Schenectady County Historical Society

Secret Stockade
2022-07-06 10:00 - 13:00, 2022-06-01 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Schenectady County Independence Day Celebration
2022-07-03 17:00 - 22:00
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.

Kayak Through History: Schenectady 7/2
2022-07-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Mohawk Harbor
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

Kayak Through History: Schenectady 6/29
2022-06-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohawk Harbor

Kayak Through History: Waterford 6/25
2022-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Waterford Boat Launch, Waterford Boat Launch
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

Colonial Kids Friday
2022-06-24 10:00 - 12:00
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

Kayak Through History: Waterford 6/22
2022-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Waterford Boat Launch, Waterford Boat Launch

All Sites Closed in Observance of Juneteenth
2022-06-20 00:00 - 23:59
All Schenectady County Historical Society sites will be closed on June 20, in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Kayak Through History: Schenectady 6/18
2022-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Mohawk Harbor

Howlin' at the Moon
2022-06-16 19:00 - 21:00
The Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series showcases regional bluegrass, Americana, folk, indie, and more. We’re honored to host this authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Music traditions are meant to be fluid and evolving — this concert series nurtures regional musical talent while providing opportunities for cross-pollination and to share musical ideas, all in a 1760 Dutch Barn that inspires and reminds us of our place within history. The shows begin at 7pm, admission is $7, and refreshments are available.
Since 2009 Albany’s Lost Radio Rounders have been one of upstate New York’s premiere Acoustic Americana duos, and now they are presenting their many themed programs to private audiences as a trio, and an exciting mix of American Roots classics to public audiences as a quartet. Tom and Michael have welcomed new arrivals Paul Jossman on banjo, and Evan Conway on bass. Tom Lindsay and Michael Eck have been lauded for their work keeping the legacy of American folk music alive, with the Daily Gazette’s Michael Hochanadel calling them, “versatile and deep;” Times Union music blogger Andrew Gregory dubbing them, “absolute professionals with huge talent;” and Nippertown correspondent Cheryl Jenks stating, “Their knowledge, love and passion for old-time American music is evident in every part of their performance.”
Located in New York’s Capital Region, Everest Rising is a tightly-knit quintet influenced by bluegrass, Americana, rock, jazz and more. Together they create progressive acoustic music that is unique, powerful, and comfortably familiar. With a wide dynamic range, Everest Rising’s material spans from heartfelt laments to all out jams, all executed with instrumental finesse and thoughtful story-telling. As this year’s host of the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series, Everest Rising aims to support an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Music traditions are meant to be fluid and evolving — this concert series nurtures local and regional musical talent while providing opportunities for cross-pollination of musical ideas, all in an authentic setting that inspires and reminds us of our place within history.

Kayak Through History: Schenectady 6/15
2022-06-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohawk Harbor

Walking Tour: Scandalous Schenectady
2022-06-10 18:00 - 20:00
Every city has its fair share of scandal! Scandalous Schenectady recalls some of Schenectady’s more nefarious characters. Bold bootlegging, cruel kidnappings and maybe even a few mysterious murders…this tour has it all!
Members are free. To register for free as a member please email office@schenectadyhistorical.org.

Walking Tour: The Civil War in Schenectady
2022-06-03 18:00 - 20:00
It’s the middle of the 19th century and America has been fractured in two. As Union and Confederate forces battle, the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. In this tour we’ll examine how Schenectady fit into this struggle. We’ll walk the streets and meet the people who lived through this crisis.
Members are free. To register for free as a member please email office@schenectadyhistorical.org.

Walking Tour: Canal Days
2022-05-27 18:00 - 20:00
With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, New York truly became the “Empire State.” Once a sleepy farming town, Schenectady experienced a dramatic transformation of its own during the canal era.
Members are free. To register for free as a member please email office@schenectadyhistorical.org.

Wine Bottle Planters
2022-05-21 14:00 - 15:30
Wine Bottle Planters

We love a good upcycle art project at the Mabee Farm! In this workshop we’ll turn old wine bottles into new, self watering planters. We’ll fill them up with rich, composted soil from the Mabee Farm and start you off with a homegrown herb seedling.

Walking Tour: Gossips and Gadflies
2022-05-20 18:00 - 20:00
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!
Members are free. To register for free as a member please email office@schenectadyhistorical.org.

Walking Tour: Revolutionary Schenectady
2022-05-12 18:00 - 20:00
The American Revolution is, of course, a pivotal moment in the history of our city and our nation. Come explore a conflict that sundered families and communities alike. What does it mean to be a Patriot?
Members are free. To register for free as a member please email office@schenectadyhistorical.org.

Walking Tour: Beyond the Pines: Colonial Schenectady
2022-05-06 18:00 - 20:00
This walking tour takes us back to a land you may know but a world that’s unrecognizable. In the 17th century, Schenectady sat at the crossroads of many competing empires, where European colonists met native American nations. Come see how our city’s story began!
Members are free. To register for free as a member please email office@schenectadyhistorical.org.

Mabee Farm opens at 2pm
2022-05-06 14:00 - 16:00
Due to school programs, the Mabee Farm will open to the public at 2pm on these days, with guided tours at 3pm, only.

Annual Meeting and "Through the Stereoscope: Time Machine to the 19th Century"
2022-05-05 18:30 - 20:00
We hope you’ll join us for our first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019. After a brief business meeting, local historian John Scherer will present his illustrated talk, “Through the Stereoscope: Time Machine to the 19th Century.” Refreshments will be served. Thursday at 6:30pm at 32 Washington Ave.

