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

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.

Did you know a Dutch physician created "genever" as medicine in the 1500s? Gin, as we know it today, was believed to improve circulation and other ailments, but we think it's best enjoyed as a social libation.  Join historian John Gearing for an evening of making — and sampling — a variety of historic cocktails, featuring gin. Relax on the patio of Schenectady's oldest home this autumn, as we mix up a few rounds of gin-based drinks and delve into its storied past. $30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. This meets at Brouwer House Creative, 14 N Church St Schenectady.

  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 relax, listen to some great music, chat with friends and costumed characters all while strolling through three centuries of our fabulous history in New York’s oldest registered historic district! This will be our 58th year of these Walkabouts, starting way back in the 1950s. Several 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. This year’s Walkabout will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance of the day, $25 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 programs, buildings and its mission. We already have seven wonderful homes on the tour: 25 Washington Avenue, a grand 1820’s vintage house 205 Union Street, many interesting artifacts uncovered in the renovation of this 1700’s house 32 Front Street, after many years of very hard work, a very early brimming with history house 125 North College, a quaint Greek Revival worker's cottage 17 Front Street (built 1760; former home of Joseph C. Yates, 1st mayor of Schenectady, NYS senator, State supreme court justice and 7th governor of NY) 17 Front St Apt 1 17 North Ferry Street, the rear was built c. 1719 as a smithy by Jan Mabie family. The front was built c. 1768 by Myndert Wemple. From 1955, the home of architects Feibes & Schmitt who designed interior in Mid-century Modern style. Additional venues: First Reformed Church First Presbyterian Church Schenectady County Historical Society Brouwer House Creative St George's Church YWCA Schenectady Civic Playhouse Stockade Inn  

A.J. Schenkman is the author of several books about regional history, and has written for Ulster magazine, the Times Herald-Record, Chronogram and on his website, Ulster County History Journal. He joins us to discuss his two most recent books. Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York Spies! Loyalists! Tories! Conspiracy! Strange messages? Codes in invisible ink? The American Revolution was first and foremost a civil war that tore at the very fabric of families as well as society. Patriots were determined to separate from England; while Loyalists were just as determined to defeat what they saw as a rebellion. Many do not know that during several critical periods the war was almost fatally undermined by English sympathizers or in some cases opportunistic Patriots. Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York is a compilation of twelve stories regarding important moments in New York State's history during the American Revolution. Unexpected Bravery: Women and Children of the Civil War. The American Civil War divided the United States from 1861-1865. During those years, over two million soldiers served in both the Union and Confederate Armies. What is little known is that not only the numerous children, some as young 12, enlisted on both sides, but also women who disguised themselves as men in an attempt to make a difference in the epic struggle to determine the future of the United States of America. No registration needed. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83884354153?pwd=U2ltQnppTUNFeW13bVVOUDFBUm9PQT09 Passcode: 031818 Or One tap mobile : US: +16468769923,,83884354153#,,,,*031818# or +13126266799,,83884354153#,,,,*031818# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 Webinar ID: 838 8435 4153 Passcode: 031818 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kckMvlYvdJ