Schenectady County Historical Society

All Sites Closed
2025-05-26 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
All sites closed for Memorial Day

Virtual: SCHS Annual Meeting
2025-05-29 18:00 - 18:30
Our Annual Meeting is a time for members to come together to share their love of local history, and to help move SCHS forward. Please join us for a brief SCHS business meeting and vote.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84579300712
Meeting ID: 845 7930 0712

Wine and Walk: Saving the Stockade
2025-05-30 17:30 - 19:00
After more than 300 years of continuous habitation, the Stockade district had experienced massive changes. During this time, the history of this neighborhood was subject to erasure by the forces of modernization. In the late 20th century, residents banded together to save the unique character of the Stockade. This tour tells the story of how New York State’s first historic district came to be.
After the tour, stick around for a complimentary glass of wine at the SCHS Museum.
This tour meets and concludes at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady. All ticket sales are final.
2025 Wine and Walk Schedule:
May 30 – Saving the Stockade
June 6 – Beyond the Pines
June 13 – Revolutionary Schenectady
June 27 – Canal Days 200th Birthday
July 18 – Scandalous Schenectady
July 25- The Gilded Age
August 1- Lighting the World
August 8- Beyond the Pines
August 15: The Gilded Age
August 22- Sacred Spaces

Family Workshop: Felting Farm Friends
2025-05-31 10:00 - 11:30
No needles necessary! This family-friendly workshop is a perfect introduction for kids to the craft of felting. We’ll start with an introduction to our sheep, as well as discuss the process of cleaning and carding their wool. Then we’ll get to work, wet-felting a cute farm animal that you can take home! This program is open to anyone 5 and over. All participants, including parent/guardian, need a ticket.

Secret Stockade
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:00
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 $15, include museum admission, a guided neighborhood tour, exclusive access to two Stockade homes and gardens, and then refreshments back at SCHS. This tour lasts approximately two hours, and 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.**

Wine and Walk: Beyond the Pines
2025-06-06 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-08-08 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for a colonial-era walking tour that 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!
After the tour, stick around for a complimentary glass of wine at the SCHS Museum.
This tour meets and concludes at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady. All ticket sales are final.
2025 Wine and Walk Schedule:
May 30 – Saving the Stockade
June 6 – Beyond the Pines
June 13 – Revolutionary Schenectady
June 27 – Canal Days 200th Birthday
July 18 – Scandalous Schenectady
July 25- The Gilded Age
August 1- Lighting the World
August 8- Beyond the Pines
August 15: The Gilded Age
August 22- Sacred Spaces

Howlin' at the Moon featuring Zan & The Winter Folk
2025-06-06 19:00 - 21:00
Howlin’ at the Moon is thrilled to feature Zan & The Winter Folk!
Led by Zan Strumfeld, The Winter Folk create anthems for the revivalists, lullabies for the lonely, and ballads for the hopeful. Vacillating between an acoustic quartet — two guitars, banjo and upright bass — and a rocking quintet with drums, The Winter Folk blend an upbeat, rootsy spirit with a melodic longing and vulnerability in their storytelling. Since forming in 2017, they have played at festivals, music halls and living rooms. With a captivating sound and comedic banter, The Winter Folk reveal a unique and intimate performance wherever they play. The band has two EPs, “How To Be Alone” (2019) and “Your Girl No More” (2018). Their full-length album, “New Morse Code,” was released in June 2024.
Opening the night is our host Everest Rising, who curates the featured artist invites and serves the warm-up act for each concert in the series. 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.
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!
Admission is $10 or $5 for SCHS members with valid membership card. Cash only. Beer and wine available for purchase.
Howlin’ at the Moon is generously sponsored by Aspire Sustainability, Cohoes Savings Foundation, and Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation

Schenectady Welcomes Lafayette!
2025-06-11 00:00 - 23:59 | Riverside Park, Riverside Park, Schenectady, NY, 12305, United States
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.

Kayak Through History
2025-06-11 18:00 - 2025-07-30 18:00
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.
To purchase tickets on the day of an excursion, please call our main office at 518-374-0263
Full schedule:
Schenectady Dates:
meet at Mohawk Harbor near Druthers
Wednesday, June 11 at 6pm
Wednesday, June 18 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, 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**

Wine and Walk: Revolutionary Schenectady
2025-06-13 17:30 - 19:00
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? Join us for this evening walking tour of Schenectady’s revolutionary past.
After the tour, stick around for a complimentary glass of wine at the SCHS Museum.
This tour meets and concludes at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady. All ticket sales are final.
2025 Wine and Walk Schedule:
May 30 – Saving the Stockade
June 6 – Beyond the Pines
June 13 – Revolutionary Schenectady
June 27 – Canal Days 200th Birthday
July 18 – Scandalous Schenectady
July 25- The Gilded Age
August 1- Lighting the World
August 8- Beyond the Pines
August 15: The Gilded Age
August 22- Sacred Spaces

Workshop: Garden Beverages
2025-06-13 17:30 - 19:00
Did you know you can infuse your drinks with flowers? Neither did we! Lilacs, marigolds, and more are common in gardens throughout the area and can be made into tasty additions to your beverage repertoire. Come make and taste a few with Chef Jen!
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).

