By Matthew Urtz, Madison County Historian
(Madison County, NY – Oct. 2015) On Tuesday October 6 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm the Madison County Historical Society will be hosting a farmers market at Cottage Lawn. The Market will feature fresh seasonal produce, pastured meats, cheeses and much more. Check the historical societies Facebook page for weekly special events including cooking demonstrations, croquet matches on the lawn, special crafters joining the session and much more. Tours of the museum will be available as well. For more information please visit www.mchs1900.org or call 315-363-4136.
On Thursday October 8 at 6:30 pm the Cazenovia Public Library will host part two in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part two of this series will feature Colgate University Professor Suzanne B. Spring, PhD, showing the film “The Loving Story.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 655-9322.
On Thursday October 8 at 6:30 pm the Hamilton Public Library will host part two in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part two of this series will feature retired Morrisville College Professor Norman K. Dann, PhD showing the film “Slavery by Another Name.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 824-3060.
On Thursday October 8 at 6:30 pm the Madison Hall in Morrisville will host part two in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part two of this series will feature retired Cazenovia College Professor Timothy McLaughlin, PhD showing the film “Freedom Riders.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 240-1032.
On Thursday October 8 at 6:30 pm the Oneida Public Library will host part two in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part two of this series will feature City of Oneida Mayor Max Smith, showing the film “The Loving Story.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 363-3050.
On Saturday October 10 at 10 am the Morrisville Historic Preservation Commission presents Landmarks Day. Starting at 10 am with the Presentation of the Marion H. Taylor Preservation Award at the Morrisville Engine House (on Route 20 across from Madison Hall), this day promises to be full of historical fun. At 11 am Morrisville Village Historian Sue Greenhagen will host a virtual walking tour of local landmarks at the Morrisville Public Library, followed by refreshments at noon. Maps of the walking tours will be available at the library. For more information please call 315-684-9130.
On Saturday October 10 at 10:30 am the Oneida Public Library will host the first of a five-session weekly seminar entitled “Five Forgotten Presidents.” Historian Tom Henry returns to the Oneida Public Library and each week Henry will address the career of each “forgotten” president and recount the trials and accomplishments of his administration. For the first week Henry will discuss Martin Van Buren, the aristocratic and shrewd New York politician.. Those who wish to attend this and succeeding sessions should register for the seminar at the library desk and receive a reading list and handouts. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Saturday October 10 from 11 am until 2 pm (or until sold out) the Town of Madison Historical Society will host a chicken barbecue. Chef Ed Jeffers, of the Silver Fox Café, will be preparing this “takeout” barbecue which includes a half chicken that is roasted outdoors, salt potatoes, baked beans, a roll and a brownie all for only $10. All proceeds will benefit the Town of Madison Historical Society. To place an order (on October 10th) or for more information please call 225-5694 or 729-8323.
On Tuesday October 12 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm the Madison County Historical Society will be hosting a farmers market at Cottage Lawn. The Market will feature fresh seasonal produce, pastured meats, cheeses and much more. Check the historical societies Facebook page for weekly special events including cooking demonstrations, croquet matches on the lawn, special crafters joining the session and much more. Tours of the museum will be available as well. For more information please visit www.mchs1900.org or call 315-363-4136.
On Thursday October 15 at 6:30 pm the Cazenovia Public Library will host part three in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part three of this series will feature retired Morrisville College Professor Norman K. Dann, PhD showing the film “Slavery by Another Name.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 655-9322.
On Thursday October 15 at 6:30 pm the Hamilton Public Library will host part three in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part three of this series will feature retired Cazenovia College Professor Timothy McLaughlin, PhD showing the film “Freedom Riders.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 824-3060.
On Thursday October 15 at 6:30 pm Madison Hall in Morrisville will host part three in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part three of this series will feature Colgate University Professor Suzanne B. Spring, PhD, showing the film “The Loving Story.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 240-1032.
On Thursday October 15 at 6:30 pm the Oneida Public Library will host part three in a three part series entitled “Created Equal: American’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Part three of this series will feature retired Kimberly Williams, showing the film “Slavery by Another Name.” Following the film attendees will be encouraged to stay and take part in a conversation about the film. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. For more information please call 363-3050.
On Thursday October 15 at 7:30 pm the Town of Marshall Historical Society will host a presentation by Fran Lallier entitled “The Little School House.” Come and hear about local author Fran Lallier tell the story of the local country school district 12. The talk is based on his book Little Country School District 12: Corner of Red Hill and Snowden Hill Road, Kirkland and New Hartford, NY. For more information please contact Yvonne Brady via email at ybskyline@gmail.com.
