From Tuesday, March 31st through Thursday April 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host a Spring Canal Kids Camp focused on nature and the environment. Topics include plants and animals, natural disasters, basic survival techniques, nature walks and STEM activities presented by Challenge Island. Cost for three days is $100/camper. For more information or to register please call the museum at (315) 687-3801 or go to our website at www.chittenangolanding.org
On Thursday, April 2nd, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Chenango Chapter of the NYS Archaeological Association will host their monthly meeting at the Chenango County Historical Society’s James S. Flanagan Research Center. The program features a presentation about documenting and record keeping of museums and cemeteries by Diane Branham. For more information, email info@ChenangoHistorical.org or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org.
On Friday, April 3rd, at 10:00 a.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host an egg hunt. You’re invited to participate in an outdoor egg hunt, create fun make-and-take crafts and play a multitude of kid’s games! This event will occur rain or shine! Admission is $1 per child. Registration is required. To register or for more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Saturday April 4th, at 2:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host a special presentation entitled “Oneida Lake History: Facts, Fables and Photographs.” Dive into the deep waters of local lore with author Jack Henke as he explores the captivating history of Oneida Lake. His newest book goes beyond the surface, blending stories, fables, and legends that have shaped the lake’s identity over generations. Featuring rare historical photographs, Henke brings the history of Oneida Lake to life, offering a unique look at the people and events that make this waterway a regional treasure. There is no charge for this event, but a donation is suggested. For more information please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email ochc@oneidacountyhistory.org.
On Tuesday, April 7th, at 6:00 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host a special presentation of “Water, Water Everywhere, the Scenic Adirondack Railroad.” A lecture by John Taibi highlighting lakes, ponds, rivers and streams along the Adirondack Railroad, showing the scenic harmony of rails, water and mountains. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-697-7030.
On Wednesday, April 8th, at 6:00 p.m. the Morrisville Public Library will host a local movie night. The library will be showing, Riding the Rails: a history of railroading in Central New York. (Produced by PBS.) Total Run time is 59 minutes. The library provides the popcorn, but you bring your own beverage! Travel back in time to examine the history of railroading in Central New York. There is no charge for this event. For more information please 315-684-9130.
On Wednesday, April 8th, at 6:00 p.m. the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host a special presentation entitled “Policing the Erie Canal.” This presentation focuses on law enforcement issues surrounding the storied Erie Canal. Topics include -19thcentury policing equipment, the character of policing of the era, the urban red light canal districts, the legacy of the orphaned canal boys, the Sabbatarian movement, various canal code laws, and the unique challenge for law enforcement with the canal’s role in the underground railroad, and the canal’s role in the 1851 Jerry Rescue episode. There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit https://chittenangolanding.org/.
On Thursday, April 9th, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will be hosting a lunch & learn with a presentation entitled “Celebrating Cincinnatus, 1910 Author Elizabeth Lee Blunt: reading into selected passages from her acclaimed book, When Folks was Folks.” Speaker Beth MacRae will present. Bring your own lunch if you wish, we’ll provide a beverage and dessert! Admission is free for historical society members and $5 for non-members. For more information please call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, April 9th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a seed bomb workshop. Whether it’s a plant pot, flowerbed, wild patch in your lawn, or an entire meadow, sowing wildflowers in your garden provides vital resources to support a wide range of insects that couldn’t otherwise survive! Throwing ‘seed bombs’ (or balls) into areas that need a little brightening up is a perfect way of spending an afternoon! Stop by the GSC to create a couple of seed bombs, then take them home or throw them somewhere you would like to see a little extra color and some extra insects! This event is sponsored by the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation. Admission is $1 per child. Registration is required. To register or for more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Thursday, April 9th, at 6:00 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host a special presentation of “Fires along the canals of CNY.” Come and hear stories of fires that took place along the canals of Central New York, including one of the earliest photos of a fire in U.S. history, and stories of destruction and mayhem. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-697-7030.
