Events

New Local History Book – Fort Plain, Fork Plank, Fort Rensselaer: The Revolutionary War Forts of Canajohary

Posted on May 13, 2020

The Fort Plain Museum recently published a new local history book, Fort Plain, Fork Plank, Fort Rensselaer: The Revolutionary War Forts of Canajohary by Wayne Lenig. Lenig is a Fellow of the New York State Archaeological Association, vice-president of the Van Epps-Hartley Chapter NYSAA, archaeological curator and vice-chairman of the Fort Plain Museum Board of Trustees, and Research Associate in Archaeology at the New York State Museum.

A great deal of confusion has developed regarding the historical identities of Fort Plain, Fort Plank and Fort Rensselaer. This book reviews and analyzes the published secondary sources in chronological order to gain an understanding of when and how misconceptions developed. Following that review are chapters on the archaeology and historical research from primary sources, placing the final four years of the Revolutionary War on the New York frontiers into the broad fabric of contemporary events. A fourth chapter reviews the evidence for an earlier Colonial Anglo-American fort on the site of Fort Plain. This is the most comprehensive study of the most important American outpost during the final four years of the War for Independence.

The book is 8.5 by 11 with over 260 glossy pages with color images and maps. To order the book, please visit the museum’s online book store at https://fortplainmuseum.square.site/ or email info@fortplainmuseum.org. 100% of the book proceeds go to the museum for exhibits and education programming.

Freedom Seekers in the Mohawk Valley as Museum Monday Program at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on January 28, 2020

The Visitor Center at Schoharie Crossing will be open on Monday, February 3^rd for the second Museum Monday program of the year. The topic will be Abolition and Slavery in Montgomery County with Montgomery County Historian Kelly Farquhar. Discover information on freedom seekers in the Mohawk Valley and how the Erie Canal was used to spread ideas, shape ideology, and as a way to escape bondage.

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will be opening the doors at their Visitor Center this off season on each first Monday of the month for these Museum Monday Programs. The building will open at 10:00am on February 3^rd, March 2^nd, and April 6^th to provide a themed discussion within the Pathway to Empire Exhibit beginning at 12:00pm.

The exhibit space will be open until 2pm on these days. Each program is open to the public and questions are encouraged. This is not a formal presentation and the idea is to explore the exhibit and discover more about each theme topic.

The rest of the program schedule is as follows:

On March 2^nd we say HAPPY BIRTHDAY DeWitt! Celebrate the Birthday of DeWitt Clinton, Erie Canal proponent, NYS Governor, and founding son of early America. We will take a look at his portrait inside the gallery, enjoy cupcakes, and learn more about his life.

April 6^th the theme will be a discussion on how the federal government rejected funding the NYS project to build the Erie Canal. Learn more about how NY constructed the canal anyway, and some thoughts on how a conspiracy may have been involved.

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

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 71 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.

Fall Foliage Report: October 16-22

Posted on October 16, 2019

I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report (opens in a new tab) ” on September 11 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Montgomery County has started its own annual report this year as well.

Reporting station: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) , Fort Hunter

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 75%

Brilliance: Average to bright

Predominating colors: Oranges and yellows are really showing off

Rating: Near peak to peak

As temperatures drop, more bright colors are emerging. The upper edges of the Mohawk Valley are nearer peak so a drive along the Mohawk River provides an explosion of fine fall foliage. Fingers crossed the rain doesn’t put a damper on the leaf peeping. Leaves that changed earlier in the season have already fallen with the help of wind and rain.

The Noses as seen traveling east on Route 5

This weekend is full with a variety of events including the annual Halloween Parade (opens in a new tab) in Amsterdam, a Taste of Chocolate & Basket Fundraiser (opens in a new tab) for the Frothingham Free Library, an Evening at Nellis Tavern (opens in a new tab) , Old Fort Johnson’s Harvest Festival (opens in a new tab) , a concert from the Mohawk Valley Chamber Ensemble (opens in a new tab) , and an Open House (opens in a new tab) at an alpaca farm.

This Friday and Saturday the Historic League of Amsterdam presents Ghosts of the Past: A Haunted History Tour of Green Hill Cemetery (opens in a new tab) . Meet past notable Amsterdam residents and learn their stories while experiencing beautiful and historic Green Hill Cemetery. All tours begin and end at Amsterdam City Hall. Free refreshments provided. Tour times for both Friday and Saturday nights are 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30pm. Tickets are available at the Book Hound and Damiano’s Flowers.

Saturday the VanAlstyne Homestead & Museum (opens in a new tab) is holding the 8^th Annual Soup Tasting & Craft Fair (opens in a new tab) . There will be delicious soups donated by local chefs, and eateries, fall seasoned crafts available by vendors from far and wide, and delicious harvest specialties grown by local producers. There will also be local and international artists on hand with their beautiful works on display. Live music will be performed in the century old ballroom, museum tours will be available, as well as a 50/50 raffle.

The Arkell Museum (opens in a new tab) presents Adirondack Lumber Camp Songs (opens in a new tab) on Sunday afternoon. Join in for an afternoon of rousing lumberjack songs. Enjoy the music and learn about this tough, rough, and crucial work. This program also includes informative narratives about Adirondack Mountain logging camps in the 1800s. This program runs about an hour and is most enjoyable for older children and adults. Admission is free. Donations are always welcome and help support future programs.

Explore our countryside, enjoy our events (opens in a new tab) , and take in the autumn season!

Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!

1.800.743.7337

History of Beer in New York State

Posted on August 23, 2019

History of Beer in New York State

On August 27 at 6:30 pm Historian Craig Gravina will be speaking at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site about the history of beer brewing in New York State. The talk will take place in the Enders House adjacent to the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center at 129 Schoharie Street. The Friends of Schoharie Crossing will have a very brief meeting before the talk, and refreshments will be served following the presentation. All are welcome to attend.