On Saturday, October 17 at 10:30 am the Oneida Public Library will host the second of a five-session weekly seminar entitled “Five Forgotten Presidents.” Historian Tom Henry returns to the Oneida Public Library and each week Henry will address the career of each “forgotten” president and recount the trials and accomplishments of his administration. For the second week Henry will discuss Millard Fillmore, the President from Western New York. Those who wish to attend this and succeeding sessions should register for the seminar at the library desk and receive a reading list and handouts. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Saturday October 17 (rain date October 24th) from 5 pm to 7 pm the Chenango Canal Association will host their annual “Halloween Happening.” Come and walking along the scary haunted trail full of ghost and ghouls from Madison High School. If you are not interested in the scary there will be costume contests, movies, a scientist conducting spooky experiments and more. Refreshments will be available. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-729-8323.
On Saturday October 17 from 7 pm until 11 pm the Town of Madison Historical Society will a concert featuring the Blue Valley Boys Plus One. A $9 donation is recommended and all proceeds will benefit the Town of Madison Historical Society. For more information please call 893-7910.
On Tuesday October 20 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm the Madison County Historical Society will be hosting a farmers market at Cottage Lawn. The Market will feature fresh seasonal produce, pastured meats, cheeses and much more. Check the historical societies Facebook page for weekly special events including cooking demonstrations, croquet matches on the lawn, special crafters joining the session and much more. Tours of the museum will be available as well. For more information please visit www.mchs1900.org or call 315-363-4136.
On Wednesday October 21 the Town of Onondaga Historical Society welcomes former Madison County Historian “Back Street” Mary Messere. Messere, who operates the Eaton Old Town Museum, will discuss William Pryer Letchworth’s history, the establishment of Letchworth State Park and the Shaker Community. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. For more information please email tohsociety@yahoo.com.
On Thursday October 22 at 7 pm the Canastota Canal Town Museum will host Tony Wonderly, Curator of Collections at the Oneida Community Mansion House, at the Canastota Public Library. Wonderly will give an illustrated introduction of the Oneida Community. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-697-7030.
On Friday October 23 the Catherine Cummings Theatre in Cazenovia will host the Excelsior Band for a special Concert as part of the National Abolitionist Hall of Fame’s Induction weekend. More information to come.
On Saturday, October 24 at 10:30 am the Oneida Public Library will host the third of a five-session weekly seminar entitled “Five Forgotten Presidents.” Historian Tom Henry returns to the Oneida Public Library and each week Henry will address the career of each “forgotten” president and recount the trials and accomplishments of his administration. For the third week Henry will discuss Franklin Pierce, the 19th century President from New Hampshire who supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. Those who wish to attend this and succeeding sessions should register for the seminar at the library desk and receive a reading list and handouts. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Saturday October 24 from 1 pm to 3 pm the Kirkland Town Library will host a Genealogy Workshop. Local Historian Dick Williams, Certified Genealogist Yvonne Brady and former Clinton Historical Society President Bob Tegart will present on ways to help any level genealogist get to the next step. Registration by October 21st is required. For more information or to register please email Clinton@midyork.org or call 315-853-2038.
On Saturday October 24 the Catherine Cummings Theatre in Cazenovia will host “the Emancipation of Abraham Lincoln: Head, Heart and the American Memory.” This panel will be moderated by Milton Sernett, PhD. Featured panelists will include Douglas Egerton PhD of Lemoyne College, Joseph Fornieri, PhD, of the Rochester Institute of Technology, Jason Emerson, Author of multiple Lincoln texts, and Robert Paquette, PhD, of Hamilton College. This will be followed by the NAHOF Tenth Anniversary Dinner (more information to come). Following Dinner Harold Holzer, President of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, will present “Lincoln: The Great Emancipator.” Costs and times TBD. More information to come.
On Saturday October 24 starting at 7:00 pm (a second tour group will go out at 8 pm) the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation presents “Walk Among the Spirits II” at Evergreen Cemetery. Come face to face with the souls of Cazenovia’s past! Brave guests will be led by candle light amongst the headstones where along the way eight spirits will share their adventures and tales. Tickets are $5 per person and $15 for a family and can be purchased the day of the event. For more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org.
On Saturday October 24 from 11 am to 12:30 pm the Rome Historical Society will be hosting a “Pop-Up Museum.” A pop-up museum is an interactive museum structured around a theme. The display is comprised of objects brought by the participants, and will be taken down at the end of the viewing. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-336-5870.
On Saturday October 24 at 2 pm and 7 pm the Nancy Cantor Warehouse (350 West Fayette St.) will host “The way they were: Onondaga County Historical Association’s Fall Ghost Talk.” Hear and experience special stories taken from past ghost walks told by actors in period costumes. Tickets are $12 for OHA members and $15 for non-members. For tickets or more information please contact 315-428-1864 extension 312.
On Sunday October 25 starting at 9 am the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum will host a special viewing of and conversation about the CBS mini-series “The Abolitionists.” All three parts will be shown followed by discussions. Coffee, and lunch will be provided. More information to come.