On Friday, April 10th, at 2:00 p.m., the Oneida County History Center will host a Story Hour. Kids of all ages are invited to the History Center for a spring-themed story hour. Created in partnership with Utica Public Library, this program includes stories and a make-and-take activity. Families are encouraged to explore the museum’s “Kids Corner” before or after story time. Free There is no charge for this event, but a donation is suggested. For more information please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email ochc@oneidacountyhistory.org.
On Friday, April 10th, at 6:00 p.m. the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host a special presentation by intern May Lovelace Strong entitled “A Land Divided: Early American Migration and Settlement in Chittenango, NY.” Using digitally curated maps and historic documents May will explore the migration of white colonial settlers in Chittenango and the resultant changes during the 18th and mid-19th centuries. Her research touches on the establishment of the Line of Property agreed to between the Haudenosaunee and British authorities, the regional events of the Revolutionary War, and the changing dynamics between the Oneida Nation, British and Colonial forces. The talk will also touch on the Oneida Reservation and the construction of the Erie Canal. There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit https://chittenangolanding.org/.
On Saturday, April 11th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a Camera Club. Are you interested in photography? Whether you are a beginner or advanced, this club is for you! The Swamp Snappers Camera Club meets once per month, they have presentations, go on field trips, and more! For more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Saturday, April 11th, at 11:30 a.m. the Great Swamp Conservancy will host Project Turtle. Celebrate Year of the Turtle at the GSC! Project Turtle was created with the goal to lessen the number of our native turtles falling victim to thruways and other roadways every year during their migration. They strive to secure turtles injured in our roadways, offer rehabilitation and veterinary care, and ultimately aim for these turtles to be released once recovered. Come see their live turtle ambassadors during this educational and entertaining presentation! A presentation for animal enthusiasts of all ages! A suggested donation of $5 for adults, $2 for kids 12 & Under. This event is sponsored by the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation. For more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Saturday April 11th, at 2:00 p.m. the Oneida County History Center will host a special presentation entitled “The Handcrafted Utopia, Arts and Crafts in America’s Progressive Era.” In the late 1800s, the world was changing quickly as industry grew. Fed up with the exhausting work in factories and the unattractive products of mass production, the Arts and Crafts Movement spread across America. It promoted a bold idea: beauty and hard work should be for everyone. Three leaders of this movement set out to create their own small communities to address the economic and social problems of industrial capitalism by living together, focusing on art and craft, and selling well-made furniture, buildings, metalwork, and more. Tom Guiller, Oneida Community Mansion House director of museum affairs, shares the story. There is no charge for this event, but a donation is suggested. For more information please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email ochc@oneidacountyhistory.org.
On Sunday, April 12th, at 2:00 p.m. the Clinton Historical Society will host a special presentation entitled “Elijah Wampey: A Brothertown in the Old Burying Ground.” Elijah Wampey may be unknown to most of us, but it would have been familiar to early Clintonians. Learn about his life and the Brothertown Indians from Clinton Historical Society Secretary Joanne Gilles. There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit https://clintonhistory.org/.
On Tuesday, April 14th, at 5:30 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a silent book club. Unlike your typical book club, Silent Book Club is more about the actual act of reading than the discussion of books. SBC members gather together to read in quiet(ish!) camaraderie. There’s no assigned reading or discussion guides—that’s the “silent” part—but we do like to share book recommendations and meet like-minded readers! Come for an hour and read without the interruptions. All readers are welcome, including e-readers! What to expect: Bring your current read, a friend, or come alone! Grab a good seat and settle in for some silent reading for an hour. We’ll announce when the hour is up, and then you have a few options: You can continue reading if you like, or chat with fellow attendees for half an hour about the book you’re reading (and hopefully get a great book recommendation and make a new friend!). Or, take off without needing to say a word. We won’t judge! There is no charge for this event but registration is encouraged to ensure enough seating. To reserve your spot or for more information please email our moderator, Emily, at estegner@oneidacommunity.org.
