As winter cold begins to recede, the ground unfreezes and the sap starts to run. On a New York farm, the first harvest of the year was always maple syrup. In this family-friendly program, you’ll learn the process for yourself from colonial techniques to later innovations. And of course, we’ll be able to taste the results!

Professor LaGarrett J. King will discuss his recent article “The African Americans’ Revolution: Black Patriots, Black Founders, and the Concept of Interest Convergence."

 Schenectady once had a large and active Polish immigrant community. Craig Siulinski will discuss his recent research into the early 20th century experience of Polish immigrants in Schenectady.

Instructor Karen Anthony of Karen’s Paint pARTies will teach us to paint a colorful maritime scene.

Get ready for a whirlwind tour of the American Revolution as ten(ish) scholars deliver fast, focused 3–5 minute bursts on the era’s most gripping stories. An audience Q&A and light refreshments will follow.

Our good friend architectural historian Walter Wheeler is back, this time to delve into the differences between Dutch and English vernacular architecture in Schenectady County. What inspired the homes and barns of these two European cultures, and why and how do they differ?

Make a custom felted birdhouse with an expert instructor!

250 years ago, rumors of revolution deeply divided the people of Schenectady. Fearing the coming conflict, common people gathered weapons and organized militia companies. This program discusses the grueling conditions of frontier combat. We’ll explore the arms and equipment available to people in Revolutionary Schenectady and demonstrate a live firing of a musket.