration of the equinox, join for an evening of seasonal cocktails and more at Schenectady Historical. Led by historian John Gearing, we’ll make — and sample — a variety of historic libations, made with vernal flare.
$30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID.
All ticket sales are final.

Workshop: Felting with Mabee Farm Wool
2023-03-18 10:00 - 12:00
What do we do with the wool we shear from our resident sheep, Annie and Finn? Learn to felt! In this beginner workshop, we’ll make an adorable felted sheep with wool from our own Mabee Farm critters. This hand-made craft is the perfect gift or home ornament. We’ll provide all materials and equipment.

Where did all the Slaves Go? with Michael Douma
2023-03-23 18:00 - 19:00
This is a virtual program, presented on Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to SCHS members before the presentation.
Join us for a virtual presentation by Georgetown Professor Michael Douma discussing a chapter from his forthcoming book, “The Slow Death of Slavery in Dutch New York.”
In Dutch New York, slavery died an agonizingly slow death. Douma’s book will be the first cultural, demographic, and economic history of slavery in Dutch New York. Douma points to the important influence of the Dutch in developing and maintaining slavery in NYS, arguing that to understand the history of slavery in New York, we need to recognize it as more distinctly Dutch, more profitable, more rural, and more enduring than has been previously recognized. Douma argues that Dutch attitudes about the utility and morality of slavery presented a major roadblock in attempts to end slavery in the state via gradual abolition. There continued a distinct Dutch type of slavery in eighteenth and early nineteenth century New York that is demonstrable culturally, economically, and
demographically. This was the largest non-English speaking form of slavery in American history, and it was much larger in extent, much more deeply rooted culturally, and much longer-
lasting than historians have previously recognized. Slavery was engrained in the culture of Dutch New York. This culture resisted the political and legal changes that ultimately brought about the
end of slavery in the state in 1827. In Dutch New York, slaveholders kept their enslaved persons longer and condemned the practice of slavery less than did English New Yorkers and most others
in the North.
Michael Douma is Associate Research Professor at Georgetown University. He has published 7 books and 19 scholarly articles. As an interdisciplinary historian, Douma’s work is influenced by scholars in fields as diverse as economics, folklore, and ethics. His historical research generally focuses on nineteenth century U.S. history including slavery and emancipation, the Dutch World, and
Philosophy and Methods of History.

Workshop: Basket Weaving
2023-03-25 09:00 - 15:00
Learn the historic craft of basket weaving with Doreen Smith, proprietor of WOVEN. In this full day workshop, we’ll weave a beautiful, highly functional tote with a leather strap. Please be sure to bring a lunch!
**All ticket sales are final.**

Spring Flowers Paint pARTy
2023-03-25 13:00 - 15:00
Instructor Karen Anthony of Karen’s Paint pARTies will teach us to paint Spring flowers. No artistic experience necessary — you will be lead step by step to produce your very own masterpiece! Price includes 11×14 stretched canvas, all painting materials, and a selection of munchies — plus wine, of course! Feel free to BYOB, as well.

Ages 10+ only, please. All ticket sales final.

Edison, Westinghouse, Schenectady with George Wise
2023-04-01 14:00 - 15:30
It’s 1886 and the competition to electrify the US is on! Genius inventors George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison each believe their electric current is superior and are battling to convince the world that their work is the future. But, what does Schenectady have to do with it? Join George Wise, historian and author, to take a closer look at this important moment in technology and American history.

This is an in-person program hosted at 32 Washington Ave. Admission is free for members, otherwise $8 the day of the program. No advanced tickets.

"A New Nation: Schenectady in the Early Republic" Exhibit Opening and Talk with Chris Leonard
2023-04-08 14:00 - 15:30
Please join us for the opening of a new exhibit! As part of the opening reception, city historian Chris Leonard will present his recent research, “When the Frontier Moved West: Schenectady at the Turn of the 19th Century.”
Schenectadians of the early American Republic (1798-1830) lived through defining years of the nation’s history. They were part of a growing city in a new nation, which would have to shape diverse peoples, religions, and geographical spaces into a free and prosperous republic. At the same time, Schenectady is chartered as a city, and seeks to define its own local identity. How do you set up a new city government? Is Schenectady a quiet country town or a bustling riverfront hub? What is the proper role of women in this new society? And how do Schenectadians respond to the growing shift from village farmers and craftsmen to urban factory workers?
Through a carefully curated collection of historical artifacts and accounts, you’ll discover daily life in Schenectady, and how ordinary Schenectadians — a motley collection of folk — responded to and shaped the social and cultural shifts of America’s Early Republic period.
Refreshments served, of course!