On Wednesday, April 15th, at 6:00 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host a special presentation of “The End of Segregation in American Baseball.” Vince Doty will present a talk about the end of segregation in American baseball. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-697-7030.
On Wednesday, April 15th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office will host an “America250 Conversation” at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus. This community dialogue is being held to continue the planning process for this summer’s “Turtle Island” festival, part of the local commemorations of America250. For more information, email info@ChenangoHistorical.org or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org.
On Thursday, April 16th, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will be hosting a lunch & learn with a presentation entitled “Silos of Cortland County, NY: Monuments of the History of the Dairy Industry.” From 2020 to 2022, Gerald Rehkugler documented 499 silos in Cortland County and turned his discoveries into a book covering the history and operation of silos as well as the dairy industry culture and transitions from the 1850s to today. Bring your own lunch if you wish, we’ll provide a beverage and dessert! Admission is free for historical society members and $5 for non-members. For more information please call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, April 16th, at 12:00 p.m. the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse will host a special presentation entitled “The Great Steam Canal Boat Race of 1873.” Nearly as soon as the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, inventors were already dreaming about powering canal boats by steam. Early attempts proved hopeful but not practical as the canal was not wide enough or deep enough to accommodate the heavier boats. With completion of the first enlargement by the 1860s many believed that steam-powered canal boats were possible. New York State agreed, and in 1873 sponsored a competition of steam canal boats from Syracuse to Utica for a prize of $100,000. Five boats competed to demonstrate how steam could revolutionize canal traffic. The trials and tribulations of that race would give rise to the motivation of modernizing the canal to allow for motor power on the canal. It was the construction of the barge canal in the early 20th century that would retire the horses and mules and welcome motorized boats on the canal system. The Great Steam Canal Boat Race of 1873 helped make it happen. This talk will be presented by Schuyler County Historian Gary Emerson. This talk will be available at the museum and online. Registration is required, and a donation of $10 is suggested. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit https://eriecanalmuseum.org/.
On Thursday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. the Marshall Historical Society will host their annual meeting and a “Show & Tell” event at the Marshall Town Hall. One can bring a story, or an old letter, or an artifact from the history of the Town of Marshall, or something with history attached to it, whether it’s a musical instrument, a picture, or glassware. For more information please visit www.marshallhistsoc.org or email marshallhistory17@gmail.com.
On Friday, April 17th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Great Swamp Conservancy will host Nature Night Out. Enjoy an evening out with your children! We’ll play games, do nature activities, meet live animals, and take an evening hike, followed by fireside pizza and s’mores! Dress for outdoor weather and bring a flashlight! A suggested donation of $10 for families is suggested. This event is sponsored by the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation. For more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Friday, April 17th, at 6:00 p.m. the Morrisville Public Library will host a special presentation entitled “A Hill, a Branch and the Pecksport Loop.” John Taibi will tell the story of the triangle of O&W lines between Whites Corners, Pecksport Randallsville, and back to Whites Corners via Morrisville. The components of the three lines we’ll examine are the Pecksport Loop (Whites Corners to Pecksport), a portion of the Utica Division (Hamilton to Randallsville), and the main line (Randallsville to Morrisville and Whites Corners). There is no charge for this event. For more information please 315-684-9130.
On Saturday, April 18th, at 10:00 a.m. the Canastota Canal Town Museum will take part in the Canal Clean Sweep. Help make our local canal community a cleaner, greener place by volunteering to pick up litter and beautify our beautiful section of the Old Erie Canal! Bring your own gloves and rakes. Meet at the canal education center in Canastota. For more information please call 315-697-5002.