On Sunday October 25 from 1 pm to 4 pm the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host its “Eerie Halloween” Community Party. More information to come. For more information please visit www.clcbm.org or call Diane Brandt at 315-687-3801.
On Sunday October 25 the Madison County Historical Society will host their annual dinner. More information to come.
On Monday October 26 starting at 7:00 pm (a second tour group will go out at 8 pm) the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation presents “Walk Among the Spirits II” at Evergreen Cemetery. Come face to face with the souls of Cazenovia’s past! Brave guests will be led by candle light amongst the headstones where along the way eight spirits will share their adventures and tales. Tickets are $5 per person and $15 for a family and can be purchased the day of the event. For more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org.
On Tuesday October 27 starting at 7:00 pm (a second tour group will go out at 8 pm) the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation presents “Walk Among the Spirits II” at Evergreen Cemetery. Come face to face with the souls of Cazenovia’s past! Brave guests will be led by candle light amongst the headstones where along the way eight spirits will share their adventures and tales. Tickets are $5 per person and $15 for a family and can be purchased the day of the event. For more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org.
On Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 pm the Rome Historical Society welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present Hops: Birth, Death and Re-Birth of a CNY Industry. 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 315-336-5870.
On Saturday, October 31 at 10:30 am the Oneida Public Library will host the fourth of a five-session weekly seminar entitled “Five Forgotten Presidents.” Historian Tom Henry returns to the Oneida Public Library and each week Henry will address the career of each “forgotten” president and recount the trials and accomplishments of his administration. For the second week Henry will discuss Chester A. Arthur, who succeeded James A. Garfield, after Garfield was assassinated in 1881. Those who wish to attend this and succeeding sessions should register for the seminar at the library desk and receive a reading list and handouts. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Tuesday November 3 from 3 pm until 7 pm (or until sold out) the Town of Madison Historical Society will host an election day Chicken and Biscuit Dinner. The dinner will include a chicken and gravy, biscuit, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, lemonade, water or coffee and gingerbread for dessert all for only $10. All proceeds will benefit the Town of Madison Historical Society. Madison High School students will be the servers for the event. To place an order (on November 3rd) or for more information please call 225-5694 or 729-8323.
On Saturday, November 7 at 10:30 am the Oneida Public Library will host the final weekly seminar entitled “Five Forgotten Presidents.” Historian Tom Henry returns to the Oneida Public Library and each week Henry will address the career of each “forgotten” president and recount the trials and accomplishments of his administration. For the final week Henry will discuss Benjamin Harrison, the grandson of President William Henry Harrison. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Tuesday November 10 at 7:00 pm the Historical Association of Vienna welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz to the Vienna United Methodist Church to present “Samuel Beckwith; Grant’s Shadow.” Urtz will tell the story of Beckwith who was born and raised in Hamilton, NY and worked as the cipher operator for Ulysses S. Grant and at the end of the war President Lincoln. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-366-2453.
On Friday November 13 at 6:30 pm the Morrisville Public Library welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present “Friday the 13th…in Madison County.” Come and hear the origins of the “famous date” and some of the historic events that happened on this date in the US and Madison County. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-366-2453.
On Saturday November 14 from 11 am to 12:30 pm the Rome Historical Society will be hosting a “Pop-Up Museum.” A pop-up museum is an interactive museum structured around a theme. The display is comprised of objects brought by the participants, and will be taken down at the end of the viewing. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-336-5870.
On Monday November 16 at 7:00 pm the History Club of New York Mills welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz to the New York Mills Community Center to present “Samuel Beckwith; Grant’s Shadow.” Urtz will tell the story of Beckwith who was born and raised in Hamilton, NY and worked as the cipher operator for Ulysses S. Grant and at the end of the war President Lincoln. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-366-2453.
On Wednesday November 18 at 7 pm the Town of Onondaga Historical Society will host railroad Historian Richard Palmer. Palmer will discuss the history of the Syracuse/Auburn railroad system which began operating in 1838, playing a crucial role in the development of central New York. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. For more information please email tohsociety@yahoo.com.
On Thursday November 19 at 6 pm the Rome Historical Society welcomes local author Cheryl Pula who will present on Sherman’s March to the Sea. Come and learn about Sherman’s total warfare march through Georgia during the Civil War. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 336-5870.
On Thursday November 19 at 7:30 pm the Town of Marshall Historical Society will host a presentation by Jeff Gressler entitled “Revolutionary War in the Mohawk Valley.” Come and hear about local author Jeff Gressler tell the story of the American Revolution in the Mohawk Valley. For more information please contact Yvonne Brady via email at ybskyline@gmail.com.
On Thursday November 26 from 9 am to 11 am the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation will host its annual “Average Turkey Trail Trot” on the Gorge Trail at Clark Street in Caz. Start your Thanksgiving with a 5k run or walk along CPF’s Gorge Trail which runs along the bed of the former Lehigh Valley Railroad. Awards are given for the average time in each category. There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org
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