Malt ‘n Moonshine at the Mabee Inn
2023-04-08 14:00 - 16:00
The Mabees knew how to brew and you can too! In this program we’ll warm up the Mabee Inn and show you how throughout American history, people crafted the beers and spirits that sustained their society. A simple malt beer and some classic Mohawk valley moonshine are on the menu!

Walking Tour: Stockade Sacred Spaces
2023-04-15 10:00 - 12:00
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.
Members are free, but please RSVP below. Admission otherwise is $13.

Investigations at the Yates Farmhouse, Glenville with Daniel Mazeau and Aaron Gore, archaeologists
2023-04-15 14:00 - 15:30
Daniel Mazeau and Aaron Gore, archaeologists with Beverwyck Archaeology, recently completed field investigations and research for the Yates house and property in Glenville, once home to the family of Joseph Yates, NY governor from 1823-1824. The excavations, conducted in 2019 and 2020, provided information on when the house was built, activities occurring on-site, and a variety of other topics. They will discuss their findings.

This is an in-person program hosted at 32 Washington Ave. Admission is free for members, otherwise $8 the day of the program. No advanced tickets.

Earth Night 2023
2023-04-21 16:00 - 20:00
Earth Night is 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 4pm, and we’ll be on site until 8, finishing the evening with a campfire and stories from the Earth.
These times are subject to change.
Raptors of the Northeast (5-7pm): Meet the birds of prey! Three to four live hawks, owls and falcons will be here for a face-to-face exploration of what it takes to be a raptor. Presented by the Vermont Museum of Natural History.
Forest Bathing (6-7pm): Walk our trails with Diane Kavanagh-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.
Music by Earth’s Children (5-8pm): Refined toned plucked from raw land, Earth’s Children is an experimental rock collective with members in Greene and Schenectady counties. Their new album, “Get Right” comes out this spring.
Composting Workshop (5pm): Have you ever wanted to dive into the word of compost? Join Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Composting Educator to learn the ins and outs of home composting and how you can get started yourself!
Aquatic Life (4-7pm): Come explore the mysterious organisms living in a pond near you! Educator George Steele has brought various aquatic samples for young biologists to study.
The Secret Lives of Herbs with Cornell Cooperative Extension (4pm-7pm): Mabee’s herb garden sprang back to life in the last few years, thanks to the help of Cornell Master Gardeners, who welcomed the idea of sprucing up the long-neglected area. Over the course of a year, they cleared the area of weeds, exposing a lovely stone border and path through the garden. There, they found inspiration for their herb garden design, and planted herbs and flowers common to the 1700s. Master Gardeners will be on site to discuss herbs in the garden, including betony, borage, calendula, chamomile, dill, mountain mint, penstemon, sage, sweet woodruff, tansy and wild quinine, answer gardening questions, and do free soil testing.
Farm Management (4-7pm): Meet Farmer John, who will introduce the farm animals, talk about compost, and then tour the fields and orchards, pointing out his sustainability tips.
Kids Crafts (4-7pm): Explore our educational raised bed garden and help us get it ready for this season. Search around for signs of spring, and meet the new additions to our goat and sheep family while saying hello to old friends like our chickens and cats. Help us harvest rocks from the field, and then get creative with painting a rock 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.

Barn Raising Workshop
2023-04-22 11:00 - 12:30
Building a barn is one of the biggest jobs on a colonial farm. In this workshop, kids will have to roll up their sleeves and work together to build a giant model of our Dutch Barn. We’ll learn period woodworking techniques, basic timber framing, and timeless teamwork skills.
Family-level members are free. Just let us know you’re coming below. Not a member? Admission is $10 for kids 5+.

SCHS Annual Meeting featuring Dr. Lucianne Lavin: "Dutch-Native American Relationships in Eastern New Netherland"
2023-04-29 14:00 - 15:30
After a brief business meeting, Dr. Lucianne Lavin will present on Dutch-Native American Relationships in Eastern New Netherland. Refreshments will be served.
Lucianne Lavin, Ph.D. is an anthropologist & archaeologist who has over 50 years of research and field experience in Northeastern archaeology and anthropology. She has written over 200 professional publications and technical reports on the archaeology and ethnohistory of the Northeast. Dr. Lavin is a founding member of the state’s Native American Heritage Advisory Council (a government agency whose appointed members advise the Office of State Archaeology and the State Historic Preservation Office on Native American graves/burials and sacred sites), and retired editor of the journal of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut, a position she held for 30 years. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from New York University.
Her award-winning book, Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples: What Archaeology, History, and Oral Traditions Teach Us about their Communities and Cultures (Yale University Press, 2013) won Second Place in the books category in the 2014 New England Museum Association Publication Award Competition, an Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations, and was selected as a Choice Magazine (American Library Association) “Outstanding Academic Title for 2013 in the North America Category”.
Her latest book, Dutch and Indigenous Communities in Seventeenth-Century Northeastern North America (SUNY Press, 2021), is an edited volume rated by BookAuthority as one of the “16 Best New Archaeology eBooks to Read in 2021.” Dr. Lavin recently received a Certificate of Award for Women in American History from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is a Connecticut-born resident and has lived much of her life in the lower Housatonic River Valley.

