Schenectady County Historical Society

"The Cherry Orchard": Presented by NorthEast Theatre Ensemble
2025-09-13 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-13 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-14 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Coming this September: NorthEast Theatre Ensemble presents Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard,” Newly translated by Dr. Krysta Dennis.

The Cherry Orchard
By Anton Chekov, translated by Dr. Krysta Dennis, directed by Suzanna Bornn
Performances at 7:00 PM on September 5, 6, 12, & 13 and at 2:00 PM on September 6, 7, 13, & 14

In Chekhov’s final play, a once-wealthy family on the brink of total loss serves as a metaphor for the death of the aristocracy and the coming of a revolution.
Ranevskaya Lyubov Andreevna returns to the ancestral country estate she is about to lose, deeply in debt. Refusing to confront the present head-on, Lyubov brushes off practical advice from friends and neighbors, spending the final days at her childhood home in willful reminiscence.
Meanwhile, an auction looms over the estate, threatening the futures of the entire household and the once beautiful Cherry Orchard.
Director Suzanna Bornn stages the “comedy” inside the historic barn at Mabee Farm, a reminder of the pastoral life Europe’s elite romanticized in the 1700s 1800s and eventually lost as industry and revolution took the world by force.

Tickets may be purchased at https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-cherry-orchard-by-anton-chekhov-tickets-232367.

Bateau Sunset Cruise
2025-09-19 18:00 - 19:30
For centuries, Schenectady men and women rowed the waters of the mighty Mohawk River in sturdy vessels called batteaux. On this sunset cruise, we’ll recreate their journeys, albeit at a more relaxing pace. Our reproduction bateau is crewed by expert reenactors, and guests are invited to pitch in. Naturally, each ticket includes a cocktail as a standard ration. Sit back, relax, and take in the sunset* as so many generations of Schenectadians have before.
*Sunset is at 6:58pm
This cruise is limited to ten people. Because this program is highly weather-dependent, please also reserve Sept 26 as a rain date.

Workshop: Felt a Fox
2025-09-20 09:30 - 12:30
In this workshop, we’ll felt an adorable Red Fox, using wool from our herd. Come join us in making a cute gift for friends, family, or even yourself.
Our experts will guide you through the process from start to finish, and we’ll provide all materials and equipment. This craft is recommended for anyone 12+. It involves using sharp needles which can puncture skin if not used properly. Participants should possess good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to work with focus and care.

"Expressive Interpretations" Exhibition Opening Reception
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00
This exhibition showcases new, original works by four artists: Deborah Angilletta, John Morrette, Tim Prendergast, and Maureen Sausa. Together, they developed Expressive Interpretations, a collaborative exploration of individuality in landscape art.
Each artist contributed a black-and-white landscape photograph as a shared reference. From these four images, every artist created a set of four paintings, interpreting each scene through their own perspective. The result is a collection of sixteen watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings that highlight the unique vision, color choices, and techniques of each artist. Imagine the possibilities!
Please join us for a wine and cheese reception celebrating the opening of this exhibition. Admission is free and open to all.

School Break Program: The Equinox Blues: Making Cyanotypes in the Autumn Sun
2025-09-23 13:00 - 14:30
The autumn equinox marks the time when the day becomes shorter than the night. Let’s use the sunlight while we can to make some art! Learn about cyanotypes, a kind of printmaking that involves harnessing the sun to make precise copies of objects. We will see how this technology has been used throughout history, including blueprints from SCHS’s collections! We will get outside into nature to craft some prints of our own.
Free for SCHS Family+ members (RSVP required), otherwise $10 for everyone 4+.

Family Program: StoryWalk® Through History
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00
In honor of National Literacy Month, SCHS invites you and your family to get reading and get moving on the Mabee Farm nature trails! Inspired by the StoryWalk® movement, pages of a picture book will be displayed along our easy-to-stroll paths, paired with questions and prompts to keep people of all ages engaged. Every half hour, our educator will lead a guided activity that connects to the themes of the books.
Free for SCHS Family+ members (RSVP required), otherwise $10 for everyone 4+.

