Events

Woodpecker Walk at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Posted on August 6, 2018

Woodpecker Walk at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Join an environmental educator on Wednesday, August 8th at 5:30 P.M. at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site for a woodpecker walk to learn about the different woodpeckers that call this area home and some of their special characteristics. This program will meet at the Visitor Center and enjoy an hour-long walk around the site. This program is open to all ages, but has been designed for families with children ages 5 and up. The hike is a less than two mile round-trip and is weather dependent (will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms). The address for Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is 129 Schoharie St, Fort Hunter, NY 12069.

Registration is required for this program; please call Keri Surita at 518-584-2000, ext. 111, or email Keri.Surita@parks.ny.gov.

This is a free event open to the public. Wildlife Wednesdays continue August 22nd at 6:30pm with Anita Sanchez providing a program on bugs. Other upcoming nature programs include an Early Morning Bird Walk with George Steel beginning 6:30am on August 12th at Yankee Hill Lock on Queen Anne Road, and Anita Sanchez presenting on “The Teeth of the Lion: The Story of the Beloved and Despised Dandelion” occurring on Tuesday, August 28th at 6:30pm in the Enders House. ECOS: The Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady will also be conducting a paddle event from Schoharie Crossing on August 11th to highlight the environmental aspects of the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River.

For information about this series and other events listed, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our Facebook page. Information can also be found on our NYS Parks website.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Jennifer Munro to Perform at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on August 2, 2018

Jennifer Munro to Perform

at Schoharie Crossing

Award winning storyteller Jennifer Munro will be performing at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site on Sunday, August 5th at 6:00 pm as part of the annual Not Just for Kids Storytelling series. Her performance entitled “Cast of Characters: Ordinary Stories about Extraordinary Moments” will take place outdoors near the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center. The show will move indoors in case of rain. Guests are invited to linger, chat, and enjoy refreshments after the show. The event is free.

Jennifer Munro is a featured teller at this year’s National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. Her extensive repertoire of stories explore the triumphs and foibles of the human condition. She has a wicked sense of humor, and her original stories are witty, poignant and warm hearted.

The Not Just for Kids Storytelling series continues throughout August and into September. The following artists will be part of the series: Andy Offutt Irwin, Aug. 12, Claire Nolan Aug. 19, Anne Shimojima, Aug. 26 and Nancy Marie Payne, Sept. 9.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The program is also supported by Stewart’s Shops, Mary Jane’s Market, L’Ultimo, the Garden Bug, Karen’s Produce and the Friends of Schoharie Crossing.

For more information about these events and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our Facebook page Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

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Wildlife Wednesday Edible Plant Program with Anita Sanchez At Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Posted on July 23, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host environmental educator and author Anita Sanchez on July 25^th at 6:30pm for the third program in our 2018 Wildlife Wednesday series. Sanchez will discuss wild edible plants and there will also be some sampling of those found on the grounds of the historic site. We will also try some wild teas as well. The program will meet outside the Visitor Center at 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter.

Sanchez worked as an environmental educator for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at education centers across the state. She now is a free-lance educator, providing programs for schools, libraries, museums, botanical gardens, and arboreta. Also, she is a successful author and champion of unloved plants, and has written, “The Teeth of the Lion: The Story of the Beloved and Despised Dandelion” and most recently, “Leaflets Three, Let it Be! The Story of Poison Ivy”.

This is a free event open to the public. Donations to the Friends of Schoharie Crossing are always appreciated. Wildlife Wednesdays continue August 8^th at 5:30pm and the 22nd at 6:30pm. Upcoming nature programs include an Early Morning Bird Walk with George Steel beginning 6:30am on August 12^th at Yankee Hill Lock on Queen Anne Road, and Anita Sanchez presenting on “The Teeth of the Lion: The Story of the Beloved and Despised Dandelion” occurring on Tuesday, August 28^th at 6:30pm in the Enders House. ECOS: The Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady will also be conducting a paddle event from Schoharie Crossing on August 11^th to highlight the environmental aspects of the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River.