Pedal Paddle Tour: Goat Island Falls to Lions Park
2025-06-14 09:00 - 13:00
Get ready for a new adventure by land and river! This special tour allows us to explore unique and hidden places right in our own backyard. This tour begins at the Lock 7 Boat Launch in Niskayuna. From there, we will kayak to Lions Park where we can swap our boats for bikes and begin our return trip. Throughout the journey, an expert historian guide will share stories and secrets of the landmarks along the way. Highlights include a passage through a modern canal lock, the thunderous sight of Goat Island Falls and the historic beauty of the Vischer Ferry Area. We’ll provide the kayaks and the bikes. You provide the enthusiasm and the elbow grease!
FAQ:
How is this tour different from your usual kayak programs?
This tour combines both kayaking and biking to make for a half day’s adventure! Furthermore, this route is not regularly serviced by any kayak outfitter so it is a unique opportunity to explore this beautiful yet little-traveled section of the Mohawk River.
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is designed for beginner kayakers and cyclists but should be enjoyable for all skill levels. The kayaking route is about 3 miles of smooth water. The biking route is about 2 miles of flat terrain. We expect the whole trip to take about 4 hours, bringing us back home in time for lunch.
What do I need to bring?
We will provide the kayaks, bikes, and all the necessary safety equipment. You should plan on bringing water, snacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Maybe a baseball hat for the kayaking portion.
What is the bathroom situation?
The half-way mark, Lions Park, has a restroom we can use.
All ticket sales final. If this program is cancelled or rescheduled due to weather, you will receive a refund.

All Sites Closed
2025-06-19 00:00 - 23:59
All sites closed for Juneteenth

Night School: Are you smarter than a 4th grader?
2025-06-20 17:30 - 19:30
Every year, thousands of local students visit the Mabee Farm Historic Site to learn the basics of life on an 18th century farm. This is your chance to prove that you can do as good a job as them! Our hands-on Night School classes will include blacksmithing, barn building, colonial cooking and animal care — for grown ups! Plus, test your smarts during our 4th-Grade Social Studies quiz. Complimentary adult beverages will be served around the campfire should you need a study break.
Geared towards adults, but open to everyone 13+. $12 for non-members, free for members but registration required.

Schenectady Wine Society: Old World vs New World
2025-06-26 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 the differences between Old World and New World wines.
$35; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final.

Wine and Walk: Canal Days 200th Birthday
2025-06-27 17:30 - 19:00
It’s the 200th birthday of the Erie Canal, and we’re celebrating! With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, New York truly became the “Empire State.” Once a sleepy farming town with an important harbor, Schenectady experienced a dramatic transformation of its own during the canal era. Would the canal be a blessing, a blight, or perhaps both?
After the tour, stick around for a complimentary glass of wine at the SCHS Museum.
This tour meets and concludes at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady. All ticket sales are final.
2025 Wine and Walk Schedule:
May 30 – Saving the Stockade
June 6 – Beyond the Pines
June 13 – Revolutionary Schenectady
June 27 – Canal Days 200th Birthday
July 18 – Scandalous Schenectady
July 25- The Gilded Age
August 1- Lighting the World
August 8- Beyond the Pines
August 15: The Gilded Age
August 22- Sacred Spaces

Schenectady County "4th on the Third" Independence Day Celebration
2025-07-03 18:00 - 21:30
The Schenectady County Legislature is proud to announce the 2025 Schenectady County “4th on the Third” Independence Day Celebration at Mabee Farm!
This FREE family festival will feature live music and fireworks!
Celebrate America’s birthday at the historic Mabee Farm, the oldest working farm in New York’s Mohawk Valley. Spread your blanket on the lawn and enjoy live music from the high-energy, horn-fueled funk NolaNauts, family activities, and a spectacular firework show over the Mohawk River. Explore the historic farm with a storied colonial past, shop a variety of local crafters, meet farm animals, and enjoy summertime on the Mohawk River! Beer and wine available for sale. 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.
The event starts at 6pm, with fireworks after 9pm.

SCHS Closed for Independence Day
2025-07-04 00:00 - 2025-07-07 23:59
All sites closed.

Farm Kids Friday
2025-07-11 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. Our fields are almost ready for harvesting and we’ll need your help! Butter making, barn-building and meeting the farm animals are just some of the other activities available.
This program is free for family+ members, but registration required. Non-members are $10/person.
All ticket sales are final.