On Saturday, April 18th, at 10:00 a.m. the Chenango Canal Association will host their annual Canal Clean Sweep. The Chenango Canal Association hosts Canal Clean Sweep to pick up trash, limbs, rake the stairways & entrances to the Towpath Trail. This is the annual opening of the trail for the public. Meet at the Chenango Canal Cottage Museum, 3472 Canal Rd, Bouckville at 10:00 to sign in and pick up trash bags. This building is across from Ye Olde Landmark Tavern on Bouckville. Wear work gloves and layers of clothes suitable for the weather. No open-toe shoes, please. Families are welcome. Cleanup will continue if it just sprinkles but if it pours, gets windy or snows heavily, the date is postponed to Sunday, April 19 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call Diane at 315-729-8323.
On Saturday, April 18th, at 10:00 a.m. the Oneida County History Center will host a special Paper Marbling workshop. Ever wondered how those beautiful, swirling patterns inside antique books were made? Now’s your chance to find out! Join us at the History Center for a hands-on paper marbling workshop. It’s part art, part chemistry, and 100 percent mesmerizing. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or haven’t picked up a brush since grade school, you’ll walk away with several of your own unique, marbled masterpieces. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Registration is required as space is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events or email ochc@oneidacountyhistory.org.
On Tuesday, April 21st, at 5:00, the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a Dish Garden Workshop. Come build your very own dish garden; all materials will be provided, including a variety of plants, bowls, and decorations to choose from. Studies show that touching soil and plants is not only good for the soul but also for your health! We know it was a long winter, so come get a little dirty at the GSC! A suggested donation of $20 per person suggested. Registration is required. This event is sponsored by the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation. To reserve your spot or for more information please call 315-697-2050 or email greatswampconservancy@gmail.com.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host a special presentation of “Antique Quilts.” Canastota resident Mary Beth Togni visits to present her quilt collection, spanning 150 years of history, and discuss the history behind each quilt. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-697-7030.\
On Thursday, April 23rd, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will be hosting a lunch & learn with a presentation entitled “William Couper in Cortland: An Unexpected Chapter in an American Sculptor’s Life.” Chris Paulsen will explore the surprising connection between the American sculptor William Couper (1853-1942) and the city of Cortland, New York. Late in life Couper moved to Cortland to live with his son, the painter William Alan Couper, who had established a home at 94 Tompkins Street. During his final years there Couper had largely left sculpture behind and devoted himself to painting. The presentation traces Couper’s artistic career, his connection to Thomas Ball, and the rediscovery of his Cortland residency through local historical research. Sculptures from the speaker’s collection and a painting by William Alan Couper donated to the Cortland County Historical Society will be featured. Bring your own lunch if you wish, we’ll provide a beverage and dessert! Admission is free for historical society members and $5 for non-members. For more information please call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, April 23rd, at 5:00 p.m., the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a special book talk and signing with author Tom Guiler. Join on Zoom or in person as Tom Guiler, OCMH Director of Museum Affairs shares portions of his new book, The Handcrafted Utopia: Arts and Crafts Communities in America’s Progressive Era (Richard W. Couper Press, 2025). Guiler examines the rich histories of visionary communities like Rose Valley, Byrdcliffe, and Roycroft—utopian experiments where artists and idealists sought to merge beauty, labor, and social reform. Discover how these communities were similar to the Oneida Community, but used handcrafted decorative arts as a means of building more meaningful lives. Guests will also learn about the unique role Upstate New York played in developing utopian communities throughout American history. A Q&A and book signing will follow the presentation. Registration to the event is $10. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit: https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/book-talk-and-signing-with-tom-guiler.
On Thursday, April 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. the Chenango Canal Association and the Hamilton Historic Commission present “Chenango Canal Living History,” at the Hamilton Public Library.” Come and hear stories of the canals history in the area told by reenactors in celebration of the Chenango Canal Association’s 25th anniversary. Refreshments will be available following the presentation. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call Diane at 315-729-8323 or Joan Prindle, Wednesday afternoons a the Public Library 315-824-3060.