Canal Days at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Posted on July 5, 2018

Schoharie Crossing (opens in a new tab) will host the annual Canal Days Festival on July 14 & 15 from 11am – 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. This event is a free community festival celebrating the Erie Canal and the character of the people and towns along the way. This event is part of the continuing celebration of the Erie Canal Bicentennial. The Erie Canal was started in 1817 and completed in 1825.

This year’s festival will feature a participatory balloon art installation by Airigami. This company has been creating unique and stunning art displays which have been showcased around the world. As part of the Canal Days festivities, they will be supervising the creation of a large Erie Canal packet boat mural out of environmentally friendly balloons.

Canal Days will offer a variety of other attractions including wagon rides, the Utica Zoomobile, horse shoeing demonstrations, Tri County Old Time Engine display, games, food vendors, Down By the River Kayak (opens in a new tab) demos, a Canalway trail guided bicycle ride with the Adirondack Velo Club on Saturday at 1pm, and The Dudley Observatory will have a solar telescope to safely view the sun on Sunday. Various community organizations will be participating including the Montgomery Sheriff’s Department, the Mohawk River Basin Program, Capital Mohawk PRISM and the New York State Archeology Association. Sean The Prankster will perform magic at 1:30 on both Saturday and Sunday. The New York State Canal Corporation (opens in a new tab) will bring their popular working model of an Erie Canal lock as well as an actual Erie Canal tug boat.

On Saturday, the nationally known modern country band, Tompkins Drive will have two performances. In addition, The Friends of Schoharie Crossing will host a chicken barbeque. Also on Saturday will be the official opening of the 2018 art show which features paintings inspired by recreation among the built and natural environments at Schoharie Crossing.

On Sunday, the program will feature the music of the Jump Daddies swing band. There will also be a Rat Pack Cruzers Car show with prizes for best of show.

We are grateful to our many generous partners and sponsors. These include the NYS Canal Corporation, the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, Price Chopper, Alpin Haus, WEXT 97.7, Judith-Ann Realty, the Wine Barrell, Bourbon Street Wine and Liquor Warehouse, Arlene’s Artist Materials, Olde Brick House Café, Mary Jane’s Market and the 518 Grill.

For more information about Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site and our events, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, visit the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Facebook page (opens in a new tab) , or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) .

Wildlife Wednesday Bird Walk with George Steele

Posted on June 20, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host environmental educator George Steele on June 27^theat 6:30pm for the first in the 2018 Wildlife Wednesday program series. Steele will lead a walk that explores different areas of the historic site around the Visitor Center while watching and listening for various bird species. The walk will take place along the banks of Schoharie Creek and on historic site trails, which were formerly the towpath for the Erie Canal. The program will meet outside the Visitor Center at 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter. There is no charge, but donations are always appreciated. (opens in a new tab)

Birders know that the region is terrific for the varied species that can be found, and at Schoharie Crossing there is a tremendous birding habitat complete with waterways, wetlands, reforested spaces and more. The site is known for appearances by species such as the Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Orioles, Pileated Woodpeckers, Egrets, Belted Kingfisher, Bald Eagles, Canada Geese, and many more.

George Steele is a lifelong educator. His unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm has turned thousands of children into science-lovers. For over 20 years he has been an independent education consultant working with schools, libraries, nature centers, and museums thought the Northeast, including the NYS Art Teachers Association, the NYS Outdoor Education Association, the Gifted and Talented Enrichment Program at Lafayette College and Lehigh University.

He is the former director of the NYSDEC Environmental Education Camp Program, recipient of the Conservation Educator Award of the NYS Conservation Council, the NYS Outdoor Education Association’s Gold Award for Lifetime Achievement and Outdoor Educator of the Year Award.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, and has done graduate work at the Antioch/New England Graduate School in Keene, NH.

