By Matthew Urtz, Madison County Historian
(Feb. 2015) On Saturday Feb. 28 at 1 pm the Oneida Public Library welcomes Historian Tom Henry who will present the “Fall 1939: Between Dorothy and Scarlett.” Henry will speak about the fun and quite serious events that occurred between the Hollywood premiers of The Wizard of Oz and “Gone with the Wind utilizing illustrations. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Saturday March 7 at 2 pm the Madison County Civil War Series will host speaker Dr. Norman Dann at the Smithfield Community Center. Dann will present Gerrit Smith, Peterboro and the Civil War in 1865. This event is free and open to all. For more information please call 315-366-2453.
On Sunday March 8 the Clinton Historical Society welcomes Robert Tegart and Erik Genalo who will present “Clinton in World War I.” Tegart and Genalo will talk about the impact that the Great War had on the Clinton area. Tales from some of the 337 men and women who entered the armed forces during the war will be featured as well as stories from the home front. A complete listing of veterans will be displayed, and attendees are encouraged to bring ancestral memorabilia from that era. This program is free and open to the public. For more information please visit www.clintonhistory.org.
On Saturday March 14 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host “Suffragettes and the Erie Canal by Pamela Vittorio. Vittorio will showcase how the canal impacted the suffragette movement. More information to come.
On Thursday March 19 from 9 am to 4 pm the New York Cultural Heritage Tourism Network will host their annual symposium at the Ho Science Building on the campus of Colgate University. Featured speakers include Laura Mandala who will talk about how to utilize the power of data to attract the right traveler, and Spike Herzig who will talk about how cooperative packages can help the bottom line. Tickets are $50 for members of the New York Cultural Heritage Tourism Network and $60 for non-members. Spacing is limited and registration for the event is required.
For more information or to register please visit http://www.nychtn.com/rsvp/signup.html, call 315-521-3985 or email info@nychtn.com.
On Saturday March 21 the Madison County Historical Society will host a Heritage Handicraft Paper Mache Decoupage Easter Egg Workshop. This workshop will feature instruction on the techniques of paper mache and decoupage using simple craft supplies and vintage images to create a shadow box Easter Egg. All Materials will be provided and the workshop is open to adults and children aged 10 and up. Tickets are $12 for society members and $14 for non-members. Registration is required and spacing is limited so sign up ASAP. For more information please visit www.mchs1900.org or call 315-363-4136.
On Saturday March 21 at 7 pm the Town of Madison Historical Society will host a traditional country dance featuring the Nelson Brothers. Two sets of square dancers will be available as well as line dancing and more. It’s fun to watch or to take part. During a break sample a slice of pie or a grilled hotdog or burger. Door prizes too….. A suggested donation of $8 for the Town of Madison Historical Society is appreciated. For more information please call 315-893-7910.
On Monday March 23 at 7 p.m. the Canastota Public Library and the Canastota Canal Town Museum partner for their “Canalside Chats.” This month will feature Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present “Old and New Again: A Hops Tale.” The talk will share the history of Central New York Hops, how they started their dizzying heights, their long fall and their recent return to prominence. For more information please visit www.canal-town.com.
On Saturday March 28 at 2 pm the Clinton Historical Society will host a Genealogy Workshop. The workshop will be presented by Richard Williams, Town of Kirkland Historian and Yvonne Brady, former President of the Town of Marshall Historical Society. The workshop is for both beginners and those with experience. Each participant will receive a 20-page book that includes tips, suggestions, websites and local sources for genealogical research. Registration is required, and the deadline to register is Friday March 20th. Members of the Clinton Historical Society may attend free of charge, non-members will pay a $5 fee. For more information or to register please call 315-853-5018 or email Apulia@verizon.net.
On Saturday March 28 at 5:30 pm the Oneida Community Mansion House will host “Mystery at the Mansion House Dinner Theatre.” Performed by Drama Room’s the Bottom Line, the evening will feature an original mystery presented throughout the dinner. A mystery raffle will be held as well. For more information, or to reserve your spot, please call 315-363-0745 or visit www.oneidacommunity.org.
On April 1 the Clinton Historical Society welcomes Melanie Martin who will present “Private Lyons Wakefield; uncovered Civil War Female Soldier.” More information to come. For more information please visit www.clintonhistory.org
On Friday April 3 at 6:30 pm the Morrisville Public Library welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz to speak on the history and re-development of hops. Urtz will give a brief history of how hops first became a cash crop, the reasons it disappeared and how its re-emergence occurred. Images and stories from a number of sources will be utilized. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-684-9130.
On Saturday April 11 at 2 pm the Smithfield Community Center will host Greene Smith’s Birthday Party. To commemorate Smith’s birthday the party will feature writers promoting Greene’s new book and old gun, as well as a program about the re-discovery of Greene’s birdhouse. More information to come.
On Saturday April 18 at 7 pm the Town of Madison Historical Society will host a traditional country dance featuring Double Chase. Two sets of square dancers will be available as well as line dancing and more. It’s fun to watch or to take part. During a break sample a slice of pie or a grilled hotdog or burger. Door prizes too….. A suggested donation of $8 for the Town of Madison Historical Society is appreciated. For more information please call 315-893-7910.
On Monday April 27 at 7 pm the Canastota Public Library and the Canastota Canal Town Museum partner for their “Canalside Chats.” This month will feature author William R. Farrell who will present “Stops along the Erie Canal.” The presentation will include stories, legends, anecdotes and history behind some of the most recognized places along the canal from here to Albany. For more information please call 824-3060.
On Monday April 27 at 6:30 pm the Hamilton Public Library welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present “CNY Hops, Birth, Death and Re-birth.” The talk will share the history of Central New York Hops, how they started their dizzying heights, their long fall and their recent return to prominence. For more information please call 315-824-3060.
From Friday May 1 until Sunday May 3 the Fort Plain Museum will host the 1st Annual Conference on the American Revolution in the Mohawk Valley. The event kicks off on the evening of May 1st with a cocktail hours and presentation on Fort Plain. On Saturday there will be multiple presentations on the military and Native American Relations, the Battle of Diamond Island, the role of amateur soldiers, the story of photographed soldiers and the adventure of Lieutenant Edward McMichael. The conference will finish on May 3 with a guided bus tour of Mohawk Valley historic sites including Nellis Tavern, Fort Klock, the Palatine Church, Klock’s Battlefield and more. To register or for more information please call Brian Mack at 518-774-5669 or email the museum at fortplainmuseum@yahoo.com.