Schenectady County Historical Society

Kayak Through History: Waterford
2024-07-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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.
Pre-registration required. 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 26 at 6pm
Wednesday, July 10 at 6pm
Wednesday, July 17 at 6pm
Wednesday, July 24 at 6pm
Friday, August 7 at 6pm
Saturday, August 10 at 10am
Saturday, August 31 at 4:30pm
Waterford Dates:
meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street
Saturday, June 29 at 10am
Saturday, July 27 at 10am
Saturday, July 27 at 2pm
**All ticket sales are final. In the event of thunderstorms or severe rain and/or wind, and we must cancel, you will receive a full refund**

Farm Kids Friday
2024-08-02 10:00 - 12:00
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.
This program is free for family+ members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $10/person.
All ticket sales are final.

Kayak Through History: Schenectady
2024-08-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-10 10:00 - 12:00

Secret Stockade Saturdays
2024-08-10 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-09-14 14:00 - 17:00
The Stockade comes to life on this behind-the-scenes journey through the neighborhood. 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 $25, include museum admission, a guided neighborhood tour, exclusive access to two Stockade homes and gardens, and coffee and a treat at Arthur’s Market. This tour lasts approximately three hours, and is offered — by reservation– on the second Saturday 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.
**All ticket sales are final. We cannot offer refunds or date exchanges if your plans change.**

Museum and Library Closed
2024-08-12 00:00 - 2024-08-20 23:59
The Museum and Library will be closed to the public from Monday, August 12 through Tuesday, August 20. We will reopen on Wednesday, August 21.

Schenectady Wine Society: Vini Italiani
2024-08-15 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for curated wine tastings 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. Our theme this month is “Vini Italiani!” Some of the best wines in the world come from the 20 diverse wine-making regions on the Italian peninsula. Together, we’ll enjoy a few of our hosts’ favorites.
$33; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final.
Location: Education Center at Mabee Farm Historic Site

Howlin' at the Moon featuring Carolyn Shapiro
2024-08-15 19:00 - 21:00
Howlin’ at the Moon showcases regional music from a variety of genres, providing an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Music traditions are meant to be fluid and evolving, and Howlin’ nurtures regional musical talent while providing opportunities for cross-pollination. All in a 1760 Dutch Barn that inspires and reminds us of our place within history!
Carolyn Shapiro is an award-winning old-time banjo player and songwriter from the Southern Adirondacks whose sound is rooted in the old songs of Appalachia. Blending her sultry flavor with a traditional style, Carolyn creates honest music that feeds the soul like a good home-cooked meal. She writes songs inspired by the world around her with a unique voice that will stop you in your tracks.
In 2022 Carolyn was named Folk Artist of the Year at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards after the release of her debut album “Where I’m Supposed to Be.” Her second album “Take it Easy” was released on February 2nd, 2024. This 6-song EP is about learning to take care of yourself and finding joy in a world that is crumbling around you. Produced in collaboration with Jim Mastrianni, the album was recorded live with Connor Armbruster on fiddle, Oona Grady on bass, and James Gascoyne on guitar and captures the magic that can only be heard when music is played together.
Opening the night is host Everest Rising, 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 summer’s host of the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series, Everest Rising aims to support an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians.
Admission is $10 at the door (cash only). Beer and wine available for purchase.

Walking Tour: GE Realty Plot
2024-08-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-21 10:00 - 12:00
Join Schenectady City Historian Chris Leonard as explore the stately GE Realty Plot! We’ll uncover stories about GE inventors and executives, Schenectady business and political leaders, entertainers, and more, plus discover the formation of this historic neighborhood, and ongoing efforts to protect these stately homes.
The GE Realty Plot has been home to some of the world’s foremost leaders in science, engineering, business, politics, and the military. You probably know Charles P. Steinmetz and Nobel Prize winner Irving Langmuir lived in the GE Realty Plot, but what about Colonel James Andrews, Izetta Jewel Miller, Albert Hull & Alice Scudder…
Tickets: $25/person and include entry into one of the homes and snacks on its large front porch!
Location: The tour meets at Steinmetz Memorial Park on Wendell Avenue, next to the Unitarian Church (1221 Wendell Ave.). (Not Steinmetz Park on Rosa Road)
Time: Tours start at 10 AM sharp and last approximately 2 hours
Parking: There is ample parking on Wendell Ave and surrounding streets. Please do not park in the Unitarian Church parking lot.
By joining the tour, you’re not just immersing yourself in history; you’re also making a difference. All proceeds from the tour go to the Schenectady County Historical Society and the Office of the City Historian of Schenectady, supporting their invaluable work in preserving our shared heritage.

