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Category: History

Events

Call for Paintings Extended

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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 25th.

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 14th 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) .

Walter Elwood Museum Announces Grant Donation from Amsterdam Center for Teens (Act IV) Inc.

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Walter Elwood Museum
©Mitch Wojnarowicz

The Walter Elwood Museum (opens in a new tab) Board of Trustees and staff are proud to announce a very generous grant donation of over $10,000 from Amsterdam Center for Teens (ACT IV) Inc. to benefit the students of the Greater Amsterdam School District.

Ann Peconie, Executive Director of the Museum is extremely grateful to the ACT IV Board of Directors; including Howard M. Aison, President, John G. Putman, and Margaret H. Aison for their support in the programming and educational goals of the Walter Elwood Museum to provide FREE quality programs for students and families in our area. This grant demonstrates to the Museum Board, Staff and membership that the former Amsterdam Center for Teens (ACT IV) Board of Directors see the Walter Elwood Museum as a time-honored educational and historical organization with essential value in our community in teaching our young residents about its vibrant past. This contribution will help keep our Museum active and open to the people of our community for years to come.

The Fort Plain Museum’s American Revolution Mohawk Valley Conference

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The Fort Plain Museum’s American Revolution Mohawk Valley Conference (opens in a new tab) is back for 2018 and registrations are now being accepted. Pre-registration is required and please sign-up immediately, last year was a near sell-out. The Conference is held on June 7-10, 2018. Most of the conference will be held at the Fulton-Montgomery Community College (opens in a new tab) .

This year there are 11 Author/Historian Presentation and Panel Discussion. Starting on Thursday, June 7th, Michael E. Newton will present “Alexander Hamilton’s Revolutionary War Service”. On Friday, June 8th, Russell Shorto will present “Revolution Song: America’s Founding Era in Six Remarkable Lives”.

On Saturday/Sunday, June 9th and 10th, there are the following presentations:

  • Edward G. Lengel – George Washington and the Burning of New York City, 1776
  • Eric H. Schnitzer – “Hessians” at the Battle of Bennington, 1777
  • James L. Nelson – Benedict Arnold’s Navy: The Story of the Rag Tag Fleet that Lost the Battle of Valcour Island and Won the American Revolution
  • Don N. Hagist – Redcoats Along the Mohawk: British Soldiers in Western New York, 1777-1783
  • Bruce M. Venter – Benedict Arnold’s Nemesis: Colonel John Brown’s Fateful Journey to the Mohawk Valley
  • Jennifer DeBruin – Traitors, Spies & Heroes: Loyalist Espionage in the American Revolution
  • Glenn F. Williams – Sir William Johnson, the Iroquois Confederacy and Lord Dunmore’s War
  • John Buchanan – Two Warriors: George Washington and Sir William Howe
  • Wayne Lenig – The Tryon County Committee of Safety
  • New this year, a Panel Discussion where presenters and the audience will discuss which side they would choose, Patriot or Loyalist?
Stone Arabia Church
©Mitch Wojnarowicz

On Thursday, June 7th, there is a Bus Tour of the 1778 Battle & Raid Sites. The bus tour will feature the events of 1778; the Battle of Cobleskill, the Cherry Valley Massacre, Springfield, Andrustown, Adam Helmer’s Run, Fort Herkimer and Fort Plain/Rensselaer (opens in a new tab) . There is a lunch stop in Cooperstown.

New this year, is a Genealogy Day, this is held on Friday, June 8th. Guests can visit the Mohawk Country (opens in a new tab) historic sites located throughout Montgomery County. Sites will have presentations and/or historians on hand to discuss the families that fought on both sides during the American Revolution.

On the evening of Saturday, June 9th, “An Evening with Washington and Madison” including an all new Fundraiser Dinner held at the Bridge Walk at the Perthshire (opens in a new tab) . Join George Washington and James Madison, portrayed by Brian Hilton and Kyle Jenks, as they discuss their journeys to upstate New York and other founding moments.

To register or for further information such as pricing, locations and more details, please visit http://www.fortplainmuseum.com/conference (opens in a new tab) or email info@fortplainmuseum.org (opens in a new tab) or call 518-774-5669. This is the museum’s yearly fundraiser with 100% going back into museum exhibits and upkeep, your support is greatly appreciated.

