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.
The Schenectady County Legislature is proud to announce the 2023 Schenectady County Independence Day Celebration at the Historic Mabee Farm in Rotterdam Junction. This FREE family festival will feature live music and fireworks! Celebrate the 4th of July 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, family fun, 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! The band Grand Central Station goes on at 6pm. Ee encourage you to pack a picnic, and we will have 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 and tweeted to all of our followers.
SCHS will be closed on the following days: MLK Day: January 16 Memorial Day: May 29 July 4 Juneteenth: June 19 Labor Day: September 4 Thanksgiving Weekend: November 23-26 Christmas Holiday Week: December 24 - January 1
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.
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**
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. Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys believe that audience participation leads to a deeper and more meaningful connection. It is typical to hear the band’s audience enthusiastically whooping it up during songs, and the RR Boy’s closeness with their listeners is obvious no matter where they perform. They consistently bridge the gap between themselves and their audience, essentially creating one big “down home” family who’ve been brought together by their shared experience through Jim and The RR Boys' songs and musical stories. The band supports Gaudet’s song writing and arrangements with just the right amount of gusto and drive. The group consists of Jim Gaudet, guitar, singer, songwriter, Bobby Ristau, upright bass and backing vocals, Sten Isachsen, mandolin and backing vocals, and either special guests Sara Milonovich or Tucker Callander, on fiddle and backing vocals. Admission is $10 at the door. Beer and wine available. Cash only.
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.
In this class we’ll welcome our new baby bovine to the farm with a herd of felted friends! Join us for a beginner workshop, and make an adorable felted calf with wool from our own Mabee Farm critters. This simple craft is both cute and easy to make, and is the perfect gift or home ornament. Our experts will guide you through the process from start to finish, and we'll provide all materials and equipment. This craft is recommended for anyone 12+. It involves using sharp needles which can puncture skin if not used properly. Participants should possess good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to work with focus and care.
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**
Join us for a beautiful night under the stars! We’ll gather around the campfire while our expert storyteller shares local tall tales and even some historic incidents stranger than fiction. S’mores will be served of course! This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $10/person. All ticket sales are final.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Museum + Library will be closed on July 15.
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**
SCHS is honored to host a book launch party for author Kiersten Marcil and her debut novel, Witness to the Revolution. Witness to the Revolution is book one of the Enlightened historical romance series by local author Kiersten Marcil. In the novel, 21st century attorney Savannah Moore is mysteriously transported to 1778, and inexplicably sucked into America’s Revolutionary War. Anything Savannah does could alter the course of history, and threaten the family she left behind. Featuring well-researched 18th century details, twists and turns, and of course a steamy romance. The twenty-first century doesn’t prepare you for 1778!
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**
It’s the middle of the 19th century and America has been fractured in two. As Union and Confederate forces battle, the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. In this tour we’ll examine how Schenectady fit into this struggle. We’ll walk the streets and meet the people who lived through this crisis. This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/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**
Every city has its fair share of scandal! Scandalous Schenectady recalls some of Schenectady’s more nefarious characters. Bold bootlegging, cruel kidnappings and maybe even a few mysterious murders…this tour has it all! This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/person. 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.
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. We are beyond thrilled to feature Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter, winners of the 2022 Americana Artist of the Year in the Capital Region’s prestigious Thomas Edison Music Awards (“The Eddie’s”). Sara Milonovich has been a professional musician for 25+ years, both as a solo performer and in collaboration with other artists – ranging from folk, bluegrass, country, rock, and celtic music to symphony orchestra – performing in a wide variety of settings from barn dances to Broadway, and even touring Eastern Europe as a State Department musical ambassador. Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter’s most recent album Northeast is a heady harvest of heart-stopping original roots rock and alt-Americana gems, most of them written by Sara. Spun here are rustic yarns about the realities of rural life, haunting tales of heartbroken heroines, and durable, highway-bound, leave-it-all-behind road songs. Atmospheric, powerful pieces with words that paint poignant, personal scenes — and melodies that linger long after the last listen. As an interpreter Sara is a singular force as well, weaving her own experiences and artistic voice through the threads of well-chosen, lived-in covers. Admission is $10 at the door. Beer and wine available. Cash only.
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.
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. This program is free for members, but RSVP required. Non-members are $12/person. All ticket sales are final.