Schenectady Living History: 19th Century African Americans
2024-08-17 15:00 - 17:00
Join us in celebrating Schenectady’s African American history! This program will feature living history performances highlighting three individuals who rose from the shackles and oppression of slavery to positions of prominence: Anthony Allen, Julia Foote, and Moses Viney. The event will also include performances by from the Duryee AME Zion Church Choir.
–Anthony Allen: The Journey from Slavery in Schenectady to Entrepreneur in Hawaii by Donald Hyman
–Julia Foote: A Brand Plucked from the Fire by Amelia Paul
–Moses Viney by Walter Simpkins
This event is part of the Schenectady African American Historical Records Project, a collaborative community archives project focused on working with community record creators and memory keepers, preserving historical materials created by African Americans, and supporting education and research on local Black history. This project is supported in part by funding from Schenectady County and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
This event will be held outside on the SCHS lawn and parking lot, weather permitting. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public
For more information, contact Marietta Carr, Librarian/Archivist at the Schenectady County Historical Society: 518-374-0263 x3 or librarian@schenectadyhistorical.org.

Wine and Walk: From Canal Days to the Golden Era
2024-08-23 17:30 - 19:00
Once a sleepy farming town, Schenectady experienced a dramatic transformation when the Erie Canal opened in 1825. Over the next hundred years, the small town evolved in a giant of manufacturing and industry. Join us as we explore 19th and early 20th century Schenectady, from canals to railroads to its “golden era” of prosperity.
After the tour, choose to stick around for a drink at the historic Arthur’s Market.
This tour meets at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady, and concludes at Arthur’s Market on N. Ferry Street.
All ticket sales are final.

Arts and Crafts Festival
2024-08-24 10:00 - 14:30
We’re bringing together the very best of the Capital Region’s handcrafted goods! Join us as 60+ artists and crafters spread out over the Mabee Farm grounds with their eclectic, beautifully handcrafted items. All items are handmade here in our region, and include jewelry, home decor, fine art, ceramics, artisan foods and wines, soaps, candles, woodworking, and more! Featuring live music!
This event is a fundraiser for the Mabee Farm, a not-for-profit organization. Admission is $10/parked car .
Vendor registration is closed.

Kayak Through History: Waterford
2024-08-31 10:00 - 12:00
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.
Pre-registration required. 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.
**All ticket sales are final. In the event of thunderstorms or severe rain and/or wind, and we must cancel, you will receive a full refund**

Kayak Through History: Schenectady
2024-08-31 16:30 - 18:30
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.
Pre-registration required. 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 26 at 6pm
Wednesday, July 10 at 6pm
Wednesday, July 17 at 6pm
Wednesday, July 24 at 6pm
Friday, August 7 at 6pm
Saturday, August 10 at 10am
Saturday, August 31 at 4:30pm
Waterford Dates:
meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street
Saturday, June 29 at 10am
Saturday, July 27 at 10am
Saturday, August 31 at 10:00am

**All ticket sales are final. In the event of thunderstorms or severe rain and/or wind, and we must cancel, you will receive a full refund**

All Sites Closed
2024-09-02 00:00 - 23:59
All SCHS sites, including Mabee Farm, the Museum, and the Library will be closed on Labor Day.