The Wildlife Wednesday series will occur every two weeks from the end of June until September. Alternating time slots of 6:30pm and 5:00pm and will feature engaging environmental education with George Steele, Anita Sanchez and Student Conservation Association interns from the Saratoga Spa State Park.

For information about this series and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our Facebook page.

Erie Canalway Photo Contest

Posted on June 7, 2018

Amateur and professional photographers are invited submit images for the 13^th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest (opens in a new tab) . Images should convey the wealth of things to do and see along the waterway and express the unique character of the canal and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2019 Erie Canalway calendar. Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions. Images must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (opens in a new tab) , which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2018. Download official contest rules and an entry form at https://eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest (opens in a new tab)

Poetry Songs and History Songs at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on June 1, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) will host musicians Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle as they present: “Poetry Songs and History Songs” on Sunday, June 3^rd at 4:00pm. This inspiring musical performance brings together the words of famous poets and original tunes by Tom Staudle such as Robert Frost, Edgar Allen Poe, Andy Rooney, and more. Gibson’s History Song series portrays the life of the American Settlers during the Revolution in upstate New York through her original songs.

Cosby and Tom are regional musicians who focus on songwriting in acoustic and blues-style. Their new albums are both winners in the Capital District Original Music Awards, 2018, for Best Folk Album, and Best Folk Lyrics respectively.

“With guitar, violin, banjo, harmonica, and ukulele, these high-spirited independent artists present heartfelt original acoustic folk and blues.” ~ Folk Times

“Cosby and Tom are regional musicians who focus on songwriting in acoustic and blues-style, and tour in the northeast and beyond. Their new albums are both winners in the Capital District Original Music Awards, 2018, for Best Folk Album, and Best Folk Lyrics respectively.”

This event is free and perfect for families.

For information about this event or more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) . For more information about New York State Parks, visit the website at www.nysparks.com (opens in a new tab) .

Putman Porch Music Series

Posted on May 24, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) has announced the return of the Putman Porch Music series for its fourth year starting on Thursday, June 7th at 6:00pm. This series invites local musicians to come spend an evening on the historic Putman Canal Store porch to jam and enliven the vibe of the former Erie Canal stop off. Putman’s store building is located at Yankee Hill Lock on the grounds of Schoharie Crossing, 553 Queen Anne Road.

Musicians with an interest in American roots, bluegrass and folk music are encouraged to spend some time on the porch and be a part of a great experience. Much like a group of canawlers that happen to be stuck waiting at the lock, a few instruments and strong voices is all that is needed to pass the time.

Putman Porch Music will occur every Thursday in June from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. These are free events open to the public.

The grounds for the site are open all year from dawn until dusk.

For information about this event or what is available at Schoharie Crossing, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) . Find and like us on Facebook (opens in a new tab) . For more information about New York State Parks, visit the website at www.nysparks.com (opens in a new tab) .

Canal Events and Tours Generate $1.5 Billion in Annual Economic Impact

Posted on May 9, 2018

Canal Events and Tours Generate $1.5 Billion in Annual Economic Impact

As the nation celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week May 6 – 12, 2018, a new study of the economic impact of events and tours in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor calls attention to the power of tourism along New York State’s iconic canals. An estimated $1.5 billion annually is generated by events, boat tours, bicycle and paddle-sport rentals and historic site/museum tours along the Erie, Champlain, Owsego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Events and tours drew 3.3 million visitors in 2017.

“Not only are these events and recreational tours a fun way to experience what the canal system has to offer, they provide a significant return on investment for host communities,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “In partnership with the National Park Service and the NYS Canal Corporation, we are proud to consistently support and promote many of these endeavors and are now pleased to see the impressive economic impact revealed in this report.”

The economic analysis was conducted by Level 7 Market Research for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor through its nonprofit affiliate, the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., and supported by a grant from Market New York through I LOVE NEW YORK, the state’s Division of Tourism, as a part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards.