On Friday, April 24th, at 10 a.m., the Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office will commemorate “National Historic Marker Day” with a plaque unveiling on the lawn of the Norwich Jewish Center. Pre-registration is required; please email info@ChenangoHistorical.org or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org for more details.
On Saturday, April 25th, at 10:00 a.m., the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a Mansion House Spring Clean Up. It takes a community to keep the gardens and grounds of the Oneida Community Mansion House looking beautiful! Help celebrate Spring and prepare the Mansion House for the season by helping us on our Spring Clean Up! All are welcome! There are many things to help with, including: raking, picking up trash and brush, maintaining the paths, and more! There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit: https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/mansion-house-spring-clean-up.
On Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a clothing swap. Trade, don’t throw it away! This is the perfect excuse to clean out your closet. Please bring the clothes you would like to donate to the clothing swap to the GSC between April 1st and 23rd. Donations can be left on the table, under the museum overhang to the left of the museum front doors. Please donate clean, usable clothing, such as clothes of all sizes, shoes, coats, and other accessories (scarves, hats, jewelry, etc.). No underwear, socks, or bathing suits. Ready to refresh your closet? This event is free of charge, and we anticipate there will be many styles and sizes, something for everyone! Americans create almost 16 million pounds of clothing waste each year. Be a part of the solution by participating in this clothing swap! This event is sponsored by the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation. For more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Saturday, April 25th, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon – Oneida County History Center will celebrate Historic Marker Weekend at the Herkimer Homestead. The public is invited to clean the markers and monuments at the Herkimer Homestead State Historic Site, the final resting place of one of our county’s most famous soldiers, General Nicholas Herkimer (and his amputated leg!) .There is no charge for this event. For more information, please visit: https://oneidacountyhistory.org/programs-and-events . Email ochc@oneidacountyhistory.org to sign up to participate.
On Saturday, April 25th, at 1:00 p.m. the Clay Historical Presentation by Village of Morrisville Historian Sue Greenhagen on a Civil War Regiment almost entirely recruited in Onondaga County. The program tells the story of the Civil War regiment recruited almost entirely in Onondaga County. Find out who they were, what they did, and what became of them after the war. The event will be held at the Clay Historical Park, 4939 NY 31. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call Cindy at 315-927-7573 or visit https://sites.google.com/site/clayhistoricalassociation/home.
On Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Great Swamp Conservancy will host a clothing swap. Trade, don’t throw it away! This is the perfect excuse to clean out your closet. Please bring the clothes you would like to donate to the clothing swap to the GSC between April 1st and 23rd. Donations can be left on the table, under the museum overhang to the left of the museum front doors. Please donate clean, usable clothing, such as clothes of all sizes, shoes, coats, and other accessories (scarves, hats, jewelry, etc.). No underwear, socks, or bathing suits. Ready to refresh your closet? This event is free of charge, and we anticipate there will be many styles and sizes, something for everyone! Americans create almost 16 million pounds of clothing waste each year. Be a part of the solution by participating in this clothing swap! This event is sponsored by the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation. For more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Tuesday, April 28th, at 7:00 p.m. the Vernon Historical Society will host a special presentation of “Madison County Exposed, Part I” at the Vernon Town Office (4305 Peterboro St., Vernon). Come and hear Madison County Historian Matt Urtz tell newsworthy stories from the 19th century in Madison County. Stories of murders including a black widow murderer, prominent abolition meetings, mysterious fires and so much more. There is no charge for this event. For more information please email vernonhistoricalsocietyny@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page here.
On Thursday, April 30th, at 12:00 p.m. the Cortland County Historical Society will be hosting a lunch & learn with a presentation entitled “By the Shores of Solon Pond.” Adrienne Morris tells the unforgettable Civil War-era coming-of-age saga of family, sacrifice, and the hard-won courage to hope. In rural New York on the eve of the Civil War, Waldo Potter longs to escape a life shaped by hardship and family obligation. After a tragic farm accident leaves his brother injured, Waldo flees to war—only to discover that redemption waits at home, by the quiet shores of Solon Pond. Bring your own lunch if you wish, we’ll provide a beverage and dessert! Admission is free for historical society members and $5 for non-members. For more information please call 607-756-6071.