Mohawk Valley Tourism

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Center Plan Gains Traction: Enters ‘Re-imagine the Canals’ Competition

Schenectady – Utica/Rome NY Newswire: Towns, villages, and historical organizations join with CDTA, Via Port Rotterdam and Mohawk Valley Region Economic Development to support this historic tourism effort.

● Promotion of the Mohawk Valley and Erie Canal Towns from Albany to Utica/Rome.

● Twenty-two towns in seven counties targeted to benefit from coordinated effort.

● Tourism is the number three driver of economic development in New York State.

● Mohawk Valley towns need a new coordinated effort.

● From 1920 through the 1930s, the

‘Mohawk Valley Turnpike (now Route 5) was the number one tourism roadway in New York State.

The ‘Re-imagine The Canals’ competition will set the Mohawk Valley/Canal Country as a destination, with connections at Via Port to all attractions in the Capital District, and on to all the sites through to Utica/Rome.

The first Tourism Center preview is an open house at Via Port. The Tribes Hill Heritage Center’s ‘Native Crafts’, is featuring original items from all across the United States. The exhibit open house is 11am Saturday Feb. 24th at Via Port Rotterdam Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Contact:

Randall Hogue – Executive Director

Community Media Services & SACC.TV

518-844-2820

director@sacc.tv

 

New Research Sheds Light on Canalway Corridor Visitors

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New Research Sheds Light on Canalway Corridor Visitors

 

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor today released results from a recently-commissioned study about current and prospective visitors to the 500-mile Canalway Corridor. The information is intended to help tourism promoters, businesses and heritage sites better attract and serve visitors, including boaters, cyclists, sightseers and vacationers.   “This new research really helps us understand who visits, what attracts them, the kinds of activities they engage in, and what they think of their experience. We are grateful that so many people took the time to offer their feedback and insights,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Ross D. Levi, New York State Executive Director of Tourism, said, “The Erie Canal is a tourism crown jewel for New York State, providing countless opportunities for residents and visitors alike to discover its history, enjoy its water activities and explore its attractions in surrounding towns and villages. This study will help our tourism partners better understand canal visitors, which will help their marketing efforts and continue to increase tourism statewide.” More than 1,000 people participated in online surveys and 20 provided in-depth interviews conducted by Rochester-based Level 7 Market Research on behalf of the National Heritage Corridor. Visitors and prospective visitors who live near the canal system, as well as those from other parts of New York and neighboring states, participated, providing a reliable and geographically-diverse research sample. Among the findings:

  • Recent and prospective visitors were drawn to the history of the area and to exploring local canal communities; boat tours/boating and attending festivals/events are major draws among prospective visitors.
  • Most recent visitors rated their experience high— 8 out of 10.
  • 70% of visitors who live in the Canalway Corridor selected “Always been curious about the area” and “Destination for personal journey/accomplishment” among their top reasons for visiting.
  • Recent canal visitors tend to be older, travel in smaller parties, and have higher income households compared with prospective visitors. Most are savvy travelers who are three times more likely to travel internationally.
  • Lack of awareness and knowledge are among the greatest barriers to visiting.

The research was funded by a grant from Market NY through I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism, as a part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

The full study is available 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 the region’s extraordinary heritage, to promote the Corridor as a world class tourism destination, and to foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway. www.eriecanalway.org

If Rivers Could Speak at Schoharie Crossing

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If Rivers Could Speak

On October 24, 2017 Alden (Joe) Doolittle will present an evening of storytelling at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site.  His program entitled “If Rivers Could Speak, The Stories They’d Tell,” offers stories of the Mohawk Valley, its people and places. From the Iroquois and early European settlers to the Revolution and the Erie Canal, Joe will tell tales of how the valley affected the history and development of our nation. The event is free. The program, hosted by the Friends of Schoharie Crossing, starts at 6:30. Refreshments are served after the performance. All are welcome.

Joe Doolittle has applied his humorous good-natured style with audiences throughout the state. He has developed many historically based tales about the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. He is a coproducer of Story Circle at Proctors, a resident company offering a variety of programs at the theater. In 2103, he was honored by the National Storytelling Network with the Oracle Award for Leadership and Service in the Northeast Region.  In 2015, the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling gave him the Brother Blue and Ruth Hill Award for exceptional leadership in Storytelling.