This is an in-person program hosted at Mabee Farm Historic Site. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Admission is free for members, otherwise $15 for non-members.

Secret Stockade
2023-05-03 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-06-07 10:00 - 13:00
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 sights and sounds of a vibrant, ever-changing neighborhood. Walk its storied streets, meet local characters, and learn its legends and lore as we journey across history.
Tickets are $35, include museum admission, a guided neighborhood tour, exclusive access to two Stockade homes and gardens, and lunch at Arthur’s Market, for 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 tour involves about 1 mile of walking on sometimes uneven sidewalks. It meets at the Schenectady Historical Museum at 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady NY 12305. Parking is available in the YWCA lot next door, or on the street.

Mohawk River Living History Weekend
2023-05-06 10:00 - 2023-05-07 15:00
Travel back to the 1700s with us! The Brigade of the American Revolution will take over Mabee Farm Historic Site for the weekend, presenting an expansive immersion event focused on the 18th century, including life along the Mohawk River and throughout the Mohawk Valley (Erie Canal)
The encampment will feature workshops and demonstrations that explore daily life in the colonial era, recreating the difficulties and joys experienced by those alive in the 1700s. We’ll delve into everything from navigating waterways, to wooden boats, to colonial education and medicine to, of course, colonial vices! Join us for lively weekend displaying 18th century life in all its facets.
We hope that the weekend encampment will spur you to explore a different side of history, and explore the riches of the Mohawk River!
Admission is $15/car for the weekend. For the full schedule of events please visit https://www.brigade.org/salon2023
Saturday 5/6: 10am – 4pm
Sunday 5/7: 1oam – 3pm

Walking Tour: The Stockade Beyond the Pines
2023-05-13 10:00 - 12:00
This walking tour takes us back to a land you may know but a world that’s unrecognizable. In 1661, Schenectady was founded at the frontier of the colonial world and sat at the crossroads of many competing empires. This tiny town was caught in a delicate balance as various European and Native American powers jostled for control of this area. In this tour we’ll explore the earliest years of our city’s history leading up to the disastrous night in 1690 when it was utterly destroyed. Come see how our city’s story began!
This tour meets at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady.
All ticket sales are final.

Workshop: Summer Wreath
2023-05-20 10:30 - 13:00
Get your front door ready for summer by crafting a red, white, and blue deco mesh wreath! Tavia Hoover, proprietor of Tavia’s Wreath Boutique, will lead us in creating a wreath perfect for celebrating summer and showing off your American pride. The class will teach from start to finish how to create a deco mesh wreath, including completing the wreath frame, cutting and attaching mesh, and installing your custom signs and embellishments, including your bow.
Price includes materials fee.

Walking Tour: Revolutionary Schenectady
2023-05-24 18:00 - 20:00
The American Revolution is a pivotal moment in the history of our city and our nation. Come explore a conflict that sundered families and communities alike. For the people who lived at this perilous time, what did it mean to be a Patriot?
This tour meets at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady.
All ticket sales are final.

Museum + Library Closed
2023-05-27 00:00 - 23:59
The Museum + Library will be closed today.

Howlin' at the Moon featuring Hold on Honeys
2023-06-01 19:00 - 21:00
We’re thrilled to announce that our Howlin’ at the Moon concert series returns to The Barn at Mabee Farm this summer! We’re back with a bang, and our hosts Everest Rising are bringing you an incredible lineup of regional musicians playing the best of Americana and more.
Join us throughout the summer for five nights of foot-stomping tunes, soulful melodies, and electrifying performances. The Barn at Mabee Farm provides the perfect rustic setting for an unforgettable live music experience, with its cozy atmosphere, historic charm, and breathtaking views.
Our talented lineup of musicians will captivate you with their raw talent, powerful vocals, and passionate performances. From folk to bluegrass, country to rock, our musicians will take you on a musical journey that spans genres and generations. Get ready to sing along to your favorite tunes, tap your feet to the rhythm, and immerse yourself in the rich sounds of Americana music.
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on these incredible nights of live music and good vibes. Whether you’re a seasoned Americana music enthusiast or just looking for a summer night out, Howlin’ at the Moon at The Barn at Mabee Farm is the place to be!
Howlin’ at the Moon is generously supported by Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation.
Hold On Honeys have been making quite a buzz in the Capital Region with recent performances at SPAC, Caffe Lena, Cohoes Music Hall, and more. We are thrilled to have Hold On Honeys as the featured artist for the first concert of the 2023 Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series!
Hold on Honeys is an indie folk minimalist vocal trio based in Troy, NY offering tight-knit harmonies to nourish the soul and invigorate the senses and is made up of Emily Curro, Raya Malcolm, and Shannon Rafferty. Taking inspiration from folk artists like Mountain Man, Wailin’ Jennys, and Alison Krauss, Hold On Honeys developed their own approach to singing and writing and carved our their own unique sound. They will be performing with a backing band of guitarist Matt Malone, banjo player Michael Gregg, and Connor Armbruster on the fiddle.
Admission is $10 at the door. Beer and wine available. Cash only.