The Erie Canal Project: 200 Years on the Erie Canal
2025-10-03 18:00 - 19:00
In celebration of the Erie Canal’s 200th birthday, we’re hosting The Erie Canal Project: New Choreography by Cecilia Whalen. This original dance piece is inspired by the movement of the canal, and features stylized modern movements and influences from Irish step dance. The piece will be performed by eight dancers, including former Martha Graham Dance Company members, a world champion Irish step dancer, and special guest Chris Thomas, Haudenosaunee Smoke Dancer.
In its Schenectady iteration, The Erie Canal Project will feature an additional dancer, special guest Chris Thomas, Smoke Dancer of the Onondaga Haudenosaunee. The performance will take place in the beautiful and rustic Dutch Barn at the Mabee Farm.
This Schenectady County based performance is sponsored by New York Folklore with support from an Arts and Culture Development Grant from the Schenectady County Legislature.

Memories of the Green Corners School
2025-10-04 12:00 - 14:00
Tucked away in a quiet corner of scenic Glenville, sits the one-room Green Corners School House. This historic hidden gem was built in 1825 and served generations of students in rural Glenville until 1946. Recently and lovingly restored, the schoolhouse is now open only for special occasions. For this program, Glenville town historian Emily Spinner will join us to bring the memories of this schoolhouse to life. We’ll also feature fun, family friendly activities for all ages.

This program meets at the Green Corners School at 2140 Potters Road in Glenville NY. Parking space is limited and tickets will be divided into two time slots 12pm-1pm and 1pm-2pm. THERE ARE NO BATHROOMS at this historic schoolhouse so plan accordingly.

America 250 Reads: A Revolutionary Book Club
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-11 19:00 - 20:30
Join us throughout 2025 and 2026 as we delve into literature, biographies, and more that explore the American Revolution. We’ll meet virtually each month to discuss a few chapters of the book at hand. To register and receive the meeting link, and for full dates, please email Madeline Olesky at programs@schenectadyhistorical.org.
Note that while this program is free, it is only open to SCHS members.

FallFest
2025-10-12 11:00 - 15:00
Autumn is our favorite time of year at the Mabee Farm, and arguably the best. Is there anything better than the smokey scent of the blacksmith’s forge, the yearly bounty of pumpkins, and the magnificent colors of fall foliage set against the Mohawk River? October on the Farm is perfect, really.

Join us for FallFest, a truly spectacular celebration of autumn and its bounty. Featuring family-friendly activities like pony rides, boat rides, crafts, and a petting zoo, along with live music, and local beer. Plus, 60+ of our favorite artists and crafters will fill the grounds, selling their eclectic wares. So, why not do a little holiday shopping while you’re here .

Suggested donation: $10

Vendor registration is at https://forms.gle/HCb4jVay175GoDQ46. Please note that this is a juried show, open only to artists and crafters whose items are handmade. We review every application carefully, and select only those whose craft shows high quality.

Generously sponsored by Rivers Casino & Resort

Schenectady Wine Society
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a curated wine tasting by and for local wine lovers. Wine connoisseur Buffy Leonard and city historian Chris Leonard will lead us on a tasting and history tour of their favorite wines for the season.
$35; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final.

Candlelight Tours
2025-10-16 18:00 - 2025-10-31 20:30
Explore the historic Stockade after dark, and discover the neighborhood’s haunted past. Guided by expert storytellers, immerse yourself in the ghost tales of this nearly 400-year-old neighborhood. On our “Ghostly Victorian” tour, listen to ghostly tales as you venture past flickering stoops and encounter lingering spirits. Or, brave the “Colonial Hauntings” tour, traversing ancient streets where spirits congregate at colonial-era houses, all under the moonlit sky.
Tickets are $16 and you can choose either the “Colonial Hauntings” or “Ghostly Victorian” tour. The two tours feature different stories, and venture through different parts of the neighborhood. We recommend you bring a flashlight and sturdy footwear to navigate the Stockade’s uneven sidewalks. Each tour lasts 60-90 minutes – both tours cannot be done on the same night.
The tour meets at SCHS, 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady. Please arrive early so that you have time to find parking on the street and to walk to SCHS. Parking is not allowed in the YWCA parking lot. Candlelight Tours are co-sponsored by the Schenectady Heritage Foundation to benefit historic preservation in Schenectady County.
** All ticket sales are final. No refunds or switching dates, times, or tours. **