As Craig Gravina says he is a ‘”world class beer drinker, so infatuated with the stuff that he took to researching and writing about over the last ten years”. He will talk about the history of the brewing industry in the Hudson Valley and include its close connection with the Mohawk Valley including the Erie Canal and grain production in the valley and as well as other interesting personalities and events. He will also be doing a book signing of his book Upper Hudson Valley Beer.

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.

Connie Regan-Blake to Perform at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on July 24, 2019

Connie Regan-Blake to Perform at Schoharie Crossing

Award winning storyteller Connie Regan-Blake will be performing at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site on Sunday, July 28 at 6:00 pm as part of the annual Not Just for Kids Storytelling series. Her performance entitled “Leap and Laugh! Tales of Adventure” 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.

Connie Regan-Blake is one of America’s most celebrated storytellers. She has captivated the hearts and imaginations of people around the globe with her powerful storytelling performances. When Connie takes the stage, she generates a brightness and warmth, drawing in listeners with her engaging humor and Southern charm. Her stories range from hilarious traditional Appalachian Mountain tales to poignant true-life drama. She has performed at the nation’s top folk music and storytelling festivals in Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco as well as the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.

The Not Just for Kids Storytelling series continues throughout August and into September. The following artists will be part of the series: Anne Rutherford, Aug. 4, Elizabeth Rowe, Aug. 11, Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi, Aug. 18, Sheila Arnold, Aug. 25 and Sandor Schuman, Sept. 8.

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.

Posted on July 1, 2019

Canal Day at Schoharie Crossing

The annual Canal Day event at Schoharie Crossing will be on Saturday, July 6 from 11:00am to 4:00pm. This year the festival is being held in conjunction with the Tri-County Old Power Associates Engine Show as well as the Metis Nation St. Kateri PowWow. All events are happening on the grounds of the historic site, 129 Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter. Parking is free.

The Metis Nation North America-Canadian Bands will open their PowWow on Friday, July 5 with Grand Entry at 12 noon. The event lasts three days ending on Sunday afternoon. The cost per day is $5 for Adults, $3 for age 65 and older, Children under 5, people with disabilities, and veterans receive free admission. There will be several dances, drumming circle, music, food, and crafts available throughout the event.

The Old Steam Power and Gas Engine Show will be held on Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm in the field adjacent to the Visitor Center. Come see these old ‘putt putt’ engines and old motors crank up and demonstrate the power of yesteryear.

The historic site will offer live music by Rusticator, food vendors, games, a bounce house, free wagon rides, a community tent, an equestrian show by JD Winslow, balloon art by Airigami, and more. An Aqueduct Alliance tent will be open so that people can find out more of the work being done to save the remains of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct. The Friends of Schoharie Crossing will also be in attendance.

Pathway to Empire, an exhibit on the Erie Canal will be open in the Visitor Center. There will be a photography gallery open in the Enders House next door. An opening reception for The Passage of Time exhibit will occur at 5pm on Saturday and is open to the artists and the public for live music, food, and beverages.

This year the event is sponsored in part by: Alpin Haus, NYS Canal Corporation, Price
Chopper Supermarkets, WEXT Radio, and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor!

For more information contact the site: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov or (518) 829-7516. Find and like Schoharie Crossing on Facebook.

Amsterdam’s Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Leader-Herald

Posted on June 25, 2019

Amsterdam’s Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Leader-Herald

The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department presents Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Leader-Herald on Saturday, July 6^th from 6PM-10PM at Riverlink Park and the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge!

Come celebrate the 4th of July on the 6^th, along our beautiful waterfront, enjoy food and drink specials! Starting at 6PM- Scotty Nut Nut Entertainment will be on the MVGO Bridge, 6PM-8PM join the Patriotic Paddle with Down by the River Kayak Rentals, or walk over to Riverlink Park for Watercolor class for kids. Then, at 7PM the Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation and their sponsors present, Whiskey Highway, a high energy country band playing today’s new country along with some 90’s/00’s, at Riverlink Park. The night will end with fireworks at 9:30PM over the Historic Erie Canal Sponsored by Lanzi Family Restaurants!

5th Annual Putman Porch Music Series at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on May 21, 2019

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site has announced the return of the Putman Porch Music series for its fifth year starting on Thursday, June 6th 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. Find and like us on Facebook. For more information about New York State Parks, visit the website at www.nysparks.com.

Geology of the Erie Canal Program slated at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on May 20, 2019

Geology of the Erie Canal Program slated at Schoharie Crossing

The Friends of Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site welcome Thomas Grasso to discuss the Geology of the Erie Canal in the Mohawk Valley: Hudson River to Little Falls at their Tuesday, May 28^th meeting, beginning at 6:30pm in the Enders House on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter, adjacent to the Visitor Center.

Grasso will discuss the bedrock and ice age geologic history of the region, and how this long and complex natural history affected human history by controlling the route of the canal and the obstacles that had to be overcome. Some local quarries that supplied stone for locks and aqueducts will be mentioned.

Thomas X. Grasso, President Emeritus of the Canal Society of New York State, was society President for nearly forty years until his retirement in 2016. He was President of Inland Waterways International, based in the UK, from 2002 to 2010. Tom taught in and chaired the Geosciences Department at Monroe Community College in Rochester from 1968 to 1999 and has authored many articles and publications on New York State and European geology and canals for both the peer review and general audience press.

There will be a brief Friends Group meeting prior to the presentation. This is a FREE event open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

For more information contact the site: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov or (518) 829-7516. Find and like Schoharie Crossing on Facebook

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.

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