Test
2022-04-28 08:00 - 17:00

Workshop: Hooked on Blacksmithing
2022-04-24 10:00 - 16:00
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at forging, this is the perfect opportunity to learn the basics of blacksmithing in a fun, inclusive environment. Starting with building a coal fire, you will learn about the various tools of the shop and progress to hand forging functional objects. Spend the day exploring your creativity…and walk away with some finished pieces showcasing your new skills! This workshop is $150 and open to students 16+.
Since 1985, blacksmith John Ackner has been making historical and restoration hardware, decorative pieces, and custom weaponry.

Earth Night
2022-04-22 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 come for a face-to-face exploration of what it takes to be a raptor. The optional slideshow enhances the program with a wider range of species and topic possibilities. 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 tones plucked from raw land. Earth’s Children is an improvisational rock collective with members on the east and west coasts. Each performance is a unique combination of players and styles. Earth’s Children have been recording and cataloguing their music independently since 2013.
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.

Art Exhibit Opening: "Painting Forward: Past to Present" w/ Tina Johnston
2022-04-16 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for the exhibition opening of “Painted Forward: Past to Present” at the Mabee Farm Historic Site! Artist Tina Johnston will discuss the nature of her artwork and the catalyst for this body of work. Light refreshments provided.
“Painted Forward” presents paintings from the 1860s to 1920s repurposed in silk and reimagined with the figures holding digital devices. The luminosity and soft texture of silk, along with the gentle lines and melting colors provides visual serenity and adds new meaning to these historic images.
Local artist Tina Johnston is mesmerized by the radiance of silk; the capricious movement of liquid dyes is infectious. Johnston lives and paints in the Capital District of NY and is a member of the Schenectady Art Society.
$10 or FREE for members

Local Education: How Schenectady is Like Home
2022-04-14 19:00 - 20:30
Jakubowski’s recent research delves into the history of Schenectady’s schools — how reforms over the last 200 years affected Electric City schools and the once rural but now suburban schools around Schenectady County. He will explore how the local Schenectady County area was part of rural, urban, and then suburban growth, decline, change, and practice and policy implementation.
Casey Jakubowski, PhD is the author of two books, Thinking About Teaching, and A Cog in the Machine. After 20 years of K-12 experience, Dr Jakubowski now works with education students at the college level. He teaches courses in history, and is working on a manuscript on the history of education reform in New York State.
This is a virtual talk presented on Zoom. Admission is $8, or free for members. To register as a non-member please visit schenectadyhistorical.org/tickets. Members do not need to register. A link for this program will be emailed to all Schenectady County Historical Society members the day of the virtual program.

Navigating the Records From The War of 1812 with Brian Rhinehart
2022-04-02 14:00 - 15:30
From bounty land to pensions, there are no shortages of genealogical records for soldiers from the War of 1812. Brian Rhinehart will discuss why these records were created, how to make sense of them, and what those records can contain for your ancestors.
This is a virtual talk presented on Zoom. Admission is $8, or free for members. To register as a non-member please visit schenectadyhistorical.org/tickets. Members do not need to register. A link for this program will be emailed to all Schenectady County Historical Society members the day of the virtual program.

Socialist Schenectady: Birthplace of the Hedge Fund?
2022-04-01 12:00 - 13:30
Alfred Winslow Jones (1900-1989) created the first hedge fund in 1949, but his motives may seem peculiar in retrospect. This “lifelong Democrat or (Norman Thomas) socialist” thought hedge funds — far from becoming bywords for inequality — might stabilize markets, produce conditions of common prosperity, and encourage socialist-style policies of wealth redistribution. Where and when did Jones learn his socialist ideals? As a schoolboy growing up in the G.E. Realty Plot during Schenectady’s Progressive Era turn to municipal socialism. Socialist Schenectady’s effects, it turns out, have reached far beyond the banks of the Mohawk…just not in the way its champions hoped.
David Huyssen is a U.S. historian and Visiting Scholar at the Free University’s J.F.K. Institute in Berlin. He is author of Progressive Inequality (Harvard U.P., 2014) and has taught history at Yale, Wesleyan, the New School, NYU, and the University of York (UK). His writing and commentary on capitalism and class relations have appeared in numerous U.S. and European venues — including the Los Angeles Times, BBC, Le Monde, and Deutsche Welle — and his latest academic article, “The ‘Background Conditions’ of the Hedge Fund in General Electric’s Schenectady” appeared in Transatlantica’s March 2021 issue. Huyssen grew up in New York.
This is a virtual talk presented on Zoom. Admission is $8, or free for members. To register as a non-member please visit schenectadyhistorical.org/tickets. Members do not need to register. A link for this program will be emailed to all Schenectady County Historical Society members the day of the virtual program.

A Night at the Museum: Schenectady’s Leading Ladies
2022-03-29 18:00 - 19:30
This is an in-person program presented at 32 Washington Ave. Admission is $8, or free for members. To register as a non-member please visit schenectadyhistorical.org/tickets. To register as a member, simply email office@schenectadyhistorical.org.
In Honor of International Women’s Day, we’ll be taking a look at women’s history here in Schenectady. Join us for a special presentation by our educator Michael Diana focusing on some of Schenectady’s leading ladies. We’ll meet intrepid women on the frontier, brilliant physicians, pioneering politicians and more! Light refreshments will be served, and the Museum exhibitions will be open late.