Over the last 10 years, the number of events in the Canalway Corridor has increased dramatically to include concerts, arts festivals, cycling and paddling events, celebrations of local foods and beverages, and events that focus on history and heritage. According to the NYS Canal Corporation website, the 2017 calendar held more than 470 events.

New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is one of New York State’s tourism treasures. With countless opportunities to experience the Canal’s rich history and the attractions in surrounding communities, there’s no time like the present to include the Canal in your next New York State vacation.”

“Two centuries ago, a narrow ribbon of water just 4 feet deep and 40 feet wide fueled the economic ascendancy of the Empire State. Today’s Canal System builds on the legacy of the original Erie Canal, continuing to serve as the economic lifeblood of the cities, towns, and villages that line this iconic waterway’s banks,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “As we prepare for our 194^th consecutive season of operation, we look forward to yet another year of great events and canal attractions generating revenue for small businesses and economic benefits for canal communities.”

The eastern Erie Canal from Waterford to Brewerton is scheduled to open May 15, weather permitting, with an opening ceremony to take place at Lock 2 in Waterford at 10am. The entire canal system is set to open on May 18.

This year’s event highlights include: the 20^th Anniversary of Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, and the cross canal journey of the Corning Museum of Glass GlassBarge, traveling with Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s canal schooner Lois McClure.

Read the full Canal Event Analysis and Visitor Research Study at: https://eriecanalway.org/our-work/promote-tourism

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, encompassing the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund work in partnership to preserve our extraordinary heritage, to promote the Corridor as a world class tourism destination, and to foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway. www.eriecanalway.org

Call for Paintings Extended

Posted on May 7, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) is extending the deadline for submissions for paintings to be included in the 2018 art show. Painters residing in New York State who want to showcase their work in a competitive, juried exhibition are encouraged to read the show description and submit original work in the theme of Lock in the Fun: Recreation at Schoharie Crossing. The deadline is now May 25^th.

To recognize the centennial of the NYS Barge Canal, Schoharie Crossing is hosting this second annual exhibition of talented artists. This year the focus will be on paintings only. Jurors have accepted the task of reviewing the artwork and prizes will be awarded to those honored by the jurors.

The Erie Canal historic site and NYS Park is a great place for recreation such as walking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, picnics, and more; providing memories & experiences for generations. The site supplies great views of nature as well and the historic canal structures are juxtaposed among the natural world of plants and animals along the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River. The trails along old towpaths of the canal allow for a journey back in time. Flora and fauna thrive within the tranquility of the waterways, wetlands and open spaces of Schoharie Crossing, lending great inspiration for any artist.

The Erie Canal’s vital importance is highlighted by the classic arches of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct and the impressive lock chambers that still exist at locations throughout Schoharie Crossing. Views of the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys can also be taken in as you explore this landscape.

Schoharie Crossing encompasses over two hundred acres and spans over three miles in length. From the western end of the site at the Aqueduct boat launch, across the Schoharie Creek and east to Yankee Hill Lock and the Putman Canal Store. The site contains portions of the original 1820’s Erie Canal as well as features two sets of double locks from the Enlarged Era Canal and is adjacent to the Erie Canal of today; the Mohawk River. Lock E12 at Tribes Hill on the river is situated close to the site and provides access to witnessing the newest century old canal of today.

All along the site there is ample opportunity to explore your artistic skills, from photography, painting, and even sketches. Discover more on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook page or on the Friends of Schoharie Crossing Instagram and Twitter.

Submissions can be made online (https://goo.gl/forms/4PjuP5kRW6ZF4wuy2 (opens in a new tab) ). The exhibit’s opening celebration will take place during the Schoharie Crossing Canal Days festivities, July 14^th and 15th, 2018, and artwork will be displayed through August. For more information on how to enter, please visit the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site page (opens in a new tab) of the New York State Parks website, nysparks.com, call Schoharie Crossing at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) or find us on Facebook (opens in a new tab) .

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Category: History