An Evening with Devin Lander, NYS Historian
2023-06-02 18:00 - 19:30
Dear Members of the Schenectady County Historical Society,
We are excited to invite you to an exclusive event as a way to express our gratitude for your support and commitment to preserving local history. On June 2nd at 6pm we will be hosting “An Evening with Devin Lander, NYS Historian” inside the Mabee Farm’s Dutch Barn.
As the New York State Historian, Devin Lander will be sharing his insights and expertise on the current state of public history in New York. In addition to Devin’s remarks, guests will be treated to wine and catering from Wagon Train BBQ in the beautiful and historic setting Dutch Barn, and behind-the-scenes tours with staff members. This is a chance to relax and connect with other members of the Schenectady County Historical Society while learning more about the rich history of our community.
This event is exclusively for members of the Schenectady County Historical Society. To reserve your spot, please RSVP soon!
Sincerely,
Mary Zawacki
Executive Director and Curator of the Schenectady County Historical Society

Workshop: Paint a Folk Art Landscape with Gail Talmadge
2023-06-03 10:00 - 12:30
Join us for a unique and inspiring painting class, held inside the historic Dutch Barn. This picturesque setting offers the perfect backdrop for creating a beautiful folk art landscape painting, with plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Led by experienced artist, Gail Talmadge, you’ll learn basic principles of painting from sight, with an emphasis on individual style. The class leans towards fun art not fine art, and will be an enjoyable experience for first time painters and experienced artists alike.,
In case of inclement weather like rain, wind, or extreme heat, the class will be rescheduled. Since the Barn does not have A/C, and is somewhat open to the elements, participants should be prepared accordingly (sunblock, bug spray, etc). Participants should also bring their own refreshments.
$55, includes includes step by step instructions, canvas, apron for use and all painting supplies needed to paint. Pre-registration required.
All ticket sales are final.

Schenectady Wine Society
2023-06-08 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for “Schenectady Wine Society” a collection of curated wine tastings by and for local wine lovers at our historic sites. This time, we’ll be sampling wines that wrap our senses in everything summertime has to offer. Join your hosts, Buffy Leonard and city historian Chris Leonard on a tasting and history tour of their favorite wines for the season.
$30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID.
All ticket sales are final.

Beers, Bikes, and Barges: Schenectady
2023-06-08 18:00 - 20:00
Join the Schenectady County Historical Society and the Erie Canal Museum for this 90 minute 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. Go to the following link for more information or to buy a ticket: https://eriecanalmuseum.org/cycling/

Walking Tour: A New Nation
2023-06-10 10:00 - 12:00
In the year 1800, Schenectady was a small city in a new nation entering a new century. Old colonial traditions were giving way to new American traditions. In this tour, we’ll investigate how the Schenectady Stockade was transformed during the Early Republic period, looking at the buildings of the era, discussing stories, customs, and more. This tour complements our new exhibit, “A New Nation,” on display at the SCHS.
This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/person.
All ticket sales are final.

Drink the Seasons: June
2023-06-15 18:00 - 20:00
Drink the Seasons is ready for summer; are you? In celebration of the sunshine, join for an evening of seasonal cocktails and more at Schenectady Historical. Led by historian John Gearing, we’ll make — and sample — a variety of historic libations, made with summer flare.
$30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID.
All ticket sales are final.

Walking Tour: Gossips and Gadflies
2023-06-17 10:00 - 12:00
Can you keep a secret? This tour explores the Stockade through the writings of Harriet Mumford Paige, Schenectady’s own version of Lady Whistledown. Living in the early 19th century, she was an ordinary woman with an extraordinary penchant for peddling rumors. Together we’ll air out all of her neighbors’ dirty laundry!
This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/person.
All ticket sales are final.