Autumn Glow Festival
2024-09-05 18:00 - 2024-11-03 22:00
**Tickets at https://www.autumnglowfestival.com**
Step into a dazzling and whimsical world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns, all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. Each unique piece holds a story of its own that will be told to visitors to help contextualize their experience even more. The Autumn Glow Festival’s unique luminescent night walk brings the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals to Schenectady, celebrating the diversity of our region. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, and the perfect fall activity for families and friends.
About the lanterns: Modern LED lights are embellished by traditionally hand-crafted lantern frames made from small pieces of classically made Chinese silk cloth and steel wire. All lanterns are created by artisans, who have over 20 years of experience in their trade and bring magical folkloric creatures to life. The lighting of lanterns can be traced perhaps as far back as the Han dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE) in China. Originally, lanterns were primarily round in form, and when lit, they paid homage to the full moon. Glowing lanterns thus celebrate the changing of seasons and the cycles of nature. They were also used in Chinese history to commemorate imperial, Buddhist and Daoist deities. Seasonal celebrations developed into quite festive events, and their accompanying dances and dramas inspired craftsmen to create lanterns in a variety of animal and other playful forms. Lantern festivals in China are regionally diverse, but they are always occasions when families and friends reunite and gather together.
Date: September 6th – November 3rd
Days: Fridays, Saturdays*, and Sundays
Time: 6:30pm – 10pm (last entrance at 9 PM)
What to Expect: The walk is around 45 minutes long, and the experience is enhanced with live performances, seasonal food and drink options, a bounce house, sugar painting demonstrations, a dinosaur ride, wish jars, and a lighted scarecrow competition, created by local artists.
Location: 1100 Main Street, Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150 Mabee Farm Historic Site
Age requirement: All ages welcome
Price: $16.99-$26.99
*blackout dates are Saturdays September 7, 14, 21, and October 5.

Walking Tour: The Gilded Age
2024-09-12 17:30 - 19:00
The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and huge fortunes made and lost. Schenectady wasn’t immune. Join us for an evening stroll past Schenectady mansions and learn about the influential families who shaped the area during this transformative era. Along the way, discover the stories of innovation and societal change that marked the Gilded Age.
This tour also highlights the Stockade’s role as a backdrop for the HBO series “The Gilded Age.” We’ll visit locations where key scenes were filmed, giving you a heads up on what to look for when the new season premiers in 2025. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of the show, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Schenectady’s gilded past.
This tour meets and ends at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady.
All ticket sales are final.

Wine and Walk: The Gilded Age
2024-09-13 17:30 - 19:00
The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and huge fortunes made and lost. Schenectady wasn’t immune. Join us for an evening stroll past Schenectady mansions and learn about the influential families who shaped the area during this transformative era. Along the way, discover the stories of innovation and societal change that marked the Gilded Age.
This tour also highlights the Stockade’s role as a backdrop for the HBO series “The Gilded Age.” We’ll visit locations where key scenes were filmed, giving you a heads up on what to look for when the new season premiers in 2025. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of the show, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Schenectady’s gilded past.
After the tour, choose to stick around for a drink at the historic Arthur’s Market.
This tour meets at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady, and concludes at Arthur’s Market on N. Ferry Street.
All ticket sales are final.

Farm Kids Pumpkin Day!
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:00
The Mabee Farm’s pumpkin patch will be open just for kids! Come spend a fall day with us as we wander our pumpkin patch, picking our favorites. Our pumpkins come in all sizes, shapes and colors! We’ll then create a gourdy craft with our picks.
This program is free for SCHS family+ members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $10/person.
Advance registration is required. We CANNOT take walk-ins. All ticket sales are final.

Howlin' at the Moon featuring Belle-Skinner
2024-09-19 19:00 - 21:00
Howlin’ at the Moon showcases regional music from a variety of genres, providing an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Music traditions are meant to be fluid and evolving, and Howlin’ nurtures regional musical talent while providing opportunities for cross-pollination. All in a 1760 Dutch Barn that inspires and reminds us of our place within history!
Belle-Skinner is a dark nostalgic singer-songwriter based in New York. With a hauntingly beautiful, lilting soprano and innate sense of melody she crafts tales of songbirds, sirens and desert nomads – nuanced and layered stories which bridge the gap between past and present. Though her influences cover a broad range of genres – from French chansons and Russian folk to contemporary alt-pop and rock – her voice often draws comparisons to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Jeff Buckley, Mary Hopkin, and early St. Vincent.
Opening for acts such as Mitski, Cautious Clay, Haley Reinhart, Ondara, Rhett Miller (Old 97s), Sean Rowe, Saint Saviour (Groove Armada), and Bill Ryder-Jones (Arctic Monkeys), she has performed at venerated venues like The Linda Performing Arts Center, Proctor’s Theatre, The Bluebird Cafe, Bowery Ballroom, Caffe Lena, and the Roundhouse Theatre in London.
She has been a finalist in numerous prestigious songwriting competitions including Telluride Troubadour Competition, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Contest, The Great American Songwriting Contest – and most recently the 2022 and 2023 Grassy Hill New Folk Competition at Kerrville Folk Festival, as well as winner of the 2022 Tarrytown Music Hall Rock the Hall Competition.
Opening the night is host Everest Rising, 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 summer’s host of the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series, Everest Rising aims to support an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians.
Admission is $10 at the door (cash only). Beer and wine available for purchase.

