We're thrilled to announce that our Howlin' at the Moon concert series returns to The Barn at Mabee Farm this summer! We're back with a bang, and our hosts Everest Rising are bringing you an incredible lineup of regional musicians playing the best of Americana and more. Join us throughout the summer for five nights of foot-stomping tunes, soulful melodies, and electrifying performances. The Barn at Mabee Farm provides the perfect rustic setting for an unforgettable live music experience, with its cozy atmosphere, historic charm, and breathtaking views. Our talented lineup of musicians will captivate you with their raw talent, powerful vocals, and passionate performances. From folk to bluegrass, country to rock, our musicians will take you on a musical journey that spans genres and generations. Get ready to sing along to your favorite tunes, tap your feet to the rhythm, and immerse yourself in the rich sounds of Americana music. Mark your calendar so you don't miss out on these incredible nights of live music and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned Americana music enthusiast or just looking for a summer night out, Howlin' at the Moon at The Barn at Mabee Farm is the place to be! Howlin' at the Moon is generously supported by Price Chopper's Golub Foundation. Hold On Honeys have been making quite a buzz in the Capital Region with recent performances at SPAC, Caffe Lena, Cohoes Music Hall, and more. We are thrilled to have Hold On Honeys as the featured artist for the first concert of the 2023 Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series! Hold on Honeys is an indie folk minimalist vocal trio based in Troy, NY offering tight-knit harmonies to nourish the soul and invigorate the senses and is made up of Emily Curro, Raya Malcolm, and Shannon Rafferty. Taking inspiration from folk artists like Mountain Man, Wailin’ Jennys, and Alison Krauss, Hold On Honeys developed their own approach to singing and writing and carved our their own  unique sound. They will be performing with a backing band of guitarist Matt Malone, banjo player Michael Gregg, and Connor Armbruster on the fiddle. Admission is $10 at the door. Beer and wine available. Cash only.

Dear Members of the Schenectady County Historical Society, We are excited to invite you to an exclusive event as a way to express our gratitude for your support and commitment to preserving local history. On June 2nd at 6pm we will be hosting "An Evening with Devin Lander, NYS Historian" inside the Mabee Farm's Dutch Barn. As the New York State Historian, Devin Lander will be sharing his insights and expertise on the current state of public history in New York. In addition to Devin's remarks, guests will be treated to wine and catering from Wagon Train BBQ in the beautiful and historic setting Dutch Barn, and behind-the-scenes tours with staff members. This is a chance to relax and connect with other members of the Schenectady County Historical Society while learning more about the rich history of our community. This event is exclusively for members of the Schenectady County Historical Society. To reserve your spot, please RSVP soon! Sincerely, Mary Zawacki Executive Director and Curator of the Schenectady County Historical Society

Join us for a unique and inspiring painting class, held inside the historic Dutch Barn. This picturesque setting offers the perfect backdrop for creating a beautiful folk art landscape painting, with plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Led by experienced artist, Gail Talmadge, you'll learn basic principles of painting from sight, with an emphasis on individual style. The class leans towards fun art not fine art, and will be an enjoyable experience for first time painters and experienced artists alike., In case of inclement weather like rain, wind, or extreme heat, the class will be rescheduled. Since the Barn does not have A/C, and is somewhat open to the elements, participants should be prepared accordingly (sunblock, bug spray, etc). Participants should also bring their own refreshments. $55, includes includes step by step instructions, canvas, apron for use and all painting supplies needed to paint. Pre-registration required. All ticket sales are final.

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 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 $35, include museum admission, a guided neighborhood tour, exclusive access to two Stockade homes and gardens, and lunch at Arthur’s Market, for 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. 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.

Join the Schenectady County Historical Society and the Erie Canal Museum for this 90 minute cycling tour through Schenectady looking at the city’s Erie Canal and brewing history, as you ride along the historic Mohawk River. The ride begins and ends at Druthers Brewing Company, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride as well as a brief history of the brewery itself. Go to the following link for more information or to buy a ticket: https://eriecanalmuseum.org/cycling/

Join us for “Schenectady Wine Society” a collection of curated wine tastings by and for local wine lovers at our historic sites. This time, we’ll be sampling wines that wrap our senses in everything summertime has to offer. Join your hosts, Buffy Leonard and city historian Chris Leonard on a tasting and history tour of their favorite wines for the season. $30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final.

In the year 1800, Schenectady was a small city in a new nation entering a new century. Old colonial traditions were giving way to new American traditions. In this tour, we’ll investigate how the Schenectady Stockade was transformed during the Early Republic period, looking at the buildings of the era, discussing stories, customs, and more. This tour complements our new exhibit, "A New Nation," on display at the SCHS. This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/person. All ticket sales are final.

Drink the Seasons is ready for summer; are you? In celebration of the sunshine, 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. $30; pre-registration required. Must be 21+ with valid ID. All ticket sales are final.

Can you keep a secret? This tour explores the Stockade through the writings of Harriet Mumford Paige, Schenectady’s own version of Lady Whistledown. Living in the early 19th century, she was an ordinary woman with an extraordinary penchant for peddling rumors. Together we’ll air out all of her neighbors’ dirty laundry! This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/person. All ticket sales are final.

This class is for never-ever painters, those with experience looking to try a new style, or anyone in between. We'll learn different watercolor painting techniques and create a free-flowing, abstract 9×12 painting. After tearing your painting into strips/shapes and attaching them to fresh base, you’ll have created a unique art piece ready for framing, or multiple smaller pieces used for greeting cards — your choice! Frames will be available to purchase during class for an additional $6. Our instructor will be Rebecca Cigal of Cigal Studio.   $45 fee includes materials.

Join author David A. Banks for a discussion of and reception for his new book The City Authentic: How the Attention Economy Builds Urban America. After a presentation and Q+A, we'll enjoy cocktails on the lawn of SCHS. This is the first book to explain how and why cities borrow the tactics and strategies of reality tv stars and social media influencers and why it works. Blending insightful analysis with pop culture, this engaging study of New York State’s Capital Region is an accessible glimpse into the social phenomena that influence contemporary cities. The rising economic fortunes of cities in the Rust Belt, Banks argues, are due in part to the markers of its previous decay—which translate into signs of urban authenticity on the internet. The City Authentic unpacks the odd connection between digital media and derelict buildings, the consequences of how we think about industry and place, and the political processes that have enabled a new paradigm in urban planning. Mixing urban sociology with media and cultural studies, Banks offers a lively account of how urban life and development are changing in the twenty-first century. David A. Banks is Lecturer and Director of Globalization Studies at the University at Albany, a delegate to the Troy Area Labor Council, and author of many essays on technology, cities, and politics which have appeared in The Baffler, The Guardian, Dwell Magazine, and more.   $8, free for members. No advanced tickets.

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 members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $10/person. All ticket sales are final.

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 July 5 @ 6pm July 12 @ 6pm July 19 @ 6pm July 26 @ 6pm August 23 @ 6pm Waterford Dates: meet at Waterford Boat Launch at First and Front Street June 24 @ 10am July 15 @ 10am August 19 @ 10am **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**  

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? This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/person. All ticket sales are final.