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Events

The Revolutionary War Conference 250 in the Mohawk Valley

The Revolutionary War Conference 250 in the Mohawk Valley

June 14-16, 2024

Registration:

Mail (Print and Mail to Address on the Form): https://fortplainmuseum.org/content/2024%20Conference%20Registration%20Form.pdf

Online: https://fortplainmuseum.square.site/conference

Lodging: https://fortplainmuseum.org/content/2024%20Hotel-Lodging%20Information.pdf

Conference 250 Speakers:

Fireside Chat – James Kirby Martin with guest host Mark Edward Lender – Professor and Student Discuss the American Revolutionary War, the Upcoming 250th Anniversary and Their Legacies

Nancy Bradeen Spannaus – Alexander Hamilton’s War for American Economic Independence Through Two Documents: The Full Vindication of the Measures of Congress (Dec. 15, 1774) and The Farmer Refuted (Feb. 23, 1775) (Supported by the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society)

Gary Ecelbarger- “This Happy Opportunity”: George Washington and the Battle of Germantown

Shirley L. Green – Revolutionary Blacks: Discovering the Frank Brothers, Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence

Mark Edward Lender – “Liberty or Death!” – Some Revolutionary Statistics and Existential Warfare

Shawn David McGhee – No Longer Subjects of the British King: The Political Transformation of Royal Subjects to Republican Citizens, 1774-1776

James Kirby Martin – The Marquis de Lafayette Visits the Mohawk Valley, Again and Again

Kristofer Ray – The Cherokees, the Six Nations and Indian Diplomacy circa 1763-1776

Matthew E. Reardon – The Traitor’s Homecoming, Benedict Arnold’s Raid on New London, September 4-13, 1781

John L. Smith – The Unexpected Abigail Adams: A Woman “Not Apt to Be Intimidated” (Supported by the Dr. Joseph Warren Foundation)

Bruce M. Venter – Albany and the Stamp Act Crisis of 1765

Glenn F. Williams – No Other Motive Than the True Interest of This Country: Dunmore’s War 1774

Mohawk Valley Resident Historian – Chris Leonard (Schenectady City Historian) – Storehouse Schenectady: Depot and Transportation Center for the Northern War

David Moyer – Recent Archaeology Discoveries on the Site of Revolutionary War Fort Plain

Bus Tour – 1774: The Rising Tide

In 1774, the politics of the Revolution had arrived in the Mohawk Valley with a vengeance. At the eastern end of the Mohawk another violent Liberty Pole riot was having a detrimental effect on the local citizens of Schenectady. Meanwhile further west along the Mohawk River, in Johnstown, events took a turn when Sir William Johnson passed away in July, thus starting a new chapter in political unrest.

The Bus Tour will include several stops in both Schenectady and Johnstown, such as the Schenectady Stockade, Johnson Hall and more. Lunch is included and will consist of a sit-down buffet with many options. This is a rain or shine tour, please dress for the weather and wear shoes for walking. A tour booklet will be provided.

Conference Location: The Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s Theater – The Visual Arts & Communications Building – 2805 NY-67, Johnstown, NY 12095

Don’t Let Snow Slow Down Your Fun in the Sun

When the temperatures start to drop, many people shy away from outdoor activities. But just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy everything that makes Montgomery County unique and beautiful. Just remember to dress accordingly.

Whatever your passion, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this time of year.

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, Canajoharie’s Wintergreen Park, the Thomas H. Burbine Memorial Forest in Charleston, and the Landis Arboretum are just a few of the many forest preserves and nature trails that dot Montgomery County’s landscape. Each trail offers cross-country skiers and snowshoers incredible natural vistas, and exciting opportunities for short, intermediate or full-day outings.

Located near the confluence of the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River, visitors to Schoharie Crossing SHS will encounter the remains of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct (pictured), which harkens to earlier times in our nation’s history. Further along the trail, sightseers can explore early sections of the world-famous Erie Canal.