Bateau Sunset Cruise
2024-09-27 17:30 - 19:00
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 6:43pm
This cruise is limited to ten people. Because this program is highly weather-dependent, please also reserve Oct. 4 as a rain date.

Stockade Walkabout 2024
2024-09-28 11:00 - 17:00
The Walkabout is a house tour, a celebration of our great neighborhood and a major fundraiser for the Stockade Association and Schenectady County Historical Society.
Save this special Saturday in September in the Stockade as a day to stroll through three centuries of our fabulous history in New York’s oldest registered historic district! Eight neighbors have graciously agreed to open the interior of their homes to neighbors and visitors and tell secrets of the architecture and stories of the families that lived in them.
Tickets are $25 in advance of the day, $30 on the day of the event, and $10 for students on the day of the event.
The Stockade Walkabout is presented by the Stockade Association and the Schenectady County Historical Society with proceeds benefiting Stockade preservation and beautification, and SCHS’ mission.
Participating houses include:
22 Front Street
29 Front Street
29 1/2 Front Street
47 Front Street
205 Union Street
234 Union Street
123 N Ferry Street
12 1/2 N Ferry Street
…plus SCHS, the Stockade Inn, and neighborhood churches!

Candlelight Tours
2024-10-10 18:00 - 2024-10-31 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 $15 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. 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 park on the street, and allow ample time 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. **

Available Dates:

October 30 at 6pm and 7:30pm
October 31 at 7pm

Cider-Making at Mabee Farm (10am)
2024-10-12 10:00 - 11:30
It’s the tastiest season of all at the Mabee Farm! Our apples are ready to pick and press into sweet cider but we’ll need your help! We’ll work with our antique 1840 cider press to create a great tasting treat. We’ll also discuss how this famous fruit was an historically important resource for farmers, and how modern apple growers keep the tradition alive today. Of course, everyone who helps with the work gets to taste the results! This program begins promptly at 10am. $10 per attendee over 4. Note: this is NOT a pick-your-own apples event!
Pre-registration is required; we CANNOT accept walk-ins.
All ticket sales final.

Cider-Making at Mabee Farm (12pm)
2024-10-12 12:00 - 13:30
It’s the tastiest season of all at the Mabee Farm! Our apples are ready to pick and press into sweet cider but we’ll need your help! We’ll work with our antique 1840 cider press to create a great tasting treat. We’ll also discuss how this famous fruit was an historically important resource for farmers, and how modern apple growers keep the tradition alive today. Of course, everyone who helps with the work gets to taste the results! This program begins at 12pm. $10 per attendee over 4. Note: this is NOT a pick-your-own apples event!
Pre-registration is required; we CANNOT accept walk-ins.
All ticket sales final.

FallFest
2024-10-13 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

FallFest is generously sponsored by Nautilus Solar and Rivers Casino.

All Sites Closed
2024-10-14 00:00 - 23:59
All SCHS sites, including Mabee Farm, the Museum, and the Library will be closed on Indigenous Peoples Day.

Spirits of the Full Moon with NorthEast Theatre Ensemble
2024-10-17 00:00 - 2024-10-19 23:59
Gather with the spirits this season as we partner with NorthEast Theatre Ensemble to bring immersive theatre to the grounds of the Mabee Farm. Join us under the full moon for a candlelight walk through our orchard and gardens. We’ll then venture inside the historic house and barn where performers chill and tantalize you with haunting accounts of lost love, longing, and murder. To cap off the night, we’ll warm up by the campfire. Just in time for Halloween! Come in costume if you desire!
Shows are on Oct 17, 18, and 19 with 6:30pm and 8:15pm showtimes.
This program is geared towards adults, and may not be suitable for children under the age of 12. Please, no flashlights or headlamps, unless red light.
All ticket sales final. Since space is limited we cannot accept walk-ins.
Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State, Kathy Hochul, Governor. We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins for her extraordinary commitment and leadership, and our elected officials who represent our grantmaking region: Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin; Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