Workshop: Felt a Turkey
2025-11-08 09:30 - 12:00
In this workshop, you will create a felted turkey using the wool from our herd. It makes a perfect gift for the holidays or a cute decoration for your Thanksgiving table!
Our expert felter Pam Bucci will guide you through the process from start to finish, and we’ll provide all materials and equipment. This craft is recommended for anyone 12+. It involves using sharp needles which can puncture skin if not used properly. Participants should possess good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to work with focus and care.

Jan Mabee's Twilight Tours
2025-11-13 16:30 - 2025-11-15 16:30
Each twilight at Mabee Farm brings a different array of lights and colors, as the warmth of the sunset transforms into deep blue, moon-lit skies. Join us as we explore Mabee Farm as it’s meant to be explored; awash in changing colors, the wind gusting outside, and the flickering lights of the Mabee house keeping us cozy and warm. A costumed guide from the 1600s will lead us through the house, delving into the histories and mysteries of the Mabee Farm, and giving us a taste of what life was like for settlers living on the edge of the wilderness. We’ll enjoy warm drinks afterwards! Each tour lasts approximately one hour.
Available Tours:
Thursday, Nov 13 at 4:30pm
Friday Nov 14 at 4:30pm
Saturday Nov 15 at 4:30pm

Workshop: Hippocras and Spiced Wines
2025-11-14 18:00 - 19:00
Join us as we make Hippocras — a flavored wine from medieval times. Together we’ll discover spices and techniques from the middle ages, and brew up a batch to take home. Chef Jen is the owner and chef of Dinner Vacations, and an SCHS member. She is a graduate of the United States Personal Chef Institute (USPCI).

Family Program: Harvest's End at the Mabee Farm
2025-11-15 13:00 - 15:00
The growing season has come to an end, and the hearth glows warm as the daylight fades. Join us in the kitchen at Mabee Farm as we bake and cook in a traditional, kid-friendly style, using the rich flavors and aromas of our own fall harvest. Families will sample classic colonial recipes from The Sensible Cook and learn simple techniques to bring these tastes and traditions home to their own kitchens.

Tavern Night at the Mabee Inn
2025-11-21 18:30 - 20:30
Folks traveling in the 18th century had a variety of inns and taverns to spend the night in. Drinks offered include cyder (hard cider), ale, rum, wines, and punches. Not only that, simple fare was available as well. Cheese, cold meats, pickled vegetables, and condiments not unlike our modern tapas were readily available to the travelers. Join historian and costumed interpreter Nate Hoffman as we sample some light tavern fare, including libations, common punches, an alcoholic option, and some tasty treats inside the 1795 Mabee Inn. A roaring fire is guaranteed.

Museum & Library Closed
2025-11-24 00:00 - 2025-12-05 23:59
We are closed from November 24th through December 5th for the Thanksgiving holiday and for Festival of Trees setup. We will reopen on Saturday December 6th fully decorated for the holiday season!
To learn more about FoT and plan your visit, please go to: https://schenectadyhistorical.org/event/trees25/

Mabee Farm Closed
2025-11-28 00:00 - 2025-11-29 23:59
The Mabee Farm is closed to the public on Friday 11/28 and Saturday 11/29 for Thanksgiving weekend. We will reopen for tours on Friday 12/5.

Night of Lights
2025-12-05 17:30 - 20:00
Our sponsor members and benefactor members, and our donors are invited to an exclusive evening reception celebrating the opening of the Festival of Trees! We’ll have great food from Wagon Train, wine, cheese, desserts, and of course the spectacular sneak-preview of glittering fir trees. Live music, too!
This event is invitation-only. People who received an invitation should kindly RSVP at the link provided.