Looking for something a little bit more fast paced? Snowmobilers can be found crisscrossing Montgomery County daily on the nearly 200 miles of groomed trails. Maintained by a network of local snowmobile clubs, Montgomery County’s trails offer fun rides, attractive scenery and welcoming stops along the way. Click on the map to plan your next ride and then visit the dining section of our “Things To Do” page, to find the perfect stop along your route.

These are just a few of the ways you can enjoy the great outdoors in Montgomery County all winter long. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube page.

 

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town–Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

What to Expect

If you’re looking to venture outside during the winter in Montgomery County, the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is a perfect place for a day trip. It’s an ideal location for those looking to spend time outdoors. It’s suitable for those who prefer paths shorter in distance with minimal difficulty. Dogs are permitted. The site is only 5.2 miles from the Thruway.

Walking bridge at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site.
Participants cross a walking bridge at the Schoharie Crossing during a Winter Walk held on Jan. 26.

If you’re from Upstate, you know the weather is unpredictable. Especially during the winter months. Boots and warm layers are recommended. When there’s enough of the white, fluffy stuff, you could also pack your cross country skis or snowshoes. Another thing to keep in mind for your day trip, is it’s a prime opportunity to bird watch! You can check out some of the species people have observed at the Schoharie Crossing on eBird.

Background

If it’s your first time visiting — the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal as one of the 19th century’s greatest commercial and engineering projects. The Schoharie Crossing has a Visitor Center that exhibits traces of history of the Erie Canal and its impact on the growth of New York State and the nation. Currently, the Visitor Center is open by Reservation only – you can call to schedule a time to visit the Pathway to Empire Exhibit. The Visitor Center

Historical Plaque Schoharie Crossing
Montgomery County Economic Development Staff Assistant Andrew Santillo pictured viewing a historical plaque on the Woodchuck Walk at the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site.

will reopen for regular hours May 1. The site grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Stay updated by following the Schoharie Crossing on Facebook or Instagram.

Within the site’s boundaries are many structures dating from the three eras of the  canal’s development. As you walk behind the Visitor Center lies the ‘Woodchuck Walk’ – formerly the towpath of the original Erie Canal. Along this trail
are historical plaques providing history of the area that you’re walking through. The ‘Woodchuck Walk’ is about a one-half mile long hike out to an original Erie Canal Lock that lays adjacent to an Enlarged Era Canal Lock. There are two walking bridges across the lock. These allow you to stand in-between the old locks. Old locks create a story of what once was a bustling area with barges and other small boats bringing goods to and from the area in the 19th century.

Once you go across the two lock bridges, you can continue on the Towpath trail to the Yankee Hill lock, which is about two miles further or you can head back on the trail toward the Visitor Center. The Towpath Trail, which is a half of a mile, leads to the site’s largest structure the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct, which carried the water of the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Creek.

Schoharie Creek Aqueduct in Montgomery County, NY.
A view of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct during the winter.

It’s a perfect place to take a picture before you end your walk.

If you are interested in more of a guided visit, Education Director at the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, David Brooks will be hosting a Winter Walk event on February 23 at 1 p.m., weathering permitting.

Dining

If you are looking to grab a bite to eat following your visit,  hop on Route 5S and head eastbound toward the South Side of Amsterdam.  There are a number of restaurants to choose from. Whether you grab takeout from DomAdi’s and a craft beer to bring home from Southside Beverage, or sit down at Evolve Eatery , Lorenzo’s Southside, Shorty’s Southside Tavern, Herk’s Tavern or Southside Slice, you really can’t go wrong!  A visit to the Schoharie Crossing is a day trip suitable for all four seasons. If you come back in the spring, Karen’s Produce & Ice Cream is a must visit.

Whenever you choose to be a Tourist in Your Own Town, or bring someone from outside the area to explore, Montgomery County will not disappoint.