On Thursday, April 30th, at 4:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host “Poem in Your Pocket Day.” Celebrate the joy of poetry, in honor of National Poetry Month. Poem in Your Pocket Day, started in 2002 and run since 2008 by the Academy of American Poets, is all about carrying a favorite poem with you and sharing it with others. Any poem you love will do! This year, the Mansion House is joining the celebration! Stop by to experience a unique poetry installation featuring works written by Oneida Community members and their descendants. The best part? You’re invited to take a poem with you and keep the tradition going. Included with museum admission. No registration required. Can’t make it on April 30? The installation will remain on view through Sunday, May 3rd. For more information please visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/poem-in-your-pocket-day-at-the-mansion-house.
On Saturday, May 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Chittenango Landing Museum will host “I Love My Parks Day”. Volunteers, staff and community members and organizations will help clean and beautify Chittenango Landing by picking up garbage, planting flowers and conducting routine maintenance on facility buildings and the museum grounds. Does your organization or group want to help? We are in search of volunteers! For more information, please call 315-687-3801 or email communityengagement@clcbm.org
On Saturday, May 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. the Earlville Opera House will host a special concert with Hubby Jenkins. Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through America’s traditional music forms. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations. Today he spreads his knowledge and love of old-time American music through his dynamic solo performances and engaging workshops. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
On Sunday, May 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Great Swamp Conservancy will host their 24th annual spring migration festival. Celebrate the return of migratory birds at the Great Swamp Conservancy’s 24th Annual Spring Migration Festival! Admission: $4/Adults, $1/ Children, $12 Family Max All Day: Kids make and take crafts, kids’ games, wildlife artists, delicious food at the Lady Bug Café, nature-focused crafters, Swamp Snappers Camera Club, tractor and wagon rides to the GSC wetland overlook, Educational/ Non-Profit Vendors, and so much more! Scheduled Entertainment: Live Animals: Page’s Wildlife Center: Birds of Prey from 11-2:30 p.m. at 2:30 p.m. they will be releasing a rehabilitated hawk, Amore Mini Donkey Petting Zoo from 11-2:00 p.m., Maple Hedge Farms: Horseback Rides (Weather Permitted) Live Music: 11 Strings from 10-12:00 p.m., Last Minute Bluegrass Band from 12-2:30 p.m. For more information please visit https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/.
On Sunday, May 3rd, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cazenovia Heritage will host “LEGOnovia” at the Burton Street School Gym in Cazenovia. This family event recreates Cazenovia’s historic architecture using Lego blocks. Tickets may be purchased for $10 beginning April 1. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit https://cazheritage.org.
On Tuesday, May 5th, at 6:30 p.m. the Beauchamp Historical Club will host a special presentation entitled “Pie, Coffee & Al Palmer” at the Van Buren Town Hall. Local historians Bonnie & Kate Kisselstein will talk about the life and times of Albert Palmer, mayor of Baldwinsville, owner of Palmer’s Diner, champion of charities and namesake of Albert Palmer Lane. There is no charge for this event. For more information please email Town of Van Buren Historian Steve McMahon at historian@VanBurenNY.gov.
On Wednesday, May 6th, at 6:00 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host a special presentation entitled “Tales from Yesterday’s Canastota with Ross Stagnitti and the Canal Town Museum. In collaboration with the Canal Town Museum, Canastota Public Library is hosting a roundtable panel of Canastota residents. This roundtable will share local stories inspired by Chuck Merrifield’s recent work, 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal: A Collection of Memorable Images by the Canastota Canal Town Corporation. This event will be moderated by the Canal Town Museum’s Ross Stagnitti. Participation from audience members is encouraged, and this roundtable discussion will be recorded for the museum’s record, so that the stories and knowledge shared will be preserved for future generations. Registration requested. To register or for more information please call 315-697-7030.