Howlin' at the Moon featuring Black Mountain Symphony
2025-07-11 19:00 - 21:00
Howlin’ at the Moon is thrilled to feature Black Mountain Symphony!
Black Mountain Symphony is a six-piece progressive folk band from the hill country outside Albany, New York. Multi-instrumentalists, singers and songwriters all, they have toured their original compositions around the Northeast, and across the US, performing alongside acts ranging from Rusted Root to the Young Dubliners to Days of the New. Their live sets showcase a limitless range of influences, blending genres to create a unique emotional experience with every show. “No one’s out there like Black Mountain Symphony…the champagne of eclectic music” – Stephanie Fisher, New Voice, NY TalkRadio.net.
Opening the night is our host Everest Rising, who curates the featured artist invites and serves the warm-up act for each concert in the series. 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.
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!
Admission is $10 or $5 for SCHS members with valid membership card. Cash only. Beer and wine available for purchase.
Howlin’ at the Moon is generously sponsored by Aspire Sustainability, Cohoes Savings Foundation, and Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation

Drink the Seasons
2025-07-17 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 summer flare.
All ticket sales are final.

Wine and Walk: Scandalous Schenectady
2025-07-18 17:30 - 19:00
Scandals and secrets. Bootleggers and brothels. Schenectady’s Stockade is home to quite a few juicy stories! Join us for this evening walking tour of Schenectady’s sordid history.
After the tour, stick around for a complimentary glass of wine at the SCHS Museum.
This tour meets and concludes at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady. All ticket sales are final.
2025 Wine and Walk Schedule:
May 30 – Saving the Stockade
June 6 – Beyond the Pines
June 13 – Revolutionary Schenectady
June 27 – Canal Days 200th Birthday
July 18 – Scandalous Schenectady
July 25- The Gilded Age
August 1- Lighting the World
August 8- Beyond the Pines
August 15: The Gilded Age
August 22- Sacred Spaces

Schenectady Historical Museum Closed at 1pm
2025-07-19 00:00 - 23:59
The Schenectady Historical Museum will close at 1pm today for a private event.

Wine and Walk: The Gilded Age
2025-07-25 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-08-15 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, stick around for a complimentary glass of wine at the SCHS Museum.
This tour meets and concludes at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady. All ticket sales are final.
2025 Wine and Walk Schedule:
May 30 – Saving the Stockade
June 6 – Beyond the Pines
June 13 – Revolutionary Schenectady
June 27 – Canal Days 200th Birthday
July 18 – Scandalous Schenectady
July 25- The Gilded Age
August 1- Lighting the World
August 8- Beyond the Pines
August 15: The Gilded Age
August 22- Sacred Spaces

Wine and Walk: Lighting the World
2025-08-01 17:30 - 19:00
At the turn of the 20th century, Schenectady was a booming industrial power: the city that “Lights and Hauls the World.” This tour explores this period, the figures and factories that made it so dynamic. We’ll look beyond the nostalgia and seek differing perspectives on Schenectady’s halcyon days.
After the tour, stick around for a complimentary glass of wine at the SCHS Museum.
This tour meets and concludes at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady. All ticket sales are final.
2025 Wine and Walk Schedule:
May 30 – Saving the Stockade
June 6 – Beyond the Pines
June 13 – Revolutionary Schenectady
June 27 – Canal Days 200th Birthday
July 18 – Scandalous Schenectady
July 25- The Gilded Age
August 1- Lighting the World
August 8- Beyond the Pines
August 15: The Gilded Age
August 22- Sacred Spaces

Howlin' at the Moon featuring Honeysuckle
2025-08-07 19:00 - 21:00
Howlin’ at the Moon is thrilled to feature Honeysuckle!
Honeysuckle, comprised of Holly McGarry and Chris Bloniarz, is a progressive folk act that blends older influences and traditional instrumentation with modern effects and inspiration. They don’t shy away from moments that are as technical as they are mesmerizing, and their musicianship really shines through. Honeysuckle has performed at Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza, Mountain Jam, Americanafest, Otis Mountain Get Down, and Audiotree. Awards include Americana Artist of the Year (2019) and Folk Artist of the Year (2018) at the Boston Music Awards, in addition to having been nominated every year since 2016. NPR named Honeysuckle one of the “Top 10 bands of 2016 So Far.”
Opening the night is our host Everest Rising, who curates the featured artist invites and serves the warm-up act for each concert in the series. 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.
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!
Admission is $10 or $5 for SCHS members with valid membership card. Cash only. Beer and wine available for purchase.
Howlin’ at the Moon is generously sponsored by Aspire Sustainability, Cohoes Savings Foundation, and Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation

Farm Kids Friday
2025-08-08 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 registration required. Non-members are $10/person.
All ticket sales are final.

Schenectady Wine Society
2025-08-14 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.