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

 

 

 

A Musical Journey Along the Erie Canal w/ Cosby & Tom

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A Musical Journey Along the Erie Canal w/ Cosby & Tom

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host musicians Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle as they take you on a journey along the historic Erie Canal through music. Gibson and Staudle have developed this terrific program to provide the history of the grand old Erie through the music it inspired. The program begins at 6:30pm on Saturday, September 30th at the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter.

Learn some interesting facts about the canal, sing along to a few tunes you probably already know, and hear some that you may not.  This well researched program about the canal era and its music brings alive the soul of what it was like to travel on, work on, and live alongside the artificial waterway during it’s heyday from the 1820s to the early 20th century.  Come enjoy the music and check out some of the amazing historic canal features at Schoharie Crossing.

This event is free and perfect for families.

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

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by more than 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 us on Twitter.

 

Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology

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Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology

Join Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site on Tuesday, September 26th as researcher Ken D. Johnson delivers his presentation, “Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology.”

The program takes the audience along with Ken on a search for the fortress in which his ancestors served during the American Revolution. From this fort, one of them was taken prisoner on August 2, 1780, and their father and sister were killed. His program also presents to the audience the first step in locating a site for a possible historical dig.

Johnson has served as the Fort Plank Historian since 1984 and is the author of “The Bloodied Mohawk: The Revolutionary War in the Words of Fort Plank’s Defenders and Other Mohawk Valley Partisans”. He also operates a free web-site that contains biographical and historical data on the Colonial Period in the Mohawk Valley of New York.

This free program will be held in the Enders House adjacent to the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Visitor Center on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter, New York. There will be a brief Friends of Schoharie Crossing meeting prior to the presentation and there will be refreshments available.

For more information about these events and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516; email: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. 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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Haudenosaunee Film Festival

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Haudenosaunee Film Festival

Fonda, NY, September 2, 6-10pm

 The Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community is bringing together award-winning and up-and-coming Haudenosaunee Filmmakers to showcase some of their work on Saturday, September 2 starting at 6pm. Good weather permitting, the film screening will be outdoors and attendees should bring blankets or lawn chairs. Rain will move the festival indoors, which seating provided.  Admission costs are: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children, FREE for children 5 and under. Traditional and modern foods will be available for low cost.

 

Films at the festival will be shown in three groupings, which are as follows:

 Film group 1: Experimental and Student Shorts

30 minutes of film shorts from Katsitsionni Fox’s Native Film Students

20-30 minutes of film shorts from the Rotinonshonni Storyteller’s Collective

 

Film group 2: From Haudenosaunee Territory to Standing Rock

The Spirit of Standing Rock, Kahsto’sera’a Paulette Moore (English, 30 minutes)

Senecas to Standing Rock: An Environmental RedVolution, Part I, Jason Corwin (50 minutes)

 

Film group 3: Protecting and Maintaining Cultural Traditions at Home

Ohero:kon – Under the Husk, Katsitsionni Fox (English/Mohawk, 2016: 26 minutes)

Give and Take, Terry Jones, Govind Deecee, and Erin Perkins (English, 2015: 14 minutes)

Soup for My Brother, Terry Jones (English/ Seneca, 2016: 10 minutes)

 

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 Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, the Akwesasne Cultural Restoration Program, and the Johnstown Walmart Distribution Center.

For more information, please contact Kanatsiohareke at: 518-673-4197 or: Kanatsiohareke@gmail.com

Mohawk River Moveable Dams

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Mohawk River Moveable Dams

On Tuesday, August 22, The New York State Canal Corporation will be presenting a talk on the Mohawk River Moveable Dams.   The talk, which begins at 6:30pm, is sponsored by the Friends of Schoharie Crossing. It will be held at the Enders House, close to the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center in Fort Hunter, NY. Refreshments will be served following the event. The program is free, and all are welcome.

The presentation will showcase the eight movable dams between Schenectady and Fort Plain which regulate water flow on the Mohawk River for navigation of the Canal as well as water control. Dam gates are lowered into the river to form navigable pools during the summer but are pulled out of the water in the winter to clear the way for ice and debris filled flood waters. This engineering marvel has been a focus of attention since they were built in the early 20th century. The talk will give some of the history and engineering information about this remarkable innovation to the waterway.

 

For more information about these events and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516; email: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. 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.