On Thursday, May 7th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. the Lorenzo State Historic Site will host a Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary Speaker Series at Meiers Creek Brewing Company in Cazenovia on Mary Washington. Laura Galke will speak on Mary Washington, the mother of George Washington. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-655-3200 or follow the Lorenzo State Historic Site on Facebook or Instagram.
On Thursday, May 7th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Chenango Chapter of the NYS Archaeological Association will host their monthly meeting at the Chenango County Historical Society’s James S. Flanagan Research Center. The program features a presentation on “The Alms House of Chenango County” by Vickie House. For more information, email info@ChenangoHistorical.org or visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org.
On Saturday, May 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. the Shako:wi Cultural Center in Oneida will host a spring craft festival. Join for a day of crafts, fun and educational activities celebrating the Oneida Indian Nation’s Heritage as America’s First Allies! The event will include Oneida and American Indian Crafters, a fry bread competition, an earning contest, a Haudenosaunee Smoke Dance Competition, Haudenosaunee Dance Demonstrations, Indigenous Fashion Show by Homer Couture, raffle prizes, archery, a kids corner and more. This event is open to the public. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-829-8801.
On Saturday, May 9th, at 2:30 p.m., the Oneida Community Mansion House will host “Preservation in Progress: An Architectural Walking Tour of OCMH.” Be the first to hear all about the exciting work we have spent years preparing for, including the projects completed in Phase 1 and plans for roof repair, brick facade preservation, porch work, and so much more! You are not going to want to miss this exciting kick off to construction at OCMH! This free and open to the public webinar will feature Tom Guiler, Director of Museum Affairs, Mike Colmey, Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Board Member and Architect, Jamie Trevvett, speaking about the past, present, and future of historic preservation and architecture at the Oneida Community Mansion House! To register for the webinar or for more information please visit: https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/ocmh-preservation-phase-2-kick-off-webinar.
On Tuesday, May 12th, at 5:30 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a silent book club. Unlike your typical book club, Silent Book Club is more about the actual act of reading than the discussion of books. SBC members gather together to read in quiet(ish!) camaraderie. There’s no assigned reading or discussion guides—that’s the “silent” part—but we do like to share book recommendations and meet like-minded readers! Come for an hour and read without the interruptions. All readers are welcome, including e-readers! What to expect: Bring your current read, a friend, or come alone! Grab a good seat and settle in for some silent reading for an hour. We’ll announce when the hour is up, and then you have a few options: You can continue reading if you like, or chat with fellow attendees for half an hour about the book you’re reading (and hopefully get a great book recommendation and make a new friend!). Or, take off without needing to say a word. We won’t judge! There is no charge for this event but registration is encouraged to ensure enough seating. To reserve your spot or for more information please email our moderator, Emily, at estegner@oneidacommunity.org.
On Thursday, May 14th, at 5:00 p.m., the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a special webinar kicking of the 2nd phase of the Mansion House preservation project. Join members of the Oneida Community Mansion House during Preservation Month for a deep dive into the architectural stewardship of the Oneida Community Mansion House. This outdoor tour provides a technical overview of our ongoing multi-million dollar preservation master plan. Led by Mike Colmey (Director of Buildings and Grounds) and Tom Guiler (Director of Museum Affairs), this experience offers a rare look at the grit and grace of high-stakes preservation. Get Up Close to witness the results of our multi-million dollar Phase 1 restoration. Go Behind the Scenes and get an exclusive preview of the upcoming Phase 2 projects. From architectural secrets to the logistics of caring for a landmark, learn how we keep history standing. Admission to the event is $10 for students and members, $20 for general admission. To purchase admission or for more information please visit: https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/preservation-in-progress-an-architectural-tour-of-ocmh.
On Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. the Marshall Historical Society will host a special presentation on the Deansboro Condensery by Janet Dangler at the Marshall Town Hall. More information to come. For more information please visit www.marshallhistsoc.org or email marshallhistory17@gmail.com.
On Friday, May 15th, at 6:00 p.m. the Morrisville Public Library will host a special presentation entitled “Waterway of Change: Women and the Erie Canal.” Steph Adams of the Erie Canal Museum will talk about how the Erie Canal revolutionized Upstate New York, bringing new ideas, people, and industries to the region, sparking a firestorm of change. This presentation will cover how the fight for women’s rights grew out of the changes brought about by the Erie Canal and the movement’s dependence on networks that the Canal facilitated. There is no charge for this event. For more information please 315-684-9130.
On Saturday, May 16st, Cazenovia Heritage will host an Architecture Walking Tour of Cazenovia College Campus. More information to follow; watch for announcements at https://cazheritage.org/.
On Sunday, May 17th, at 2:00 p.m. the Clinton Historical Society will host a special presentation entitled “George Eastman & Kodak.” More information to come. There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit https://clintonhistory.org/.
On Sunday, May 17th, at 3:00 p.m., the Oneida Community Mansion House music series will host a special concert featuring the Adam Ezra Group. This Oneida Community Mansion House Music Series Concert is made possible with support from Friends of Music and the Bryant Family Fund. More than just a band, Adam Ezra Group is a grassroots force of nature. Emerging from the underground Americana scene, this Northeast powerhouse has built a reputation not just on their music, but on the profound, soul-deep connection they forge with every audience. Their performances are legendary for their “genre-blending” versatility—evoking the grit of Springsteen, the infectious energy of Dave Matthews, and the social consciousness of Jackson Browne Admission to the event is $28 for general admission, or $25 for members and students. To purchase your tickets or for more information please visit: https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/book-talk-and-signing-with-tom-guiler.
On Monday, May 18th, at 5:30 p.m. the Chenango County Historian’s Office and the Madison County Historian’s Office will co-host a “History Where you Eat” at the Columbus Public House in Sherburne. Experience the charm of a circa 1793 stagecoach stop, discover the building’s unique features, and enjoy tasty local cooking. Former owner and Town of Columbus historian Kay Winton and current owner Edsall Hodges will share community history and how they are honoring the location’s past while giving it new life. Two seatings will be offered; one at 4:30 p.m. and another at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required by calling (607) 847-8422.
On Tuesday, May 19th, at 6:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a special presentation entitled “Communal History IS American History: A Special America 250 Lecture.” 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. But did you know that communal utopias have existed in America for as long as the United States has existed? In many ways the history of communal groups in the United States reflects, reacts to, or aligns with the events, trends, and rhythms of American history itself. Step inside the world of American communes with scholar of American utopias and OCMH’s Director of Museum Affairs, Thomas Guilder PhD. It’s a story 250 years in the making—secure your spot for this can’t miss event! Admission to the event is $10 for non-members or free for members. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit: https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/communal-history-is-american-history.
On Thursday, May 28th, at 6:00 p.m. the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse will host a special presentation entitled “Make Humans More Humane.” Ernest Freeberg tells the story of Henry Bergh, founder of the ASPCA, who helped to shape our modern relationship with animals. This talk will be available at the museum and online. Registration is required, and a donation of $10 is suggested. To reserve your spot or for more information please visit https://eriecanalmuseum.org/.
On Saturday, May 30th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host it’s 5th annual car show. Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with Classic Cars & Historic Charm! You’ll be treated to spectacular classic cars, toe-tapping live music, and a feast of flavors from our diverse food truck lineup. Even if you’re not a car fan you can enjoy the event by take a guided tour of the historic Mansion House, finding the perfect souvenir in the Mansion House’s unique gift shop, or wandering through the gorgeous gardens, which will be in full, breathtaking bloom. Admission to the event is $10. To purchase your ticket or for more information please visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/5th-annual-oneida-community-mansion-house-car-show.