Outreach
The Schenectady County Historical Society is pleased to offer a wide variety of outreach presentations to community groups, businesses, and organizations. These programs are given at a cost of $100. Below is a list of our most popular programs. Looking for something else? Check out our list of Additional Programs or discuss your idea with us! For all inquiries regarding outreach, please contact educator@schenectadyhistorical.org.
Beyond the Pines: The Founding of Schenectady
In 1661 Schenectady was founded at the crossroads of competing empires. Between the harsh realities of everyday subsistence and the delicate diplomatic balance of the day, survival was never guaranteed. What motivated a small band of Dutch settlers to come to this place beyond the pines? This presentation examines the complex characters and strange society of Schenectady’s origins.
The Schenectady Massacre: Schenectady’s Darkest Hour
In the early winter weeks of 1690, a group of armed men descended on Schenectady with bloody intentions. On February 8 of that year, Schenectady was completely destroyed in an attack known simply as the Massacre. But what led to this brutal outcome? This presentation discusses not only the complex realities but also the simplistic histories surrounding Schenectady’s darkest hour.
The Covenant Chain: Schenectady and the People of the Longhouse
The Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee have long made their homes in what is now central New York. For more than 100 years, these Iroquoian peoples were key players in Schenectady’s story as economic and military partners. This presentation discusses the long history of the Haudenosaunee and the “Covenant Chain” which binds our city to them even today.
Mysteries of the Mabee Farm: The Story of a 300 Year Old Farmstead
The oldest surviving home in the Mohawk Valley, the Mabee Farm is a site steeped in history – and mysteries! How can we reconstruct the stories of the many generations who made their home here? Archaeology, research, and deduction help us answer some questions – many more remain unsolved mysteries!
Revolutionary Schenectady
In the late 18th century Schenectady was drawn into an ever deepening crisis! As tensions flared between Great Britain and the American Colonies, the threat of war loomed large. This presentation discusses Schenectady’s role in the American Revolution and the diverse interests and motivations that forged a new nation.
African American History of Schenectady
The first African Americans in Schenectady did not come as free settlers but as enslaved people. Nevertheless, their stories and contributions to this area cannot be overlooked. This presentation discusses the unique challenges faced by African Americans in Schenectady and in doing so, highlights their unique success stories. This is the story of bravery in the face of slavery, of faith and community in the face of segregation. Above all this is an American story.
Changing Waters: The Mohawk River and the Erie Canal
How has the river that stretches from one end of our county to the other changed our lives, and how have we influenced the river over the centuries? You might be surprised to find out just how big of an impact local waterways have on your life! Join our speaker for a journey through the times and tides of the Mohawk River and Erie Canal.
Boomtown: Schenectady’s Immigrant Story
Humans are always on the move. We seek new opportunities and face challenges as we adapt to changes in the world around us. For hundreds of years and tens of thousands of immigrants, Schenectady has offered its own opportunities and challenges. This talk explores why people immigrate and the unprecedented impact of immigration on local history.
Lighting the World: The History of General Electric in Schenectady
At the end of the 19th century, Thomas Edison came to Schenectady to build a new Machine Works. This shop would grow exponentially, changing not just Schenectady’s history but the world in the process. This presentation illuminates the history of Schenectady’s electric legacy.
Hauling the World: Railroads in Schenectady
Much of Schenectady’s vibrant history was driven literally and figuratively by railroads. From humble steam-powered beginnings to dynamic diesel-powered titans, locomotives were once the pride of our area. We’ll explore the history of the American Locomotive Company and its massive factory complex. Together we’ll learn how Schenectady became “the City that Hauls the World.”
Scandalous Schenectady
Schenectady has been home to many virtuous and inspiring citizens in its long history. But this presentation isn’t about those people! Instead we’ll be delving into the lurid and shocking stories of Schenectadians behaving badly. From notorious murderers to corrupt American presidents and even cold war espionage. Come discover Scandalous Schenectady!
Haunted Schenectady
Schenectady’s has its fair share of grim and macabre stories to tell. Folklore of generations past and present allege that some unfortunate souls still linger in dark corners of the city. This presentation recounts some of our city’s most fascinating and chilling ghost stories. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, it’s sure to be a fun time!
The Razing of Schenectady
In the second half of the 20th century, Schenectady’s prosperity began to wane. Its largest employers cut staff or closed entirely. The downtown declined as whole blocks of the city were leveled. This presentation discusses the cause and effects of this downturn. We’ll see how short-sighted planning contributed to broader economic headwinds. But we’ll also see how community action staged a comeback for the electric city.
Saving the Stockade: A Virtual Tour of New York’s First Historic District
Schenectady’s Stockade is a national jewel, boasting the highest concentration of historic period homes in the nation. For over 300 years Schenectadians have called the Stockade home, and the streets are alive today with the stories and legends of Schenectady’s past. Discover the history of America’s oldest residential neighborhood!
Preserving Family Photographs and Documents (A Two Part Series)
Do you have old family photographs, letters, diaries, or other precious items that you would like to preserve? This presentation will discuss how to properly preserve your family’s important documents and photos. It will also provide tips on how to store, display, label, and handle these materials. Preserving these materials will assist family members, now or in the future, to retrace and reconstruct your family history. Part 1 of this series deals with physical materials and part 2 deals with digital materials.
