Library Closed
The Library will be closed to the public from October 10 - December 11 while we install a new archival storage system. We look forward to seeing you when we reopen on December 12!
The Library will be closed to the public from October 10 - December 11 while we install a new archival storage system. We look forward to seeing you when we reopen on December 12!
The Schenectady Historical Museum at 32 Washington Ave will be closed from October 31 - December 2 while we install a new painting storage system. We will reopen to the public on December 3 for the Festival of Trees!
All Schenectady County Historical Society sites will be closed for Thanksgiving.
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, which is decorated for the season. He’ll delve into the histories and mysteries of the Mabee Farm, and give us a taste of what life was like for settlers living on the edge of the wilderness.
Advance tickets are not available. Please purchase tickets at the front desk when you arrive. Celebrate the season as we fill our galleries with lighted fir trees! Decorated from classic to kooky Christmas styles, the Festival of Trees glows with the enchantment of the holidays. Join us throughout December for a shimmering, festive season. The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for, and a partnership between, the Schenectady County Historical Society and the YWCA NorthEastern NY. Admission is $6 for adults 12+.
This fun and easy craft allows you to create and customize your own adorable snowman ornament to take home. Hang on a tree or anywhere around the house. We’ll provide all the materials needed. Stop in anytime between 11am-2pm! Crafters younger than 5 may need parental assistance! Each person can craft 1-2 ornaments. Free for folks with a Family level or higher membership, just let us know you're coming.
It's the inaugural meeting of the "Schenectady Wine Society" a collection of curated wine tastings by and for local wine lovers at our historic sites. Up first: uncorking the perfect holiday wines to accompany your meals. Join City Historian and wine connoisseur Chris Leonard on a tasting and history tour of his favorite wines to make the season bright. Enjoy the shimmering Festival of Trees while you're here! The program begins at 6pm but you're welcome to arrive early to explore the Festival of Trees. $30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final.
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, which is decorated for the season. He’ll delve into the histories and mysteries of the Mabee Farm, and give us a taste of what life was like for settlers living on the edge of the wilderness.
Drink the Seasons is ready for the holidays: are you? Join for an evening of holiday warmers and more at Schenectady Historical. Led by historian John Gearing, we’ll make — and sample — a variety of historic libations, made with seasonal flare. Enjoy the shimmering Festival of Trees while you're here, and together we'll mix up a few rounds of festive winter libations! The program begins at 5:30pm but you're welcome to arrive early to explore the Festival of Trees. $30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final.
Schenectady’s Stockade is beautiful any time of year but the holidays always bring out a certain magic! In this walking tour we’ll explore the lights and sights of this historic district while learning the ways in which generations past celebrated the season. Light refreshments will be served, and guests are invited to explore the sparkling Festival of Trees before and after the tour!
Experience a recreated 18th century chocolate house inside the seasonally-decorated Mabee Farmhouse. Well-known historian Paul Supley will tempt your pallet and tickle your tastebuds with a trio of historic hot chocolates, including delicacies enjoyed by English kings and the middle-class settlers of the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys. You'll learn how easy it is to create and enjoy this wonderful treat favored by the ancestors. As a special finale to the evening, we'll taste a libation infused with port or madeira. All amidst the backdrop of the Mohawk Valley's oldest home, properly decked in festive decor by the Hugh Platt Garden Club.
Schenectady’s Stockade is beautiful any time of year but the holidays always bring out a certain magic! In this walking tour we’ll explore the lights and sights of this historic district while learning the ways in which generations past celebrated the season. Light refreshments will be served, and guests are invited to explore the sparkling Festival of Trees before and after the tour!
All sites of the Schenectady County Historical Society will be closed to the public during this holiday week.