Workshop - Hand Felted Shawl
2025-12-06 10:00 - 15:00
Looking for a personalized holiday gift? In this 5 hour workshop you will felt your own beautiful, wearable piece of art! You will learn how to apply merino wool roving, silks, yarns, and other materials to a piece of silk chiffon. Through the ancient art of wet felting, we’ll fuse all the elements into a cohesive textile. These shawls can be worn, stitched into decorative pillows or bags, used as wall hangings, the only limit is your imagination.
This workshop begins at 10am sharp at the Mabee Farm Education Center. Expert felting artist Mallory Zondag will guide participants through the entire process. The registration fee covers all materials costs. Just come prepared to learn and have fun!
*All ticket sales final.

Festival of Trees
2025-12-06 10:00 - 2025-12-27 16:30
December 6 – 27, 10am-4:30pm at Schenectady County Historical Society (closed 12/24 – 12/26)

The Festival of Trees lights up Schenectady! Featuring 70+ artistically decorated fir trees, the Festival glows with the spirit of Christmas and the Solstice. Local artists, businesses, and non-profits have come together to turn the galleries of SCHS into a land of wintertide enchantment, and we warmly invite you to come stroll! When you stop in, be sure to vote for your top choices in 9 categories, including Cutest, Most Glamorous, and Most Creative trees!
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Schenectady County Historical Society. Admission is $8 for adults 13+. You can purchase tickets here in advance or buy them at the front desk when you arrive.

American Girl Holiday Tea Party
2025-12-06 17:00 - 18:30
Join us for an elegant holiday tea party! Our Festival of Trees will be in full swing, making a glittering holiday backdrop for the occasion. We’ll have an assortment of Harney & Sons teas to enjoy, alongside baked goods. We’ll also make a wintery craft to take home, and spin holiday tall tales. All dolls (or teddy bears) are welcome! Featuring an extensive array of Harney and Sons teas.
Location: SCHS Museum, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady, NY 12305

Holiday Ramble in the Stockade
2025-12-07 12:00 - 17:30
Get ready for one of Schenectady’s most heartwarming traditions! On Sunday, December 7 from 12–5 PM, the city’s oldest neighborhood will come alive with twinkling lights, holiday spirit, and local charm. Stroll through the Stockade’s historic streets as neighborhood businesses open their doors for festive fun, holiday shopping, and cozy community cheer. As the day winds down, gather at Lawrence Circle at 5:30 PM for the beloved Stockade Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy carol singing, holiday blessings, warm welcomes, and a few magical surprises to usher in the season together.

Here’s what to look forward to during the Ramble:
Inner Bliss Yoga & The Stockade Inn: Local artisan makers, card readings, and yoga demonstrations.

Schenectady County Historical Society: Festival of Trees from 10–4:30 PM ($8 admission, kids free).

Arthur’s Market: Holiday wreath pop-up with Mud Road Farms, signature holiday drinks, and goodies — staying open late for the tree lighting!

Sweet Sprig: Gift box raffle and holiday sale.

Moon and River Café: The perfect stop for a healthy breakfast or lunch.

Alchemy Wellness: Hot drinks, holiday shopping, intuitive readings, and a gift basket raffle.

Deb Angilletta Fine Art: Open studio and art sale.

Mohawk Valley Art Shoppe: Art supply sale and gift card raffle.

Last Nerve Tattoo: Stop in to see what’s new.

Stella’s Pasta Bar: Brunch from 10–2, plus cocktails and drinks until 5 PM.

Bex Salon: Braid Bar with Michael — walk in or sign up in advance!

Graham’s Coffee Parlor: Holiday drinks, hot chocolate, and sweet desserts.

CANCELLED: Schenectady Wine Society
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:00

Drink the Seasons: December
2025-12-12 18:00 - 20:00
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 holiday flare, amidst the glittering Festival of Trees.
All ticket sales are final.
